From a Swiss dog club to six World Championships
Decoy, military dog trainer and coach to hundreds of sport dog teams in the US, Europe, China and Russia.
Built in the suit, refined in the army
Joaquim started decoying in 1999 at a dog club near his hometown in Switzerland. In 2005 the Swiss Army recruited him, and over 14 years he trained and selected some of the country's best military defense dogs, then specialized in narcotic and detection dogs for annual deployments.
Since then he has been selected to decoy more than 80 Mondioring, French Ring and IPO competitions around the world, including six World Championships. Today he is based in Las Vegas and travels to teach seminars, workshops and private sessions wherever handlers want to get better.
The path so far
First season in the suit
Starts as a decoy at a club near his hometown in Switzerland.
Swiss Army
Begins a 14-year career training and selecting military defense dogs, then narcotic and detection dogs.
World stage
Decoys Mondioring, French Ring and IPO competitions worldwide, including six World Championships.
Las Vegas and on the road
Coaches handlers and decoys through seminars, private training and online classes.
Clear dogs, clear handlers
Positive methods focused on precise commands, with the bond between handler and dog reinforced at every step.
Develop clear communication
Your dog should always know what's being asked. Exercises are broken into small pieces until the picture is clear.
Reinforce accurately
Reward the right behavior at the right moment, so precision builds instead of guesswork.
Create a desire to perform
Training that fits your dog's genetics and personality keeps it working because it wants to.
Advance beyond the training field
New fields, new decoys and real distractions, so the work holds up at a trial.
Train with Joaquim
Start online, join a seminar, or book private time with your dog.