Helper
Camp
USA
Unite. Educate. Evolve.
August 12 -16, Canby, Oregon
Instructor Line Up
Back Up Instructors
Mario Sergio Gomes
Denis Patrick
Alexei Turkin
Set on seven acres in beautiful Oregon, Harmony Canine has generously donated this incredible venue, including an indoor training area and full size fields.
This year's summer camp will allow 40 helpers from the US and Canada to participate, with groups of 8 helpers assigned to each instructor. There they will be submersed in that instructor's learning theory and application and each helper will work approximately three times per day for the first three days.
Additional specialty workshops will allow everyone to join, and live streaming throughout the event will be showing select portions.
Accommodations will be provided on sight for a nominal fee as will lunches and dinner.
The Portland Airport is 45 minutes from this venue.
Helpers interested should contact alexei@helpercampusa.com
Instructor Bios
Gregory Doud
From Deb Zappia to Ivan Balabanov, Greg Doud is one of the most sought after training helpers in the US, working with high level champions and newcomers alike.
His impeccable timing and unique style make him one of the ultimate mentors to learn from and Helper Camp USA is honored to have had him offer up his superior knowledge at this year’s camp.
The list of high level dogs he has developed would be too long to put here, but let's just say, he's good ;)
Tuukka Nikola
A four time world championship qualifier, Tuukka’s training skills can not be denied. In addition to helping world level teams, one of Tuukka’s primary passions has been teaching other helpers. With many helper students learning and attending helper school under his tutelage, both Finnish and Russian helper camp have benefited from his guidance. For 20 years, Tuukka trained military dogs for counter special operation forces 2 (tracking, use of force, explosive searching). His decision to teach at this year's camp is highly anticipated.
Marko Koskensalo
As the helper for Bite Club, a club who dominated Finland in the 2000's, Marko was instrumental in putting that club on top, creating a world champion, national champions and world team wins.
He himself has been on the podium at FMBB, FCI and WUSV, with two different dogs. His list of accomplishments is too great to list here and we are delighted at his decision to offer his skill set at this year's camp.
Joeri Veth
You'd be hard pressed to find a helper of the same age with even a fraction of the experience Mr. Veth possesses.
Beginning his helper career as a teenager in Holland, Joeri was fortunate enough to have parents who were/are highly involved in dogsport.
Qualifying four times for WUSV, placing 9th and 11th, he has repeatedly proved his competence as a world level trainer and competitor. With a laid back and realistic teaching style, handlers all over the US fight to get into his workshops. From start to finish, Joeri has loads of experience helping handlers put the points up.
Karolis Grigaliūnas
A recent world team qualifier, Karolis placed 24th at the 2019 FCI Championships, showcasing a truly beautiful obedience routine.
The premier helper in Lithuania, Karolis has an unquenchable thirst for knowledge, has attended helper school in both Finland and Russia, and teaches younger helpers regularly. His presence in the US provides a huge opportunity for both new and veteran helpers to learn.
Steve Billimack
As a NePoPo Gold school graduate, USCA's north central assistant regional director and member of AWMA, Mr. Billimack is clearly obsessed with all things dog training.
His passion and genuine love for working dogs comes before politics or ego and his training quality reflects this. He's been High In Trial at the 1998 AWDF National Championships, 3rd at 2016 USCA GSD National Championships, 6th at the 2017 USCA qualification trial and was on the 2017 USA team for WUSV.
Steve will be teaching a specialty clinic on perfecting secondary obedience, a must have skill for helper when instructing their handlers.
Tim Cutter
On a fast track to becoming the most accomplished competitor the US has produced, Tim's level of perfectionism both inspires and challenges others to step up or step out.
He was the 2020 AWMA champion, 2019 AWDF Champion, 2nd at 2018 AWDF, and 3rd at AWDF 2017. He has competed 4 times at the world championships, coming in 6th at the last FCI Championships, the 2019 event in Austria.
His generous offer to instruct helpers at summer camp is one we are very grateful for.
