Judges, helpers and officials

Introduction

Yelyzaveta “Liza” Omelchenko has dedicated more than 18 years to training and competing in IGP. Dog training is not only her profession but also her passion and lifelong commitment.

Competitive Experience

Throughout her career, she has competed with four of her own dogs: one German Shepherd and three Malinois. With two of her Malinois, she achieved significant success, winning national championships in both Ukraine and Norway. She has represented Ukraine and later Norway at FCI and FMBB World Championships on multiple occasions.

Liza currently competes with her young Malinois in Norway, where they have won the Rogaland Cup and are preparing for national competitions this year. She is also training a 1.5‑year‑old male from her own breeding program.

Judging Experience

Her judging career began in Ukraine, where she became a national judge in 2019. In the spring of 2023, she was approved as an FCI judge in Norway. Since then, she has judged numerous club trials as well as several IBGH competitions and championships.

Professional Development

Liza is committed to continuously developing her skills as a judge. She attends all available judge seminars to stay up to date with best practices and evolving standards in the sport.

Training Experience

Alongside her judging duties, she has extensive experience as a trainer and works closely with her IGP training group. The group includes several boxers, and she has previously trained a boxer herself for the IGP program, successfully passing the BH/VT.

Judging Philosophy

In her judging, Liza strives to follow the latest rules while focusing on the dogs’ energy and attitude. She approaches evaluations with an understanding of the challenges involved in training, aiming to be both fair and supportive.

Introduction

Michael Brandenhoff expresses his sincere gratitude for the invitation to judge IGP, an opportunity he greatly appreciates and looks forward to.

Dog Training Experience

His journey in dog training began in 1993 when he joined DCH with his first dog. Since 1997, he has owned both a German Shepherd and a Malinois. From 2010 onward, he has been dedicated to training in IGP and has participated in numerous competitions, including DM and NM.

Judging Experience

Michael has served as an obedience judge since 2000 and became an IGP judge in 2016. In this role, he has officiated at DM in DKK as well as events for the Rottweiler Club, the Belgian Shepherd Club, and the German Shepherd Club.

His judging experience also includes NM 2025 in Elverum, Norway. In 2018, he had the honor of judging the Swedish event Schæferslaget, the special Swedish German Shepherd IGP Championship.

Introduction

Bo “Bobbo” Stigson is a highly respected Swedish IGP judge who has been active since 2007–2008. Over the years, he has built a strong reputation for fairness, clarity, and consistency in his evaluations, and he is frequently invited to officiate at major championships across the Nordic region.

Championship Experience

Bobbo has judged a wide range of high-level events, including both national and Nordic championships. His assignments reflect the trust placed in his expertise by multiple breed clubs and working dog organizations.

• Swedish Championship for all breeds, Borås 2016
• Nordic Championship, Liperi, Finland 2018
• Nordic Championship, Elverum, Norway 2025
• Swedish Boxer Championship – four times
• Swedish Riesenschnauzer Championship – twice
• Swedish Malinois Championship – twice
• Swedish Rottweiler Championship – twice
• Swedish Dobermann Championship

Professional Profile

In addition to his championship assignments, Bobbo has judged numerous club trials and regional events throughout Sweden. His long experience across many breeds gives him a broad and balanced perspective on working dog performance.

Judging Approach

Bobbo is known for his calm and structured judging style. He values clear communication, a correct interpretation of the rules, and an honest assessment of each dog’s performance. Handlers often appreciate his constructive feedback and his commitment to maintaining high standards within the sport.

Profile

Jimmy Nilsson is a 45‑year‑old Swedish helper with a long-standing dedication to IPO/IGP. He lives with his wife and their young daughter, forming a family deeply rooted in dog sports and working dog culture.

Family and Dogs

The Nilsson household is home to several breeds, including Rottweilers, German Shepherds, and a spirited little Border Terrier. Over the years, Jimmy has been an active competitor and a committed contributor to the working dog community.

Experience in IPO/IGP

With approximately 17 years in IPO/IGP, Jimmy has competed at both national and international levels. His experience includes two appearances at the Rottweiler Breed Championships, participation in the FCI World Championship for all breeds, the Swedish Rottweiler Championship, and numerous local trials.

Authorised Competition Helper

Jimmy has served as an authorised competition helper for about ten years. His assignments include:

• Swedish Championships for Rottweiler, Malinois, and Riesenschnauzer
• All‑Breed Swedish World Championship Qualifications – three times

His broad experience, calm presence, and technical precision have made him a respected and trusted helper across multiple breeds and events.

Looking Ahead

Jimmy is greatly looking forward to contributing as a helper at the ATIBOX Championships 2026, bringing his experience, professionalism, and passion for the sport to the field.

Profile

Patrik Sturk is an experienced Swedish helper who has been active in the sport since 2013. He lives in Skåne with his partner Lina and their young son Axel. His journey in working dogs began in 2008 when he bought his first German Shepherd, and since then the sport has been a central part of his life.

Experience

Over the years, Patrik has served as a helper at a large number of Swedish championships — in total around 30 events. His extensive experience across different clubs, regions, and competition levels has made him a well‑known and trusted figure on the field.

Approach and Expectations

Patrik is known for his reliability, clear work, and strong commitment to the sport. He looks forward to seeing well‑prepared dogs, solid teamwork, and a high level of sportsmanship. For him, the sense of community and the shared passion for working dogs are just as important as the competitive results.

Looking Ahead

Patrik is excited to contribute as a helper at the ATIBOX Championships 2026 and is eager to meet handlers, dogs, and colleagues from across Europe and beyond.

Profile

Oskar Brunnegård is based in western Sweden, where he lives with his partner and their two daughters. Dogs have been a central part of his life for many years, both professionally and in sport. His background combines practical experience from competition with daily work involving dogs, giving him a well-rounded understanding of working dog performance.

Experience in IPO/IGP

With approximately 12 years in IPO/IGP, Oskar has competed at a high level in Sweden. His competition record includes participation in:

• Swedish German Shepherd Championship
• Swedish Championship for Belgian Shepherds
• Swedish IGP Championship for All Breeds

His experience as a handler provides him with a strong understanding of trial structure, dog handling, and the demands placed on both dog and handler at championship level.

Authorised Competition Helper

Oskar became an authorised helper in 2024 and has since been active at both championship and local levels. His assignments include:

• Swedish Boxer Championship 2024
• Swedish Riesenschnauzer Championship 2025
• Multiple local trials

His work is characterised by calmness, fairness, and a clear technical approach, contributing to safe and high-quality performances on the field.

Approach and Expectations

Oskar values well-prepared dogs, clear communication, and strong cooperation between handler and dog. He strives to create fair and consistent conditions for all competitors, while maintaining a professional and supportive atmosphere on the field.

Looking Ahead

Oskar is looking forward to continuing his development as a helper and contributing to future championships. With his combined experience from competition, professional dog work, and helper assignments, he aims to support the sport with commitment, precision, and passion.