ULF has his sights set on the Doberman World Championships, after coming first in a national dog competition. The Littleport-based Doberman was the highest-scoring of the 12 dogs that took part in the Schutzhund Trials in Dover last Sunday. It was the fir

ULF has his sights set on the Doberman World Championships, after coming first in a national dog competition.

The Littleport-based Doberman was the highest-scoring of the 12 dogs that took part in the Schutzhund Trials in Dover last Sunday. It was the first time the competition has taken place in Britain.

The trials are based on the Schutzhund Training Programme, a proven German scheme of dog training.

Ulf's owner Gary Booth said: "It is set to a very high standard and judged by Germany's top Doberman trainer, Wolfgang Hartmann. There is very little room for error and the dogs are put under quite a lot of mental pressure."

The dogs' tracking, obedience and protections skills were tested and their temperaments were constantly monitored.

Four-and-a-half-year-old Ulf was the highest scorer in tracking and obedience, with 95 and 96 out of 100. He scored 91 on protection and the highest mark overall.

Mr Booth said: "I wasn't surprised that Ulf did so well. He's such a well-behaved and stable dog and he plays with children all the time."

Ulf will enter the same competition again next year, when it will act as qualification stages for the Doberman World Championships in Germany.

Ulf learns tracking and obedience at Littleport Leisure Centre and the rest of his training takes place at The Black Shuck Sports Dog Club in Watton, which Mr Booth helps to run.

INFO: Anyone interested in finding out more about the club should contact Mr Booth on 07894 099732 or, via e mail, garybooth999@btinternet.com