Team Finland
Team Leader Taru Leskinen
I have the honor to be the leader of the Finnish team for the second time. I have been practicing rally obedience since 2013 with the cocker spaniel Lilli. In previous years, I have worked as a secretary, judge and organizer in the Nordic championships.
6. Olivia Byysing & Suzi-Dog’s Zin Zin To The Win “Ivy”
Olivia and the Shetland sheepdog Ivy are participating in the Finnish national team for the first time this year. Almost 5-year-old Ivy is an active and talented teammate. Olivia is excited and honored to be able to represent Finland in the Rally-obedience NOM competition.
7. Jenni Susi & Red’n Ready Doomsday Countdown “Huisa”
Jenni is teaming up with her 5 year old Australian shepherd Huisa. For Jenni, this is the second year in the national team, and first time for Huisa. Both are of course very honored to represent Finland in Nordic Championships here in Sweden!
8. Katri Ristimäki & Tending Impulse “Hippa”
This is our first time participating in an international event on a Finnish national team. Bordercollie Hippa is a precise worker and rally obedience really matches her temperament. Hippa is calm and steady on a course and doesn´t get easily exited.
We were the first time winners of 2023 Finnish rally obedience Championships, it was also our first time in the highest class in Finnish Championships. I have trained rally obedience for over ten years now and the FCI rules gave a nice opportunity for learning new about this sport.
9. Mila Häkkinen & Moonpack’s Challenger “Teuvo”
Bearded collie Teuvo reached the mature age of 11 earlier this year but he still is always ready for activities and adventures. He’s as kind as a dog can get, truly a sweet little boy scout who performs at his own deliberate pace. Teuvo and I started to practice rally obedience about 5 years ago after doing only obedience training for our earlier years together. After conquering the right side, rally turned out to fit Teuvo like a nose on a snout. We tried out for the national team for the first time this year and are ecstatic to be ending our joint competitive career as a member of the team. Teuvo is my third beardie and definitely not the last. Teuvo’s motto is: ”All’s well, when hair’s well”
10. Eija Heinonen & Kutinan Xuurvili “Ossi”
I am Eija Heinonen. In addition to my competing partner Ossi (Kutinan Xuurvili), my pack includes also Laekenois male Micro (Ruby River’s Eldarion).
I live on the west coast of Finland, in Kokkola. I am self-employed in dog school, with over 37 years of dog experience.
Ossi and I were number one in the qualifying competition this year as well.
