Training Without Conflict® 팟캐스트 에피소드 74: Natalia Balabanov

that you actually won the championship and that you are a world champion? When did that happen? When was that first feeling and how did it go? >> Yeah, well, um coming off the field when they announced the scores, I had no clue. I mean, I I was just happy that we got good points, but I had no clue that I actually won. >> I know we have a video of you walking up to >> Yes. >> [laughter] >> um >> to Andrico >> Andrico and asking >> And I'm asking him like, "What's my place?" Something like that. Just casually I'm asking him, "So, what is my place?" And he tells me with a big smile and tears in his eyes that I won. And woo! >> Yeah. >> Oh, yeah. >> [laughter] >> And I just lost it then. >> So, who is a world champion? >> SERIOUSLY? >> [laughter] >> SERIOUSLY. >> [screaming] >> YEAH, YOU SHOULD. IT WAS everybody I mean, you kept everybody on the edge. It was for me by far, not because it was you, but it was the most dramatic championship that I have been part or I have witnessed. And another fun fact, I believe that it was my 30th, 3 0, world championships that I have personally participated, which is >> Yes. >> wild. So, when I'm saying that to me it was the most traumatic end of competition, um I I really felt that way. We'll get there, but first I want to I want to talk about Glinda. >> Okay. >> Yeah. Your dog. The best female. So, she last year she got bunch of best female trophies at the FCI IGP worlds and at the FMBB IGP worlds. And was she was she always special or or was there a moment where you said that one is different? >> Well, when she came to me and I spent some time with her, I I just knew right away that she's very special. And actually like couple months after when I got her, like I knew I said it and I didn't say it just um casually. Like I knew we're going to enter the world champions uh ship stage in 2025. And I knew this dog is the the best dog that I've ever had and the dog that can actually make my dream come true. I did believe it from the very beginning and I just knew it. I just knew it. That that's it. >> Some trainers are very quick to give up on a dog. They get a dog after dog and are very unpatient and expect certain things and

like almost zero patience, push the dogs too far, do do things that they shouldn't be doing just because of that main objective to do the best they can and hopefully win a a championship. What problems did Glenda have? Or or was it a smooth ride all along? >> Oh, no. It was [laughter] not. >> Tell us. >> Um I don't think that she had a problem. Like I knew she's absolutely exceptional dog. I knew that I I am not that trainer yet that can actually show how great she is. So, we've had a lot of struggles in training. Um you know, I was coming from a dog that was very very willing to work. Um always jumpy, always happy, always, you know, like and this one was just like you know, when you actually see her outside the field, like you would say that this dog can do anything. >> Right. >> You know, she she just sits there. >> She's very laid-back. >> Very laid-back, you know. >> I mean, very laid-back. >> Yes. And And if she doesn't have to, she doesn't move. Like all the dogs would go crazy, something is going on, she's just sitting there and and watching. Like like absolutely like you would say, "Oh my gosh, this dog doesn't have drive. This dog can't do nothing. And it was very shocking for me, >> [laughter] >> you know. But then, when she worked >> a Malinois, right? >> Yes. Yes. And and then I also like started realizing the bloodlines, you know, like certain bloodlines bring certain types of dogs. So, you know, there was there was a huge learning curve for me having this type of dog and you know, going into IGP, where it's all about flashiness and and, you know, like bouncing and all that crazy flashy things. And there she is. It's just like she doesn't even look >> [laughter] >> she would do anything. But yeah, then when it came to work, she she absolutely was top top level. >> on. >> Always on and I mean I I again, I I I learned with her. Um I I kept saying that she challenged me a lot as a dog trainer. I had to work hard for certain things. But once it was there and once we clicked and once we're like, okay, it's us, it just things went She was very forgiving of my mistakes, of my lack of knowledge and of course having you. I mean, you know how many times I cried. >> Yeah, that's kind of what I wanted to ask you, actually. Is it is it is it easier or harder having me as a two-time world champion being your husband and training partner and so on. >> I guess both. It was It was harder because I always feel like I have to prove way more. Like I always have

I'm always behind. Like I'm always chasing. You know, it's like you've already accomplished so much and there's me with my dreams and I'm just chasing and chasing and chasing and yeah, it was just not easy. The easy The easy part I would say would be that you had always answers for my lack of knowledge. >> Mhm. Mhm. Interesting. >> I >> So So But [snorts] there have been times and I want you to think of those like when When are the times that you actually ignore my advice? >> I can't remember when I actually did that in training when I ignore your advice. Um I know I know at the competition those finals sometimes you know, like at this one Nationals that I said before [snorts] my obedience when I got 98 I said, I just need to go and do something with Glenda. >> [laughter] >> I I just knew that I have to like go for 5 minutes and do >> Get rid of me. >> Get No. No. No. No. Just Just do me and her. >> Yes. >> A thing. And I'll be good. And it was It was just for my peace of mind and I did not I didn't need anybody at this point around me. I just needed to make sure that what I had in my head I'm going to do this couple minutes of training with her and we're going to be fine. And yeah, I that's that's most likely would be those moments when it's time to compete where I just know like okay, like again, I think it's more for the for my peace of mind >> Right. >> than anything else because >> How about in training? Like I'm sure all those people that are watching they they want to hear the backstories. Like what [snorts] um like in training, what is sometimes annoying? Like what annoys you about training with me, you know? >> [laughter] [gasps] >> Let's hear it. >> [laughter] >> Oh, well. >> [gasps] >> That you sometimes just have to tell me the same thing so many times >> [laughter] >> that I know already. And like let's say we would say something after the finished session and the next one like I'm I'm thinking and I'm going to do it. But there [laughter] you are just repeating the same thing. >> [laughter] >> Five times the same that I just like okay, but I know this. I got it, you >> [laughter] [gasps] >> And you just like make me mad, you know? Like I'm like I got it. I got it last time. Like you don't have to repeat yourself so many [laughter] times. >> Very true. Very true. >> Yes, it's like okay. >> [laughter] >> All right, let's get back to Glinda. I'm interested and I I think people will be interested to hear this uh You know how there is always the conversation between nature versus nurture, genetics versus training. >> Mhm. >> You know, how much genetics come in place and how much the training comes in place. >> [snorts] >> And >> Yeah.

