During the 2023 AWDF Nationals in Little Rock, Ace Trainers Classic was able to sit down and talk with one of the legends of the working dog world; Wallace Payne. Anyone who has been around the world of schutzhund for long, knows who Wallace Payne is. He competed in AWDF Nationals with his young dog, Flash.

Wallace Payne has been training working dogs for decades and has a long list of accolades that prove his skill and dedication to the sport. Payne is President and training director of South Metro Atlanta Schutzhund Club – home of 4 world team members, and two current National Champions. He was also the 2004 USA National Champion: 99-96-99=294 High Obedience, High Protection, High H.O.T. He has worked and won all over the world.

Payne competed with his three year old German Shepherd, Flash. As was the theme for many competitors in this year’s AWDF Nationals; the tracking was challenging for Flash. On Saturday, it rained on a track that was already boggy from the days before. Flash did well in Obedience and Protection; scoring 83 and 94, respectively. As he stated in his chat with Steve; he still has work to do with flash. He will be back, though, and the results will show his hard work!