UK9BG Club Member Spotlight: Wade Waters

Wade Waters has been involved in dog sports for over 30 years, beginning with Schutzhund in 1994. Like many clubs at the time, his training club was in need of helpers, so he started in the sport by learning to be a helper. After a year, he was able to get his first puppy and began training his Rottweiler, Sherman.

Paddy Ryan’s Sherman, SchH I, BH, AD was the first dog Wade trained in the sport. A spirited and playful Rottweiler, Sherman had no trouble with the work but preferred playing with puppies. Due to Wade’s early training shortcomings, Sherman was retired early to live as a companion dog. He remained on the acreage, serving as “uncle and puppy socializer” to all the young dogs until he passed away at 12 years old.

Throughout this time, Wade continued developing as a helper, gaining experience as both a training and trial helper at multiple club, regional, and national events.

His next dog was Showork’s Justice, SchH II, BH, AD, who earned High Score SchH II. Justice was Wade’s first German Shepherd, and his incredible work ethic left a lasting impression. Justice was intensely driven and loved to work, though he presented training challenges as Wade refined his handling skills. They attempted SchH III multiple times, but Justice had an uncanny ability to underperform in tracking on trial days, despite his usual proficiency. Tragically, Justice suffered a serious accident after training one day and had to be put down. The loss left Wade in shock, and it took time before he was ready to train again. However, Justice solidified Wade’s love for the German Shepherd breed.

His next competition dog was Grisom z Diehlomov, SchH III, BH, AD, who came to him at eight months old. Though smaller in size, Grissom made up for it with his determination and eagerness to work. He was a strong-willed yet biddable dog, proving to be a great partner in training.

In 2007, Wade became the Training Director for his Schutzhund club and also took on the role of Prairie Regional Trial Director for the GSSCC. He found enjoyment in working with helpers and passing on the knowledge he had gained from talented individuals in the sport.

In 2009, he was selected as a Teaching Helper for the GSSCC, which allowed him to visit clubs and work with helpers across the country. As a National Helper, he had the opportunity to certify helpers who demonstrated safe and powerful work within the sport.

His next competition dog was Chaos von Daechsel, IPO 3, BH, AD, who joined his home in 2010. Chaos proved to be one of the most powerful and talented dogs Wade had ever worked. He competed at many club and regional events and was also showcased at the national championships. After retirement, Chaos lived on the acreage, ensuring all the toys were put away before mowing. Wade also introduced him to scent detection for fun. After years of hard work in his youth, Chaos enjoyed a well-earned retirement until his passing in 2023.

In 2017, Wade was nominated to the National Helper Committee for the GSSCC, serving for several years. His role included helping to administer trial selections and selecting helpers for national competitions.

After a couple of years without a competition German Shepherd, Wade found himself “adopted” by Captain Crunch vom Bosen Blick, a Rottweiler originally intended for Melissa. Crunch and Wade have dabbled in scent detection and casual obedience, while Crunch also worked in weight pull and rally with Melissa. These days, Crunch spends most of his time in the shop, sleeping upside down on soft beds, and enjoying life on the acreage.

Wade remains a steadfast supporter of his wife, Melissa Waters in all of her dog sport endeavors. Though he has stepped away from Schutzhund competition, he hasn’t entirely put down the sleeve. He has even acquired a full bite suit and has been working on learning the techniques of a PSA decoy, helping out at the club whenever possible.