>> since we're talking about genetics and obviously breeding and selection, you know, uh um got to acknowledge Mia Skogster and >> Yes. >> Brenda Vinces >> Glentek Kruk. >> Yes. >> And and also uh um the father, you know, >> Yeah. [snorts] >> uh Christopher Joris in in Belgium, uh which are the people that are basically put this together >> Yeah. >> as the software in the computer. >> Yes. >> But then there was training. So, how how do you see this? >> So, long time ago, um I've heard something that just stick with me. I think it was 2000 18. I want to say 2017 >> not long ago. >> 18. Yes. [snorts] >> Mhm. >> And it was actually um Harry >> Mhm. Arjan. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> He would There was some nationals and and he was doing the uh seminar for the for the judges. >> Mhm. >> And we went and we listened, and um he said back then that to have an excellent I might chop up, you know, a bit exactly. I don't remember, you know, the words he used, but he said like to have the excellent showing, to have the excellent performance you need excellent dog and excellent training. That's it. >> It's not possible otherwise. >> Absolutely not. >> be on the top. >> No. You need these both two components to have the excellent genetics and excellent training. >> You can definitely get the appreciation for excellent training. >> Yeah, but if you don't have the >> you don't have the raw material, it's hard. And the other way around, you can say well, this is amazing dog, but the training is not there, right? >> Exactly. And I think we've seen it many, many times. I mean, we've seen it all the time. Because there are so many great trainers out there. But the dogs are just not the dog with this genetics that, you know, it's needed to to pull through to make it happen. And and the other way, you know, so I think we've seen it we see it a lot. So, yeah, these words, when he said that it was like for me a >> No, it's it's really >> it's like, wow, this was so simple, but so clear. >> Yeah, exactly. It is It is very simple formula that we all need to like it or not, we have to accept that as as the the truth, the reality. So, you won a world championship with a female. Which is impressive. It doesn't happen often. It has happened in the past, but it does not happen often. The interesting thing is that you also have competed on the world platform with a male. How is it for you, male versus female? There is sometimes trainers are very particular, and it's like, not I have to have a male or no, I cannot work with a female. I need a male and the other way around. Tell us a little bit about because you had a a exceptional male as well that was just very beatable dog like he

he would work for almost no external reinforcements, right? >> Yeah. >> How how how is it different to compete with a female for you? >> So, I used to think that it's all about the males. You know, I guess most people think this way. >> Mhm. >> That it's you have to have a male to to really accomplish something and go high and I you know, I thought the same way. And I changed my mind when I got Glinda. It really doesn't matter. Good dog is a good dog. Is it a female or a male? It does not matter. So, now it really doesn't matter. I wish like if I would get another dog female like Glinda I would have no hesitations. It's just harder to get a great female. I think. And but if I would get another one like her >> What makes you think that it's harder to get a female that will be competitive and give >> I think it's because of this what I just said. People have this uh false >> assumption >> thinking assumption that that female must be worse and it's just absolutely not true. Which we're the examples. It was not only the female but female in heat. >> [laughter] >> You know, which is another thing that people thinking. Nobody even goes and watch females in heat. You know, cuz nobody even thinks that that they're worth to watch. >> Unless there is a dramatic culmination of the event. And then everybody's like >> Right. >> sitting in the pouring rain waiting to see what the hell is going to happen. >> Yes. >> Did you have to do any like specific adjustment in your training because she's a female or or like did you treat it in any way? >> No, no. No, absolutely not. Absolutely not. And and as you know, we were we were joking all along with everybody that we trained with that she's like a male, you know. >> [laughter] >> It's funny story also because like even people would talk to me as she would be a male and I had to tell them no, this is not a male because of her size, because of how she's built, because of how she acts. Exactly. >> acts. Yeah. >> Um >> This is on the field, but off the field you definitely know she's a girl. >> Right. >> That's the crazy thing. >> Right. Yes. >> She's super cuddly, she's super like >> Yes, she's loving, she's just absolutely amazing cuddly dog. >> You kind of mentioned that formula that Harry presented and a lot of people agree on this, but like do you do you think an average dog somehow can become a world champion? >> Yeah. I think we've seen that before, too. And um it was just it was luck because other dogs >> Mhm. >> Um that were much better just something happened. >> Didn't have the >> Yeah, something happened at the um So, you know, like elimination kind of it's like, okay, this is the winner

today, but it's really the winner. >> But normally they don't they they're not able to to actually repeat. >> Yes. >> And not necessarily to win, but to at least stay in the top five or even in the top 10. It's kind of like the like the one hit song that somebody makes and it just goes off the charts. >> And that's that. >> Yeah, that's um the dog with the dog with a solid genetics and great training um has no problem to show the same performance again and again. >> Mistakes can happen, but still the overall picture is there, right? >> It's going to happen and that's how I knew going to the finals, like I know she can do it again. >> Right. >> And I know she can do it on Monday again and on Tuesday and on Wednesday. >> Right. >> That's how solid she is as a dog and that's how solid is the training. >> Which is we both wear our >> Yes. >> training without conflict shirts for good reason we are proud of it, obviously. Since we are on that, like what are some of the the key principles uh ideas from our training system that got you to the top. >> Well, the we are actually training dogs. I always do either friend of mine said that. >> [laughter] >> Ruth, a while ago, you know, she's been into horses and she's like, you either trick them or train them. And it's the same with the dogs and we do train dogs. We don't do tricks. We don't do tricks that going to just um hold up to this one uh show, to this one performance. We actually trained them so they understand the task. They're very clear about it. They're happy about it to do it for us. And there's no gimmicks, there's no tricks. It's a just clear training that makes sense for the dog. >> Right. >> So >> They understand >> the task. They're very happy to do it. >> but this is the reason why I'm performing that behavior. >> Yes, and I'm very happy to do it for you over and over again. >> Right. People at at at the stadium, they they saw the performance, right? They they were able to see you twice because that's the one of the brilliant ideas that IFSS became with >> Mhm. >> few years ago to where there is the world championship and then there is the world cup and it goes back-to-back. You have to show and you have to convince that you can do it consistently. So they watched that. They watched you on the stadium. What did they not see? What do they not know? What is behind the scenes? Not the stadium. But like the trip, the the hassle, the the people that surrounded you um >> Wow. >> [laughter] >> Cheers and let's go. >> Wow. That's a big one. Wow. Wow, where do I start? >> You can start with the trip, for example. Organizing the trip was >> It was a nightmare. Um >> The nightmare of the nightmares.

