Sandstorm Schutzhund Club

06/02/2025

A Reflection on the New Trend in Trial Bragging

It’s become a post-trial weekend classic: a flashy high score on social media, paired with a caption like “we only went on the field once” or “second time tracking this year.” On the surface, it sounds impressive. Minimal prep, max results. But let’s unpack what that actually means — for the sport and for those of us who live in the grind.

To the handlers tracking at 5am in the rain, showing up every week at the club, working through problems, and still earning modest scores — this narrative can feel defeating. Not because we don’t want others to succeed, but because it suggests success comes easy — that hard work is optional.

So, what’s behind this trend?

Are these handlers just that good? Some might be.
Are their dogs naturally gifted? Possibly.
Are some judges more generous than others, or focusing less critically on certain phases? That’s a valid conversation too.
But when this “effortless excellence” becomes the standard — without honesty or context — it does real damage.

It skews expectations. It invalidates the reality of the work required. It tells newcomers that progress should be quick, and if it’s not, something’s wrong. It shifts our culture from valuing mastery to chasing optics.

Success should be celebrated — especially when it’s earned. But let’s be real about what it takes. And let’s not forget the real heart of this sport: the journey, the struggle, and the bond we build through it all.

To those putting in the work, even if your score doesn’t scream it — we see you. You’re doing it right.

📸Eclectic Shots

02/25/2025

The current schedule for the SW Regional IGP & FH Championship 2025

02/24/2025

Good day to all! We genuinely appreciate the host and the experience being provided so that we could compete with our teammates at the SW Regional IGP & FH Championship 2025 .

Here are a few friendly reminders for the well-being of all participants and visitors to this venue nestled in our beautiful Sonoran Desert.

For anyone attending, there is no shade to speak of (bring shade for your person, vehicle, and dogs).

AZ will be experiencing some of the warmest days of the year, meaning rattlesnakes can move around. Please be mindful of your footsteps and your dogs at all times. We have not had much rain, so rattlesnake activity should be low, but stay vigilant. “If it’s comfortable for you, it’s comfortable for them.”

Also, cholla cacti are everywhere, and there is much defoliation ground. The field is clean, but these cacti are bountiful. If you venture off the roadway or anywhere adjacent to the property, you will run into these cacti with your dog. If you run into the cholla cacti, you should have tweezers, a fine-toothed comb, and an antiseptic.

Also, there are no amenities within 25 minutes of the venue. Bring whatever you need for the day; the round trip will take at least one hour.

The Google My Maps feature will work for you, but please keep your text directions handy.

Google My Map from Red Rock exit 226.
https://www.google.com/mymaps/viewer?mid=15wv97BRqpYW1VfHOSOAxb7fDXDIBkYY&hl=en

Google My Map from Marana exit 236.
https://www.google.com/mymaps/viewer?mid=1B5Ai1wf5yMEnUkZcqz9ezs0hYtlOGTg&hl=en

Directions from Phoenix:
• Exit I-10 at #226 Red Rock
• Turn left, then left again, and go over the bridge to the end of the road
• Turn right onto Frontage Road (I-10 will be on your right)
• Drive 4.9 miles and turn left on Missile Base Road
• Drive 2 miles, then turn left on Estancia
• Drive 1.1 miles, then turn right on Davis Ranch Road
• Drive 1.9 miles, then turn right on Cattle Tank Road
• Drive ½ mile, turn left on Aster
• Drive ½ mile, turn right
• A couple of hundred yards later, you’ll see the Twin Hawks Airpark gate

Directions from Tucson:
• Exit I-10 at #236 Marana
• Turn right off the exit, then left onto Frontage Road
• Drive 5.5 miles, then turn right onto Missile Base Road
• Drive 2 miles, then turn left on Estancia
• Drive 1.1 miles, then turn right on Davis Ranch Road
• Drive 1.9 miles, then turn right on Cattle Tank Road
• Drive ½ mile, turn left on Aster
• Drive ½ mile, turn right
• Follow the road a couple of hundred yards to the Twin Hawks Airpark gate

Gate Entry:

An entry code will be posted at the gate, and arrows will guide you to the property with the trial field.

*EVENT DETAILS* as of 02/24 from Regional Website

Friday, February 28, 2025: FH Championship starts at 8:00 AM – Location to be announced at the FH Draw.
IGP practice at the trial field (8:30 AM – 12:45 PM)
Helper tryout/demonstration (4:30 PM)
Draw night 5:00 PM (no dinner) - location at the trial field, or possibly at the host hotel La Quinta Inn & Suites NW Tucson Marana
Saturday, March 1, 2025:IGP competition begins at 8:00 AM (Tracking, Obedience, and Protection phases)
Regional Annual Meeting: Saturday, 3:00 PM – at the trial field Address: 38582 S Rans Ln, Marana, Arizona
Sunday, March 1, 2025: IGP competition begins at 7:00 AM - Tracking Phase
8:00 AM - Obedience and Protection phases
Awards Ceremony: shortly after the trial on Sunday

Have the day that you deserve!

From Red Rock Exit to SASC Field

02/15/2025

Evy DLS USA getting some work in with Frank Phillips. Evy is on of our super female IGP candidates at Sandstorm Schutzhund Club

02/03/2025

With Cerb.A.Derb Media LLC – I just made it onto their weekly engagement list by being one of their top engagers! 🎉

01/21/2025

It was a great weekend with Alaska GDI, Sandstorm Schutzhund Club, and Frank Phillips featuring Mario Garcia and Nate Towse.

📷 .media

12/03/2024

05/14/2024

❤️🙌

Wuapo de Supus Sævus IGP3
2024 USCA Working Dog Championship, Crawfordsville, IN.
Handler Erin Easter from Phoenix, Arizona.

05/09/2024

Best of luck to our very own Erin Easter and Wuapo at the WDC in Indiana! We are all rooting for you! 🙏👊

04/14/2024

We are delighted to announce our upcoming trial, set to take place on February 8th and 9th, 2025, under the honorable Judge Bob Johantgen. Please mark your calendars, additional information forthcoming.

03/12/2024

The Sandstorm Spring Trial was a success, thanks to USCA Judge Vadim Plotsker, special guests, our OB Group, the Arizona Outlaws PSA, and entries from our sister club, the East Valley Schutzhund Club.
The weather was perfect for the Stadium and tracking, and the teams appeared well-prepared.
We had six first-time handlers who successfully earned BHs: one IGP2 first-time earned and first attempt and one IGP 3 first-time earned and first attempt. Two FH1s earned one of those first-time earned and first attempts. As far as we can tell, this is the first FH in Arizona in many, many years.
We want to extend exceptional thanks to our Sandstorm Schutzhund Club for their hard work, our Trial Secretary, Amber Budzisz, and our Demo Team, Eliza Collins and Gambit.
Thanks to our Judge, the esteemed Vadim Plotsker, our USCA President, and fellow competitor, who took the time away from his training and prep for the 2024 WDC to judge the event.

A special thank you to Jim Sullivan and Kelly Blackston Sullivan from GDI for all their steps in our IGP and FH tracking efforts.
Finally, thank you to Mario Garcia, our first-time Trial Helper from SoCal and the Danubius Schutzhund Club, for his masterful work in the Protection phase, with safe and consistent work with all dogs.
Congratulations to all!
Please mark your calendars for our upcoming Trials in 2024 and 2025
November 16th &17th of 2024
February 8th & 9th of 2025

03/05/2024

Schedule for our club trial this Saturday!