USA, USA/SV Judge Mike Caputo will be the tracking judge for this event.
As the most senior member of the USA Judges College, Michael has been a member of United Schutzhund Clubs of America since 1979. Over the years, he has trained and titled seven dogs -- Ajax – SchH3; Ingo – SchH3, FH; Onyx - SchI; Kandy – SchH3, FH; Semm – SchH3, FH; Hanko - Sch I; and Atzel - SchII. Additionally, he has shown two dogs to V-1 titles in Conformation - Ida in 1992 and Ivan in 1994.
He has been a active competitor over the years. He and his dogs trialed in eight consecutive USA Nationals from 1984 through 1991. In 1987, Michael and his dog, Ingo vom Horsatal, won the FH Championship. Michael trialed in FH championships from 1985 through 1987. From 1985 through 1990, he and his dogs won five Regional Championships in the Mid-Eastern and Mid-Central regions. In 1997 and 1999, he was the team captain for the WUSV championships.
In 1983, Michael became a member of the Schutzhund III club. In 1986, he became the holder of the Masters Sports Medal in Gold.
He has long been active in USA events. He has served as an officer or training director in four different clubs. Michael has been a member of the Judges Committee from 1989 through 1995. From 1987 through 1995 he was the USA Budget Committee Chairman. Michael was the Regional Director for the Mid-Eastern region from 1992 through 1996. He has also served as the Breed Warden and tattooer for the Mid-Eastern region.
Throughout his 23 year judging career, Michael has enjoyed most his seminars on teaching handlers the various standards and performance elements of showing their dogs in a Schutzhund trial. Professionally, Michael in employed as a healthcare executive. At home in Kentucky, Michael and his wife Linda have raised seven children. Mike anda Linda currently make their home in St. Joeseph, Missouri. They now have nineteen grandchildren.
2010 Mideastern Regional Championships