>> Yeah, we booked our flights. Um originally we were supposed to fly to um Budapest. Um we've been trying to get a hold of I mean we did many times talk to the agents on the phone for like 3 weeks trying to confirm the dogs, one dog. One was all right. And they were saying yes, they were saying no, but 3 weeks we're not getting any confirmation and I think it's 2 weeks left or we kind of have left um to to go. And nothing is happening. We don't know if if one dog can go and and so finally we totally changed our um ticket. We canceled part of our trip. So we just going to fly Miami to >> That was Lufthansa. >> Yeah. >> But before we even did that, we actually started to gamble on another airline. >> forgot about that. We actually purchased a ticket with KLM. Um, but they couldn't confirm our tickets. The the dogs apparently the the the crate was too big, so that just went down. >> lost the money. >> Yeah, we lost the money. >> lost the money. >> Um yeah, we couldn't change for any other, you know, dates, trips, whatever, so we just lost this ticket, lost the money absolutely. Then we are like okay, so now since they cannot confirm the dog going back home, let's just do that. You know, let's just fly to um Frankfurt, Miami-Frankfurt and from there we're just going to rent a car and >> That was >> going to we're just going to go. >> Marcus gave us that idea. Marcus Neutz and Maria. >> Yeah. >> They were still here doing workshops and so we we went out. And it's like well we're just then come to Frankfurt, get a car and we make the tour, we come to Stuttgart, we do some training. Enrico's there, Marcus is there, Maria's there. They provided >> Yeah, absolutely excellent um >> we can dream up for the preparation. >> they hosted us, we stayed with them. It was >> On the way from there we stopped and did two days with Yianni Bourmas well. >> And Yianni the same way. >> the same thing, a stadium. I I mean top of the top training with all of them. >> like those are people that had a huge huge contribution to the success. >> Very true. >> Um I never mentioned anything because it's almost like I I I mean everybody knew we're training with Yianni, you know, like we have all these people around, like everybody knew. I just in my head it's always like I will speak when I have something to say. You know, like >> Yeah. >> I just I really want to accomplish something worth to talk about and acknowledge people that they contribute huge amount of time and skills into Yeah, all of them part of >> gave their hearts on it. >> Yes. Yeah, and there's few more people that we mentioned. >> And the cool thing about them, all of those people, is that it's not a it's

not somebody that we have to go and say well this is what we need is what I know. We we train with these people for years. >> Yes. >> It's just another training session that everybody knows what their job is and what the >> objective and goal and yeah. >> However, we had a another big hump with the rental car. >> Yes. Yes. >> We couldn't rent from Frankfurt to go >> of the big companies wanted to rent a car going to Romania. So, Marco was that he had some local uh rental company that, you know, he went drove there. >> that we probably cannot even make the get to the competition cuz it started to really go downhill. There was always some breaks. Just as we think that we got it >> Yeah. >> resolved and boom. I mean, remember also going back to the airlines. We we are going to Miami because it's the only place that we can fly from. Everything supposed to be fine. We go to the counter. >> Happy to fly out and guess what? Only one dog is confirmed. It was my dog, but it wouldn't matter. And then the other dog was was put as a service dog, but not confirmed. >> even confirmed. >> Yes. So, we're like, okay, and and now the lady is spending an hour on the phone. >> hour on the phone. >> Trying to confirm our dog, and we see there is a another dog on our flight. So, we're just like, okay, if there's one more dog showing up, we're not even flying. You know, that's that's it. So, >> I walked away. I was going to lose my mind and [clears throat] and they probably would arrest me at the airport. I had to walk away. >> Yeah. >> So, Marcos pulls whatever he did. He rents a car from Stuttgart, comes to Frankfurt, picks us up. He's supposed to be working, but somehow he makes it work. >> Yeah. >> And we come to Stuttgart. >> Oh, and not mentioning that Glinda's on heat. >> Yes. And she came in heat a day before we are flying. So, we're calculating what day she's going to be while my dog Tarzan Now, now something as a side note that is quite important. They already have bred. She's not just in heat. She She knows what's up. And so does Tarzan. As I said, we already did a very very cool breeding. And with every day things got crazier and crazier. We thought we had a solution. We thought we're going to rent a second car, which we did once we went to Romania. >> Oh, man, that was >> Tarzan had it extremely hard. >> Yes. He would see me me without the dog and he would just lose his mind. [laughter] I mean, we would go training tracking and everything goes well. All the tracks goes well. The moment I'm showing up at the tracking, this is done. He He He's done. >> Like he cannot track. He cannot track. He's like, okay, take two steps and then it's like

>> Yeah, he's absolutely stuck with on me and I'm like, okay, I'll just leave. I go away. I'm like 2 300 s away. He's looking at me following me and staring at me and he's just like, I'm not tracking. He's I'm like, probably four five No, that was two three less days before the competition, I wasn't even coming for tracking. I was staying away hundred of meters because I I just could not show up even at tracking field. Like he >> Yeah, it's kind of I have to give him some credit for >> It was hard for >> traveling. That was just It was just not possible. I mean, it was at the point that most of the people that are with us, they're like really questioning what are we doing? And and then I I start to say I I need to pull cuz this just does not make sense and it's not fair for him to to go through this. And it was Marcos. Marcos was uh >> Yeah. >> No, you're not pulling. >> [laughter] >> And I'm like, I've never in my life pulled. Like even if the a dog is injured, something I the judge can say, yeah, you you have to stop, but I have never ever pulled. This was by far the only time that I really thought I It does not It's just not the right thing to do. >> you meant it. Yeah. >> Yeah, even at night time, I mean, they're you know, they're in separate. But they know. I mean, we still like Natalia has to go in the morning to the right and I go to the left. Didn't make any difference. It made no He did not want to go to bathroom. He's like just pulling to the right. I get him off the car and he is with his eyes and kind of he has not slept. Like you can tell he is mentally and physically just worn out coming in the morning out of the car. It wild. >> I mean, she wasn't a standing hit during the competition. So >> It was wild. >> Yes. >> [laughter] >> But everybody really hats off for this kind of how it is with competitions and and training and friendships and you know. Not always, you know, we were joking cuz driving from Stuttgart to Romania, it took us Well, we stopped at in Czech Republic with train with Yianni and whatever, but still took us a long time to get to Romania. And then we have this white cargo van Sprinter. And it's me, Natalia, and Enrico. It's a three seats. Natalia's sitting like a little shrimp in between us. We're both kind of, you know, 6'1" 80 plus tall. We cannot sit even if we cannot sit in the middle. So, she had to be there, but we're in this van with a German license plate cargo three people, 2:00 a.m. coming at the border in Romania. We were joking before we started the trip that we may have problems at the border. The moment they saw us, it was like, "I mean no question, you are pulling over." So, I show my Bulgarian ID.

