TAMPA — A local trainer and his loyal dog are headed for the international stage to compete in the WUSV World Championship in Spain, a competition for German Shepherds. 

Chris Meverden, owner of North Tampa Dog Training, and his dog Arik are just one of six pairs set to represent the United States at the competition, which is for IGP, a popular sport that originated as a breed evaluation test. 

“When he’s just being a house dog, he’s just a normal, happy go lucky dog,” Meverden said. “But when it’s time to work on the field, it’s go time.”

This will be Arik’s first time competing on an international stage but, it’s in his blood.  Danger, the dog that sired Arik, competed at the WUSVs three times before, placing eighth at the championship in 2013.  Danger passed away just three weeks after Arik Qualified for this year’s championship.

“It’s nice knowing his blood lives on in this next generation and you still feel like you have a piece of him,” Meverden said.  “You know you step out onto the field and it’s almost like he’s there with you.”  

The competition begins on October 31 and lasts seven days.

Use the video link above for the full story from Spectrum Bay News 9's Cait McVey.