Mikko Ahti (lead judge)

Hello Everyone!

Congratulations to all of you selected to represent your country in the Blood Tracking Trial NVM 2026. You have achieved a goal with your teammates to compete with the best tracking dogs.

For me it is an honour to be the lead judge in this competition. I dedicate all my spare time to retrievers, no matter if it is judging the other dogs or competing with my own labradors, it is always a great fun. Retrievers are excellent dogs for blood tracking and I hope you use your dogs with their super noses to track the game in real life cases as well.

This championship will be judged according to the Finnish rules and as these rules expect, there will be some challenges in the form of live animals in the wilderness of Muurla forest. Don't worry, all you need to do is trust your dog, he/she knows what to do!

I wish good luck for every dog and handler in the championship!