He starts to talk Bulgarian to me, which surprised the hell out of me. I mean, of course, kind of broken Bulgarian, but for sure I understand what he's talking to me, and I cannot switch now. Then he asked me for my driving license cuz I only have my Bulgarian ID that the actual driving license is American. I have international one. Give him the international one. He's like, "What is this?" He has just never seen anything. So, I give him the American. Now he is even more weirded out. Kind of starts collecting all these cards. Then he asked Natalia. Natalia gives another one. Now she's debating should she give the Bulgarian or the Polish or the American. So, she pulls the Polish the Polish, right? >> Yes. >> Enrico gives the German. Now the guy is just like like playing with cards with all these >> [laughter] >> IDs at 2:00 a.m. He's like, "Wait, what's going on? What's in the back of the van? Open the van." >> [laughter] >> I'm like, "It's dogs." He's like, "Dogs? >> [laughter] >> Open the van." And then he went somewhere. Then he came back. He saw the dogs. And he just kind of okay, just just go. He just gave like all the things. He's like, "Go." But it was very funny because this also could have went sideways and and and it's a rental rental and you know, who [snorts] knows. But he he just didn't know what to do with us. It was so [laughter] funny. He's like, "Okay, just just take this. Go." on your trip or whatever he said. Then the guys in Romania when we rented the car, pretty cool guys. Pretty cool guys. >> very easy. Um yeah. One thing that went smooth [laughter] is to rent another car. >> And even when we returned it, it's like we asked him, "Well, what about like how do you want the car back? Whatever." And he's like, "Yeah, I mean, you either clean it or we have to clean it and we charge you. And thank God Natalia's asking, "Well, how much would you charge?" And he said, "14 what?" >> 17 >> "17 euros?" >> 17 euros. And I'm like, "Sure." >> does she's like, "17, right? Now I'm hearing this, right?" [laughter] "17 euros? Yes, you're definitely cleaning the car." Yes. Yes. Yes. Yes. Yes. Yes. Yes. Yes. Yes. Yes. Yes. Yes. Yes. Yes. >> [laughter] >> Aw. >> I think for Tarzan also was kind of strange cuz he's never really when you think about it, driving in the cargo van, there is no windows. It's just pitch dark. >> [snorts] >> So, you know, I don't know what it is when they fly on the plane under the cabin, but that also I'm sure on top of being next to Glenda all the time and being in this dark van, it was a >> And >> mentally >> and entering different countries. Hey, you're in Germany. Hey, you're in Czech. Hey, you're in Romania.

>> [laughter] >> I mean, this is crazy. Yes. >> Let's get back to the competition. I know and you know that because you you a lot of times other trainers and friends compliment you on on your skill of keeping your cool on during competition. Like almost no matter what happens before you enter, but once you're on the field, you you it's flawless as far as handling comes. What was inside you? How how do you handle? Were you nervous? What was it? >> Well, I'm I'm I'm nervous, but I'm not nervous in a way that does paralyze me. I'm getting like butterflies. I'm excited, you know, like that's before. >> Like what goes through your head before you go on the field? Like how what's the mental game? I mean, can can we replicate it? Can other people be like you? Or is it something >> Somehow everything just goes into a one thing that I need to show. Um I need to show I I I think every step of my routine what I'm doing I am not just walking through the routine. I'm actually walking in in the routine and with my dog. >> like you're you're in every moment. >> Yes, I am. >> Do you do you ever think something like don't you screw this, Natalia? >> Mhm, no. No, I I just I it's the opposite. It's just I I it's almost like my body right now, um just know what to do. Like it goes from one second to another to like okay, it's a showtime and now it's all on you. >> Mhm. >> And everything else shuts off. And I just go. It took me a while. It's it's um But for the last I would say four, five years, six years. Maybe a little more that's been a case. Yeah, now I think it happened like once I reached the world level. >> impressive. I mean, we we always like I mean, with our close friends, of course, but we always joke about how you're just this cold-blooded killer. You go on the field and you just Boom, boom. And it's like like nerves of steel. At least that's how it looks like. >> Yeah, I I get more like emotional and nervous and like kind of shaky in training. Just making sure that things, you know, I'm I'm I'm really like tense in training cuz I want things to go right and I, you know, but then when it comes to competition, it's like, "Okay, like I've done my job. Now it's just I have to show." So, it's it's comes I don't want to say like easy, but it comes like, "Okay, this is I can take a breath and okay, let's just do it." Cuz I know I do have the training and I know we're well prepared. And it's a showtime. >> Yeah. >> I I don't get nervous anymore. >> really cool kind of relief as soon as it's over, as soon as you hear the points and and like something just drops and you get like in a very different state of mind. That's that's where you get very

emotional when you're happy with how >> Yes, because I I >> I don't know if you get happy or you get surprised or or what, but you there is something that you're like super excited and it's like you you get people around you, even people that don't know you, to kind of join you tearing up, you know. >> [laughter] >> I'm real. Because it's uh you know, when we start like probably the world could just go down around me and I just don't hear anything. I don't see anything and I'm like totally in that zone. And I am very critical. I even see on the field. I mean, I how many times I said I thought it looked worse. >> Yeah. >> You know, like then then I watch my videos I'm like, oh, it actually didn't look that bad. >> [laughter] >> You know. >> [gasps] >> Yeah, definitely. >> So, I'm even like able to as I'm going to to to drive my dog in a way that to fix in a moment things that I think that needs to be fixed. I'm that aware of every step of my routine. And after the fact after everything is done, I'm still stating with it what happened. And I know already what almost what the judge is going to say cuz I see that on the field. >> Yeah. >> Like I'm not surprised when they're going to say, you know, something about my exercises. I I'm not going to I'm just because I'm so critical about myself. Like I would give myself less points >> [laughter] >> than than anybody else out there. You know, so so that's why I get like almost like a surprise, you know, in a in a good way that I'm like, wow, like really that's what we showed. And it's it's not that, you know, like it just happened one time that I got a excellent in obedience. It's been happening, so >> You know how I said that um uh um we we won world championships at the same age, you know. But uh I'm curious to to hear your take on what is different today from when I became world champion. Like, you know, is the competition stronger? Is the judging? Is the uh um the training change like there is you know, it's it's different times. That's for sure. So, how do you see the progression and the movement of the sport and and >> I think that back then we were actually doing the right thing judging. Um the training as I started and and you won like the training already looked pretty nice. And I think the judges were actually judging the right things. Like the quality of the dog, solid training. Um then somehow

