Sport Dog of the Week: Duska the German Shepherd
Photo courtesy of Makayla Humphries
Duska doesn’t just love Fast CAT; she excels at it. Excels as in she became the Lifetime Fastest German Shepherd in 2022. Her average speed is over 32mph!
Duska’s owner, Makayla Humphries of Buckelwürmer German Shepherds, brought Duska home from a small hobby breeder. The breeder had been considering keeping Duska, but ended up allowing Makayla to bring her home.
Makayla was feeling lost after losing her heart dog, a “grumpy old Heeler”. Duska’s name means “twilight star”, and it’s perfect for her because this new puppy helped guide Makayla through her grief.
Duska is what might be known as “a lot of dog”. She’s incredibly talented and is game to try anything. Her sport titles reflect this versatility: Duska’s full name, including her “alphabet soup”, is Apex Duska Vom Trinitat CD BN RAE FDC CA FCAT5 DSA CGCA CGCU TKI ATT VHMA VSWB.
Photo by Charlotte With Dogs
Makayla has had to rise to the challenge of being Duska’s handler. She says that “Duska took over my life and I couldn’t be happier”. Their greatest challenge has been that Duska has “exceeded my previous knowledge”, so she’s “had to work harder to be a better handler for her”.
It’s been well worth it. Makayla says Duska is the most biddable dog she’s worked with, and she loves to learn.
Photo courtesy of Makayla Humphries
Duska isn’t just a talented dog; she’s also a goofy one. She’s happy and excited, and she is known for bringing the Fast CAT lure all the way back to the start box after she catches it. She doesn’t tear it up — just chases, catches, and brings it all the way back. Then she turns around so she can run again!
Photo courtesy of Makayla Humphries
Makayla has been involved in dog sports since she was 19. Her biggest piece of advice for dog sport beginners is not to take sports too seriously because at the end of the day, dog sports are just having fun together with your dog.
Makayla tries to be a welcoming presence for others at dog sports events. If you’re new and feeling a little nervous, you can always count on her to help you out with kindness! You can find Makayla working many of the Harmony Dog Sports events.
Keep up with Duska and Makayla by following the Buckelwürmer German Shepherds Facebook and Tik Tok pages.
