Finland
Team Leader Taru Leskinen
My name is Taru Leskinen. I live in Lahti and, more specifically, in Nastola. My family consists of a husband and an already adult son. As pets, in addition to cocker spaniels, we have leopard geckos.
I have been doing rally obedience since 2013 with my cocker spaniel Lilli. I became a judge in 2015. In addition to judging quite a lot in national competitions, I have also had the honor of judging the Nordic Championship once. I have the pleasure and honor of being the team leader of the national team for the second year and now in the very first World Championship
Mila Häkkinen & 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"
Katri Ristimäki & 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.
Jenni Susi & Huisa
Jenni is teaming up with her 5 yr old Australian shepherd Huisa. For Jenni, this is second year in the national team, and first time for Huisa. Both are of course very honored to represent Finland in World Championships here in Finland!
Olivia Byysing & 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 World Championship competition.
Eija Heinonen & 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.