>> less gimmicks if that's what I >> what I was going like later on somehow we started kind of derailing from what is the the the IGP, what is the core of IGP, what we're looking for, and we started making it more as a circus. And and it was a chaos and and nobody knew what to do, nobody I don't know, I believe like nobody knew what kind of dog we're looking for, what kind of training. It was a bit of just just chaos. >> Yeah. >> And I think this year I mean started last year, too. I think we're got getting back to what the IGP Schutzhund used to be and how we used to look at this. >> Yeah, I think also the same. We're trying to bring back >> Yes. The reality and the purpose of why we're doing this. >> Exactly. >> Mhm. >> Exactly. So so it's it's it's was very nice to see. I mean the top 20 was solid. Was really solid top 20 this year. Like absolutely there was many many dogs. Good dogs, good training. Like it wasn't, you know, like one dog standing out and okay, the rest is just trying trying to do things. Like it was a solid top 20, you know, and and um I was I I see the difference coming up how like, you know, how they used to judge and and what kind of dogs used to win and and what was happening before. I think we're finally getting back on the right track what the Schutzhund used to be. Yeah. Selection for the breeding. Seeing the best dogs, the best training. And it's it's was about time because >> Yeah, it was going on. >> Malinois also breed got a little bit lost for quite a bit. And um we just started not having good dogs. You know, when when Yeah, I don't know. >> The Mali the Malinois just kind of boomed extremely fast and it it ended up a lot of not so stable dogs, you know? >> Yes. Yes. The dogs Yeah, that's that's that's the thing. The dogs that Sure, they can Cheers. >> I think Maria is not going to She's She's going to be concerned maybe you don't like the champagne. >> No need to be concerned. >> [laughter] >> Um Yes, what was very concerning What What got me into Malinois and and um Yeah, besides being so you know, agile, [snorts] like crazy drives and and all that, like I've met dog dogs before that were normal dogs on the outside the field. What happened later? Sure, we had all these dogs with crazy drive, speed, and and but nervous, as you said, very nervous. They could They could barely exist outside the field. They couldn't be in the crate. They would be spinning and hurting themselves. You couldn't take them out in town. They You couldn't have them around people because they would bite out of nowhere for no reason. That's That's not normal. >> Yeah. It's

>> But I believe it's come Yes, I believe it's coming back. >> Simply because people start to recognize that that there is a problem. >> Yes. >> And that was similar with the >> You can have an excellent dog as far as the working qualities that can be absolutely amazing dogs outside the field. >> Yeah. >> Live with you in the house, be around kids, be around other animals. >> Yeah, true. There was this excuse of like kind of everybody accepted a weird excuse that well it's a Malinois, what do you expect? Of course it's a little twitch and a little whatever and and that's not what a good Malinois really is. It never was. >> Yes, I absolutely agree. >> Here's an interesting one. Every this every championship that happens across the board there is always many people at the end will be well, if this didn't happen or if this happened or if the weather was or if that judge or if >> the ifs >> like the what ifs always come at the end as a I I guess it's for different reasons and and I want to go to that a little bit but first what I want to ask is what were your what ifs? Because for sure everybody has. This competition for sure. >> Well, okay, we start with tracking. Um What if Oh, we start What if she wouldn't been hit? >> [laughter] >> Right. >> I could make this and then excuse, right? >> Right. >> Cuz a lot of people blaming Oh, no, because it's female in heat. >> the excuse. >> Oh, that stopped exactly. So, I could this could be my my number one excuse, right? She was in heat, standing heat. during the competition. Um So, I could start there. Then tracking. Um What if she didn't >> made that corner that was corner >> that corner nicely? Yeah? We probably this is where I lost most of my points on that one corner. >> that the judges were like the moment she start tracking they're like we're going to see something really really beautiful. >> Yeah, if you said it was like we have a 100 point dog. >> [laughter] >> And then she got the people. >> stumbled on that corner. >> Yes. Yes. >> Which a lot of dogs had different problems. Some with article, some with the corner, some with and and yeah, it's a preparation strength. >> would be my first if. >> a big yes because you ended up with 91 points because of that corner. >> Yeah. >> And that's nine points to chase later on. This is huge. >> Yeah, I um I was very sad. I was very sad. It was 91 but I I have to admit I was I was not >> But it's the roller coaster. It's up and down watching her >> I was just saying yeah. >> But then there is that moment can she even do it? >> Yes. I had >> So then there is that relief of okay, we're back in the game. >> Yes. Yes. I mean she she's searched. She was really like I know she

>> She's very steady when she so she handles things in a in a good way. That's for sure. >> And she would never quit. Like like I know like it's like she will search and search and search about she's not a quitter. And she's been searching and searching and there was this moment that she turned head towards me and this is in my mind it's just cross. I'm like man I was like she She's to quit. But somehow she just right back. >> [laughter] >> But in my Yeah, that was the first time ever I thought she going to quit the track. But she didn't. >> So that was That was That was that moment in the competition that maybe it can be just over right now. >> Yes. >> Right. >> Yes. And and I was just standing there and I was completely fine with it. You know, I'm like, yep. It might happen right now. >> It has happened to me. Um with with uh Django when I was competing with Django. It was uh I don't remember like this. Like I don't remember a lot of the stuff. Like people tell me what I've done and whatever and I get always I I envy them that that that they remember my performances and I don't, but it was Switzerland. And I don't know was uh again, I don't know which year. First day first team tracking failed. >> Oof. >> Just like that. Game over. I knew have to somehow accept it. >> Yeah. >> And he was a off the charts exceptional. He had I mean, besides like national events and whatever, he had two times 100 points in tracking at the world championships different year. So like he was a um you know, that was one of his things. And to be there and to have this just just seeing it how it's going sideways. It's a it's rough. So, I I know how you felt. And how this can cross your mind, but then I also there is that >> [snorts] >> we're back in the game. Whatever happens, but we're still in the game. >> she went like >> Yeah. >> she does. >> [laughter] >> Yes. >> So, that was a big one. >> That was a big what if. Um next, obedience. Um Yeah. What if she wouldn't bump me >> [gasps] >> on the recall? >> Oof. >> Yeah. [snorts] >> Yeah, that's when uh Edgar was saying that it would have been 99. >> Yes. Yes. I I >> And she I I never remember her doing that one time. >> Sometimes cuz she's super fast, maybe slightly. I mean, so slightly that you and I know, but like you would not know. But to come and actually >> Yeah. >> bump you, that was a surprise. I bet she was surprised probably, too. Or no? >> And I moved because I was like, "Oh my gosh, what just happened?" Like that just never happened. So, yeah. So, that was the obedience. And protection, yeah. I mean, the the

