Iron Dog Algarve was awarded the “Best School” canine obedience trophy of the year 2019 by the Portuguese Caniculture Club for presenting the largest number of fit dogs on the Basic Obedience Certificate (COB) exam, widely recogniSed nationally, last 8 December, in the last test of the national obedience championship, held in Amadora.

The national championship culminated in a draw for the first place in the national ranking of schools, between the Algarve School Iron Dog and the Vimaranese Super Dogs, which in 2019 share the podium of "best schools" of obedience, among 12 others that competed at national level. Both had a total of 10 dogs that successfully underwent the Basic Obedience Certificate (COB) exam.

João Paulino, dog trainer and representative of Iron Dog Algarve, explains that “our school has only been around for three years and this was the first time we participated in the national obedience championship. It was never our goal to compete for the ranking, but I am pleased that we have achieved this trophy which is due entirely to the great delivery and effort of our students, who in binomials, have competed in various competitions throughout the year. It is an important recognition for our young school and it honours our students.”

Also on the same day, the binomial João Paulino and Echo von der Konigswiese (a 4-year-old boxer) both competing for Iron Dog Algarve, jointly received the Sporting Merit Medal for their achievements at the international level (winner of the IPO1 at the ATIBOX WM 2018 world championship in which they represented Portugal), awarded during the 2019 Sport Gala, by the mayor of Loulé, Vítor Aleixo. About this distinction, João Paulino adds that “it is very good to feel that the Louletan municipality recognizes and validates our work, effort and commitment. It has always supported us on the competitive side of our school and represents a valuable ally for us to continue to evolve and thrive on dog sports. Our good results are commensurate with the trust sponsors place in us and our dedication to training. It is impossible to achieve good results without good conditions being created. We are grateful for all we have achieved in 3 years.”