JUDGES

CHIEF JUDGE

Carina Savander-Ranne, Finland

Carina has worked with obedience since the age of fifteen and as a judge for 44 years. In addition to obedience she has also had a great interest in the working dog disciplines and also judged these.

Her interest has always been to promote dogsports and thus she has actively participated in promoting the obedience discipline in the Nordic countries and internationally. She has been president of the Nordic obedience commission for more than 25 years, but is now leaving the commission hoping that the new members will actively promote cooperation between the Nordic countries and help to make good decisions in the FCI obedience commission as well. She has been a member of the FCI obedience commission also for some 25 years; ten years as president, a few years as vice-president and also as secretary. She has received the Bo Jonsson stipendium from the Swedish Kennelklubb as an acknowledgement for the work she has done in promoting our sport.

Jan Sillemann, Denmark

Jan Sillemann is a dedicated obedience judge with a lifelong passion for dog sports. Over the years, Jan has trained and competed with several breeds, including a Tervuren and Shetland Sheepdogs.

Most recently, he is competing with Poly, a Shetland Sheepdog from his own breeding. The family also includes another Sheltie and a Border Collie.

Jan greatly values both aspects of the sport: being an active participant and serving as a judge. For him, obedience is not just about scores and routines—it’s about fostering a strong, respectful connection between dog and human. And always putting the dogs interest first.

Jan has served for two years on the Danish obedience committee and joined the international FCI judges meeting last year.

Photo: Sanni Sirviö

Marjo Halmiala, Finland

I have been doing obedience training since 2004. At first, I practiced obedience mostly on my own here and there, as a sort of "bush training". A boat stand at the marina served excellently as a jump. My first obedience trial took place in May 2005. After this, I have competed in obedience with six of my own dogs. So I have had the chance to pursue obedience training under three different sets of rules and guidelines and have witnessed the development of obedience almost since the early 2000s. What I find most appealing about obedience training is challenging myself, solving different problem areas, and thinking about the smartest way to teach each thing.

I qualified as a judge in 2016. Before that, I actively worked as a trainer, a trial official, and as a steward. The aforementioned roles are still enjoyable for me, and I like participating in obedience in various roles. In a dog-handler team's work, I focus primarily on cheerfulness and so-called good vibes. The ruthlessness of the sport when a magnificent performance is nullified by a small mistake should not take away the joy that obedience brings at its best: seamless cooperation between a dog and its handler! Everyone who practices this sport knows that reaching seamless cooperation involves a tremendous amount of work. From the upcoming Nordic Obedience Championships, I am most looking forward to seeing skilled dog-handler teams who enjoy their moment in the ring!

Rune Bjerkelund, Norway

I love obedience, and spend a lot of my free time helping others to succeed in the sport.

I have been a steward and judge in a total of 12 Norwegian championships. I have judged the World Championships and the Nordic Championship, and also visited 7 countries that I have had the pleasure of visiting as a judge.

I fell in love with this sport 25 years ago. I have competed in class 3 with Flat Coated Retriever. I feel lucky to be able to participate in this fantastic dog sport and looking forward to it.

Anders Svensson, Sweden

Swedish judge for 15 years.
I have been judging many Swedish championships and qualification competitions.
I also have a background with competing in the Swedish obedience team abroad, but this was a long time ago.
I have a soon 13 years old bordercollie that this year is retired from competing.
When I am not judging obedience competitions I work as a Notified Body and Technical manager so my life is completely occupied with regulations and rules.
Looking forward to coming to Finland and judging all the best Nordic competitors!