what if she would get the that escape bite, right? >> So, do you think champions are won most of the time besides that one-hit wonder because you you kind of get lucky or because you're able to survive and grind through the problems that are presented? Or is it some kind of combination? >> Like the one-time winners? >> No, like if we if we leave them aside, >> Mhm. >> for the rest of the champions, how much is luck and how much is just the ability to grind through the problems and and continue to stay >> Yes, I think that's that's a big thing. >> Like at least for me, that's a big thing. Like no matter like you know me, like I I don't care and I don't check the scores and I don't want to know. It does not matter to me. Sometimes >> that video. We got to add that video at the end when you're asking >> Yes, >> And Greco >> I >> So, what? >> What what's my place? >> [laughter] >> Yes, I had no clue. Because [snorts] I don't follow, I don't check the scores. Sometimes I don't even know who is in the competition. >> kind of mind game that that's probably one reason why you are able to stay so cool. >> I mean, how many times I don't even know who's in the competition. >> Right. >> I don't know I have no clue. I don't follow the scores. I don't want to hear how many times I would tell you don't tell me any scores. I don't want to know. I don't need to know. I do have one goal in my my head and just focus on me and my dog and my performance. I don't need any >> Yeah. >> any noise. You know, and I would hear here and there, but it still wouldn't disturb me. I've always been this way. And >> Yeah. >> And even you know, like >> [snorts] >> I remember I told you at this competition, "Don't tell me anything." >> [laughter] >> But that It's like I don't want to hear anything. I already because like you like to say scores, you know, and and all so I already said to you and I'm like, "Don't say anything. Don't tell me any scores." And I don't know if you didn't hear me or whatever and you told me the scores. >> I know. I remember this. >> And I'm like, okay, whatever. I'm like, you didn't mean it, you know. >> Well, I yeah. I don't even know what >> And I just moved on, you know. I just moved on and >> I remember when I said it and then it was like I blew it. [laughter] >> So, I'm like, oh well, that just happened. It's out there, you know. And and um But still, even going to like to the finals, to obedience or my protection, I had no clue what other people's scores were. Um So, I'm like, no, I I was just so focused on on what I need to do. I did not need that. I don't need that. >> Why Why do you think competitors kind of somehow get stuck in their heads and

then I mean, I do too. I don't know if you do, but like the the things that didn't go well always kind of override the things that went well. Like you you know, like you're never I mean, not you, but I don't know again. I want to hear from you, but most people are when when they start talking about the competition, it's it's especially when things didn't go well or not as well as they were expecting it to go. It's always the the things that didn't go well versus the many things that actually went really good, even surprisingly good. Why do you think this like we we humans think this way? >> I think it's a it's yeah, it's a common thing that a lot of people focus on the on the bad things, you know, and um But why? I mean, I would have to be in everyone's um >> It's kind of in a way like excuses, but not even excuses for the crowd, but like you getting some comfort of like, "Okay, well, I have an excuse or something." I don't I don't know. But you never go like, "Oh, I made the best dumbbells ever I had." Instead, you're like, "My dog didn't do the sand out." >> Well, I I changed that. You know, I changed I think I used to be also um focusing on the on the the the bad stuff and and forgetting what's what's actually went well. Um to really be very like um honest what I'm seeing without any any emotions to, you know, like, "This is really bad. I'm focused on this. Forget about what's good." I just break my routines as it is. >> Yeah. >> And I'm seeing the like the good and the bad and then, okay, like I leave the good and make sure that I maintain it. And then, what can I improve? If there's something not going well, what can be improved? How can we improve it uh so it's better for the next one? But it's it's just without emotions. It's just like clear like, "Okay, because this is a training problem. What What do we need to do to make it better?" And the good stuff, just maintain it. You know, so um Yeah, yeah. I mean, I I it's changed. Now now I really start got to see the good things. Got to see the good things. There is a lot of good things and and um And the thing is like when when um when I used to focus just yeah, when I used to just see with my previous dogs, when I just used to see the problems um And that's something I've heard long time ago from Marcus also. that when you have a problem, then you start focusing on the problem and it's actually the problem become becoming bigger. You know, if you're just focusing on that one thing instead of like, hey, you have good stuff and how this we can make better. You know, and and can we? >> Yeah, we know how the brain works and makes these stories, right? >> Yes. So, that was another golden

[snorts] nugget that >> [laughter] >> was just like yeah, and and I I've seen it myself. I've done it myself. You know, the more I focus on the problem, the problem becoming sometimes bigger than it was. So yeah, just balance things out. >> Very cool. You know, I'm looking at all these bibs and numbers and stuff and um >> Yeah, what is the one uh >> We have to I'll show you right [laughter] now. We have to make like we have so many more like we have probably three times more than this right now. This was when the time now now at the competitions, the organizers somehow became aware that that bib it's almost more important than what's in your score book. I don't know. I mean, for me always was to the point that I would steal it, but how do you steal it? Cuz it's like it has a number, so you know which number is missing. So, I said, "Okay, my bad, but I'm not giving it back. Just tell me how much and there [snorts] will be well." And and I would just give some money. Um and then one of the nights we ended up >> [snorts] >> watching in Stuttgart uh >> Yeah. >> 2000 uh IFBB that was in Hamburg. That's when we sent this uh still pictures to Bert times. We got him also Bert times. In man, we were so young, right? I'm like, "Bert, remember how we were preparing Jangu in the parking lot?" >> Yes. >> Right before cuz he hasn't ever had any bite work since I'm there. And Marcos is like, "Yeah, those were the times that things were happening in the parking lot." >> [laughter] >> But yeah, this >> This this one 74. >> Oh, this one? >> Yeah, that was that number. >> Oh, yeah, yeah, Hamburg. Yeah, I see. >> And the one that yellow one 1705 which I have no idea how that made sense at the time. But this is early '90s. That was my first one in Finland. >> Suomi, Finland. >> Yes. >> Yeah. >> They all have stories. They all have stories. And so and so is this one. Bega 02 IFBB [laughter] Romania. >> Crazy. >> And so are the You know, before I go to the banners of the competitions because well, since I'm here, I'm going to just say it, but every both times that I won the world championships, I the the one in France Le Touquet. I I asked them if I can get the banner. And they're like, "No, no, it's it's you know." And and I asked the right people and I'm like, "I will pay you money, whatever." And it wasn't happening. And somehow I convinced myself. And yeah, I went in the stadium and I cut it off and I brought it home. And it's very cool to have it. Just as the bibs. Like those I I like those things way more than the bunch of trophies that we have around. >> No, it's very cool. >> Somehow. Then when I did it in Italy, in Torino, when I won the World Championship the FCI,

then I'm like, I there is no way I'm not taking that banner now that I have this one. And I would do it only I mean, it's not like every banner. Like there has to be a good reason and good reason is you either win the World Championship and take the banner no matter what. So, I went to the organizers and I kind of explained the background story and they're like, "Okay, yeah, you can you can take it." Now you win and Mark Szokocsiu, cuz you know, everybody that's been in our training building knows the tradition. He's coming to me. He's like, "What are we doing with the banner?" >> [laughter] >> I'm like, "Shit, yes." And he's like, "I have a knife." I'm like, "Hold on. Hold on. >> [laughter] >> Let's let's talk about it." And you got to give it to the organizers, man. The like the Romanian Championship this year was >> Amazing. >> the best organized like and and >> Hats off. >> And they always looked for what they can do better and >> Yes. >> you know, like the year before it was apparently awful. I wasn't there, but I I was to hear only no not good stories about that championship, and Attila and and everybody on that team that put this together, and of course all the Hungarians cuz it was so close to Hungary. So, the that collective work and what they did like really hats off to to the to them for that competition. It was absolutely top like uh So, anyway, I I went and I'm trying to talk to him, and he's DJing at the end, and I'm trying to tell him that I need that banner. >> [laughter] [gasps] >> And and it's not working out. So, finally, I'm like, "Okay, I'm going to type something." So, I use ChatGPT and translate, and he's like, "Of course." I'm like, "Thank you." >> We got the banner. >> out. [laughter] Me and Mark go out to get [snorts] the banner. Mark does not know that we have permission. He thinks we're going all gangster style. We going to just no matter what we're taking. If we need to fight with them, it's like we're taking that banner. I'm like, "No, dude, we we got permission." "Oh, cool." >> [laughter] [gasps] >> Then the people I guess they're starting already to prepare to clean up and prepare for some football game that they have. So, they don't want to let us in. I'm like, "Dude, we just want to get that banner, and we're out." After a bunch of, you know, back and forth, they let us. Mark starts to cut the zip tie. >> Wow. >> And next thing you know, he goes low to cut the bottom one and just slices his leg. And he's like, >> What a sacrifice. >> And he shows me his leg. He's like, "Dude, I'm bleeding. I cut myself." And by the time, I look at his leg, he is not bleeding. His running shoe is full with blood.

I mean, it's freaky, like like freaky. Uh I'm like, "Okay, Mark, let's just get this thing and and let's go to doctor." He's like, "No, we are cool. We actually have pictures, videos. We should We should put this on on the podcast cuz I mean, we already celebrating we're kind of not really drunk, but we're feeling very excited and good and it's like, "Oh, it's not a problem." And he's like, "It's not a problem." And I'm trying to tie his leg like I'm in the army in some war middle of a war thing. And I cannot stop the blood and we're like and then Stefan and I mean, everybody is like I mean, his uh what's her name? His girl, Mark's, is she's [snorts] a ER whatever. >> Yeah, she was like, yeah. Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. >> It's like, "Dude, you got to go." She's like, "No, it's all good, guys. Relax." >> [laughter] >> It's like, "How can you relax? Like you He is like blood like It's blood. You did We're not talking drops on Band-Aids, you know?" It's like, "No, Esther, go get the first aid kit." What do you have? Two pieces of gauze and bunch of Band-Aids. It's like, "This is not what we [snorts] need." That was crazy, too. That was really really crazy. But now we have another banner. >> Yes. >> [laughter] >> Now we have another banner. You know what is interesting? Like I mean I know what we just been talking about like all the what goes around. Not winning, but just being part of this kind of level of competition and stay competitive and uh the sacrifices and the amounts of hours of training and uh the trips and and everything and understanding training and and then you have the internet keyboard warriors. They say, it's like, "Oh, you you have no idea about positive reinforcement." Um >> [snorts] >> And then you start arguing with with somebody on the internet for no reason, really. Like, there is no even a picture of them. You don't know even who that is with 100 friends and not one training that you can kind of And it is it is very crazy. And um I guess what I want to ask you is should accomplishment matter if somebody's teaching other people how to train dogs? >> Or do we just use fancy words and say what science says and and and never really you know? I think it's >> that applies not only to a dog training, but that applies in life in general. I mean, if you want to accomplish something, uh look for people that actually accomplish the same thing. Look for people that are the best in their field and yeah. It's just it's a shortcut, you know? It's really a shortcut. >> media really kind of gave opportunity to people that can never, ever accomplish much. to have that forefront

that I know listen to me, follow me, I will show you. But, I think I think that's changing. I think uh you know I mean top competitors, police hunt like like any any serious dog trainer, including pet trainers. I mean, any anybody that actually does the work is really starting to wake up and is fed up with with the nonsense and more and more I like when somebody says very simply show me. >> Yes. >> Just show me. >> Exactly. >> Stop stop this. >> Exactly. >> Like just show me. You know, it's frustrating. >> such a simple I don't understand it. It's such a simple formula. >> Yeah. >> Like if I Okay. If I want if I have my goal and my goal is to go to world championships and be a world champion. I'm looking for people that's done it. Cuz they know how to do it. They've done it. That's that's so simple. Why don't we just follow this simple formula? >> I think people also ended up kind of being lazy. Lazy in terms of just listening to somebody bullshitting them. It's like with with nice language and but never really show the work. And accomplishments matter. >> It does matter. >> Credentials like accomplishments are probably the most important part in your credentials. And if you cannot show that but you have to make up stories like just anecdotal stories. >> Yeah, but eventually people will catch this that you're just talking. >> It's starting to and I'm [laughter] I'm I'm very happy that this is is really starting to happen. >> I mean for for me from the beginning was so clear and I don't even know nobody told me anything, you know, nobody nobody suggested anything. It was just like, okay, I that's my goal. I want to be a world champion. And okay. Clearly I have to be around people they've done it. Otherwise like how you can show me something that you've never done. So >> Yeah. And it's laughable when you have again one one of those >> [snorts] >> internet warriors that hasn't done [ __ ] It has 100 followers, there is no picture of that person. And they're arguing with you that you don't know anything about positive reinforcement. >> I mean yeah, it's it's really close. >> [laughter] >> Yeah, I don't even I don't even um bother. You know, it's it's waste of my time. >> Let me let me ask something interesting. If someone was to tell you, let's say you're 15 years old or something before even you you had that bug about dog training. If somebody was to tell you that what happened that past weekend that you're going to become a world champion, what would you have said to that? How would you have reacted? You know, you had that some old gypsy

lady fortune teller just looks at your palm and just throws it out there. >> [laughter] [gasps] >> I would be curious. It would get my attention, definitely, and um it's probably because of my personality. >> Yeah. >> That would definitely made me think. >> Now, I have one last question, I think. And we wrap it up. It's kind of difficult one. You ready? >> Mhm. >> So, now that you are also world champion, who's going to do the dishes at home? >> [laughter] >> The dishwasher. >> going to do? >> [laughter] >> The dishwasher. >> Congratulations again. Super proud of you. >> Thank you. Well, it's it's You're a huge part of it, so >> All right, people. Hopefully you enjoyed the conversation and um as far as what happens next, that's all we know. We train dogs and we love it. And yes, we do other things, but ultimately we always come back to dogs. It's our life. So, we'll see you again next time. Guys, we're back. >> [laughter] >> We We just don't have enough. I missed something important. You know how I was talking about the the that competition that championship was the most dramatic one that I have ever seen. And after we thought that we are finishing the podcast and we had some more champagne. >> [snorts] >> I decided to bring this back because we we really never told you that story. Um and and it's worth mentioning because really it was the most dramatic thing that I have witnessed. >> [snorts] >> And this one with the nerves of steel made some incredible stuff. So, let me tell you what happened. She was from the World Cup she was nine points No, seven points behind. >> Something, yeah. >> Which is a lot of points. So, going to the finals, there is a lot to chase, a lot to happen. But there was that consistency of the work that she showed that it's arguably high high-end quality work. What happened? She had to go last because Glinda's still in heat. The the vets they they kind of tried to see, well, maybe maybe we can fit her into the group and not be the last dog to save time and so on. The the The doctors came, swapped her, and it's like, "No, no, she's >> [laughter] >> She's definitely still in heat. So, she has to go last. So, she goes, she makes super obedience, she gets 296's from two of the judges and 293 from two of the other judges, which is quite normal when you have so many judges. Super score, the highest score for the finals. And this is when the finals become very interesting because

that's when the quality of the dog, the genetics of the dog, and the training. It's the demonstration of can you hold up under the pressure and can you perform the same way or better or are you going to crumble? That's why I say that the FM BB really has this down. It's one of the most special things about competition, to be able to do it twice. So, there is not a fluke. So, after she makes the obedience and considering the rest of the competition, now we know that she can make 92 points in protection and she's still going to be a world champion. And 92 points out of the 100 points in protection for this tool is like you you really need to do you purposefully need to do something to mess up not to get 92 points. So, that build a lot of interesting pressure on everybody. Like the competitors, the people that are watching. Uh of course, I'm sure Natalia somehow was in her head. The wea- the the weather forecast was brutal. Like after 2:00 when you look on the apps on the weather channels, it was not rain. It was like pouring rain. So, the supervisor judge approaches Natalia after obedience and says, "I know you by rule you have 1 hour between protection to rest and then you do protection between obedience and protection, sorry." But, because one of the judges that was supposed to be in the my judging panel for protection had to leave sooner for whatever reason, which shouldn't happen in a world championship. Um but, that was the case. So, they approached her and they're like, "Well, would you be okay if instead of an hour we do 45 minutes?" I was there with her. She just looks at me. I know that her she's like, "Yeah, that's no problem." It would have been a problem even half an hour. We know what she can do. The rain was not yet there. So, shortly after again, the supervisor judge comes and he's like, "Well, um actually, Edgar was walking by us and he and with his suitcases and stuff, he's like, I I have to go." And whatever else he said. I'm like, "Okay, that's a a strange." Not a little, but let's say a little strange. And And then Natalia is like, "Well, I can use my whole hour then. Why would I not use my whole hour? I was trying to do a favor for everybody so we can wrap it up and, you know, but I would rather, of course, use my full hour." So we say, "Yeah, we take our hour between obedience protection.

We take the hour. And you see this dark cloud just coming in. And a little drizzle. And we're thinking, "Okay, we have like we're really like watching time sitting by the van. It's like, "Okay, we have it's still okay. It's still okay. It's still okay." Kaboom. I mean, it just went bananas. I mean, pouring down buckets. They come and tell us, "Well, we got to wait a little bit." Nothing we can do. We wait. And we wait. And we wait. And people that have been that paid for the streaming, they're kind of like, "What's going on?" We are like, "Okay, what actually can happen?" Cuz you're looking at the weather channel apps and there is no break. I mean, that storm is going through the night. I'm like, "What What What What really can happen?" So she sparked the car in place where the competitor parking is. Now, at that point, I'm like I switch for my uniform to full rain gear, like what we do in Florida, boots and like really full rain gear. We had to move her car cuz there was like this much water, just standing water in the parking lot. We moved the car. >> I couldn't put my dog back >> Right. >> back in the car. >> [laughter] >> Cuz I took her out because I thought I'm going, and then 10 minutes of waiting, and I'm like, "Okay, I'll just like it's not nothing's going to be quiet here." So, I put her I couldn't I can't put her because there's so much water at the back. I have to move my car holding my dog and moving my car. But, somehow very calm. >> So, she's sitting in the car. Me and Rico and the rest of the Bulgarian team, we just don't know. I mean, like it's just so weird. Don't know what to do. Finally, there is a little break in the weather. They're like, "Let's go." So, everybody goes on the stands. Everybody set up. They announce her that she's coming on the field. She is actually coming on the field. And kaboom. Another And this time now it's lightning and thunder and I mean, it's becoming very serious to where you're like, "Okay, So, >> Dangerous. >> of course, the the supervisor is like, "No, that's cannot go. We we stop. We wait." So, she goes back in the car. That was insane. I've never ever witnessed something like this. And we're waiting and waiting and waiting. And did you come one more time or there was a maybe No, you didn't know. You didn't know cuz they You didn't know because they told me. And I was about to come and then they kind of caught me and said, "No, no, we we're still not going." >> Yeah, yeah, yeah. >> So, finally she goes. After I don't know. I mean, I I don't even know because time kind of didn't matter anymore.

And when you watch and we will add some of the clips of the protection, you will see the standing water on the field. And hats off to the helpers. >> Absolutely. >> Being able to do what they're supposed to do with a with a dog of level of Glinda cuz she don't care if it's raining or I mean, the the earth can start to spin the other way, it doesn't matter to her. But it becomes a matter of safety for for the helpers, for the dog, for everybody. >> And they did an amazing job of >> of showing and putting the pressure where like like it was just amazing what the two guys did. Eventually she makes the routine. It goes the blinds, perfect barking, escape bite through the water, like just in- insanely cool pictures we have, which is, you know, that would have been a very cool what if. >> [snorts] >> You know, what if there was no rain? What if we had the same conditions as everybody else? >> Not this time. >> However, they pulled through. And with every bite, it just goes exactly how it goes all the time. There is no surprises. People start to come to me on the stands, shake wanting to shake my hands. I'm like, "No." Like, [snorts] absolutely no. Like, I've been in this sport for so long that I have seen so many things happen. Until she puts that leash on the dog, it's not over. And finally, she clips the leash and we all go bananas. >> Besides me, cuz I had no clue I won. >> Yeah, we didn't want to tell you what you needed, cuz you said not to talk to you. So, >> no clue. >> But we all of us are like, "Man, this is ridiculous. Like, something has to go really wrong." Not that it's not possible. Of course, it can happen. But at the same time, it's like, that's more than easy. And the next thing you know, Natalia Englin IFBB 2026 world champions. Congratulations. >> Thank you. Well deserved. >> [laughter] >> That's that. >> Sure. >> This is Natalia Balabanova. >> Woo! >> [music] >> Woo! >> Woo! >> [music] >> Woo! Woo! >> [music] >> Woo! Woo! Woo! >> [music] >> Woo! Woo! Woo! Woo! Woo! Woo! Woo! Woo! >> [music] >> Woo! Woo! Woo! Woo! Woo! Woo! >> [music] >> Woo! Woo! Woo! Woo! Woo! Woo! Woo! Woo! Woo! Woo! [music]

Woo! Woo! Woo! Woo! Woo! >> [music] >> Woo! Woo! Woo! Woo! Woo! Woo! Woo!