Max Sprinz: [00:00:00] Like actually my first competition, um, he ran off. Yeah. That was like the most humbling experience that I've had. And I was like, I want, like I love this. I want to have this. And that moment kind of made me like realize that there's way more to it and I have to do way more to even have a chance to like go in that direction.
And then I've learned the hard way that you could have your perfect plan, but it probably won't go that way. And every Euro was invested into agility, and my dog. You can kind of never dream big enough as long as you know how to cope with not getting it immediately. German trials are insanely intense and when I went with Bäx and I won.
O overall tryouts. Germany in large, which is the most category, which was also his first year trying out. That was the moment where I was like, alright, I think we have have [00:01:00] the potential and I think we're on the right way to do it.
Christoffer Endresen: Today's guest is Max Sprinz, and recently he won European en large, and this is the second time in the road that he wins with his Border Collie Remix.
And in addition to that, not only took he first place on this year's European open, but he also got third place with his other dog Style. Max has now won the European open three times, and based on my knowledge and what I've done in terms of research, it's the first person who's won three times in large and also with two different dogs.
In addition to that, and we're still talking about the same European open the same year. This year in 2025, he got third place. With his sheltie Make in small and including that, he also got third place for the team event in large and third [00:02:00] place in small, and that was just for 2025. I have to emphasize that because that's a lot of medals in a very short period of time.
In addition to that, he has had individual gold medals in like jumping both in Liberec and Czech Republic and also in Belgium last year with his Border Collie Style, and he's also attending next week's AWC in Sweden with Style. Another thing that we have to bring up is Max's age. I think he's 26 years old now, or he at least he's turning 26 and Max talks about it in the podcast that he didn't want to be a one dog wonder.
And just by reading up his merits, and this is just a part of that merit, I can definitely say that, max, you're not a one dog wonder and people know that, but it didn't come for free. And in [00:03:00] today's episode, we're going to get to hear his story from no other than Max. If you haven't yet subscribed to this podcast, please do.
You could do that on Apple Podcast, Spotify, YouTube, whatever you want. And also, I want to invite you to subscribe to the Daily Campaign Affirmation Newsletter by going to dog agility performance.com. And then you will get daily an affirmation in your email inbox that can help you as a tool to build a proper mindset.
And also the purpose of this podcast is that to help you build a growth mindset through listening to other people's story, not just seeing them on the top of the podium, whether it's first, second, or third place, or maybe first and third place, like in Max instance, but actually to understand the journey that took them there and that you can relate to that journey yourself.
So that's it for now. Let's head over [00:04:00] to Max. Hi, and welcome to Champions Journey. Today I'm really honored to have Max Sprinz, uh, with us. And, uh, hey Max.
Max Sprinz: Hi. I am super, super happy to be here. Thanks for the invitation.
Christoffer Endresen: How are you?
Max Sprinz: I'm really, really good. Um, I'm busy working. Um, yeah, and I've been walking, I think it's six in the morning in the woods because it's gonna be like 36 degrees today here.
Christoffer Endresen: Yeah. Yeah. It's really hot in, uh, in, in Germany at the moment. And, but kind of jumping straight into it, it is now after European opened, which basically had the same temperature. Yeah. And let's touch base on how that went.
Max Sprinz: Not too bad, I would say. Um, no, it just, honestly, thinking about going to Portugal for European open, it's hard.
It's [00:05:00] gonna be hard. So there's lots of things you have to consider before. Um, yeah. But in the end, this is what I like, this is the live we want, or I want. So, um, yeah, we went there and I, I would say I had a pretty, pretty good expectation of what could be, because I know that in the end it can be hot, it can be cold.
I don't care. Um, even if it's in the middle of the night, which happens Saturday night. Um, yeah. And in the end I got three individual medals, which is super, super crazy. So Remix defended her title from last year, um, which in the large categories something that probably, I wouldn't even dare to like say out loud that this is like my, that was my goal.
Um, on then Style deserved to third place, which is amazing and little Make on her last European [00:06:00] Open. Um, she also got third place individual and third place in team. And, uh, also got third place in team. So five medals in 24 hours. I'm over the movie that.
Christoffer Endresen: Yeah. And with, uh, very little sleep, uh, yeah.
Connected to it. Uh, yeah. Yeah. For those that. Have didn't follow along with your ping open. Um, the team's final went way and beyond time schedule. Uh, when was, when were you at bed on Saturday
Max Sprinz: bed? Um, what is the bed? Um, yeah, so my last run Remix was at 3 26 or something. Um, and then we went back to the Airbnb, which is half an hour, I think like 4 30, 4 45.
Um, and then at eight we went back.
Christoffer Endresen: Yeah. Uh, it's, it's, uh, crazy. And for, I was the team leader for [00:07:00] Norway and we didn't have anyone qualified for the team final.
Max Sprinz: Lucky you. Yeah.
Christoffer Endresen: We, we kind of concluded that we were lucky in that situation. Um, but then again, you're there to compete, but. We're going to go into your story.
And I think that that is super important. The purpose of this podcast is really to help people build this growth mindset. And the best way to do that is really to study the ones who are really good and understanding their story and the efforts that they put in. And I know that you have a fantastic story because we know each other from before, but I, I really want to listen to it again.
Max Sprinz: Yeah.
Christoffer Endresen: Where did it start?
Max Sprinz: Well, basically, um, if you really start from the beginning, I should mention it, I was scared as hell of dogs for the first 10 years of my life. Like I would see a dog and I would [00:08:00] cross the street and I would say, I'm a cat person. I love animals forever. We had birds pet everything.
Dogs. Oh my God. Stay away. Um, yeah. And then I don't know what happened, but when I was. 10 11. Um, so easy to remember my age because it's always the year we have, depending on where we are in the month. Plus one year. So, um, 11, I was suddenly starting, um, at, yeah, 2012 I convinced my parents that we should get a dog, um, and we found a litter of Fox Terrier.
Um, my God. Who, who would've like, why did nobody tell us that Fox Terrier might not be a good person? Um, yeah, but we got her, we picked her up. And, um, like, I don't know, for the first time in my life it was like, um, [00:09:00] like I was attached to like an animal in a way where. You know, we want to take care. You want the best for them.
Um, and hopefully the ambition of all the people listening to this podcast of always wanting the best for their landlords. Um, yeah, and actually in the beginning I was still, um, I don't know if you know what, which is like a, like riding motocross, but, uh, four wheels. Um, and we were traveling the country to go to like races and stuff.
Um, and I wasn't even into like dog sports with Emma the Terrier. Um, but my mom started obedience to her and I was like, this looked too boring for me. And by now I know there's like such amazing ways to do obedience. Um, so I, like, I find it actually very, very interesting nowadays. [00:10:00] Um, back then I wanted something like.
More energy, more, more. Um, yeah, so I had a really, really person, um, that was teaching. She was running agility, but mainly like a dog trainer. And we went to like, um, like behavior group. And from like the beginning on it was super important that I'm doing it because I had a feeling I don't tell my mom, but I'm doing it better than her.
Um, so yeah, I went and I kind of like, it was very difficult. Um, we should, we should be honest with that because she, like, of course, because of lack of knowledge for me, um, she was like disconnected. She would go away. She like, even in like group training stuff far away from considering agility at all. Um, [00:11:00] and yeah, I mean, I was 12.
13 years old. Um, and I don't know, I think in that period actually, um, like without even knowing it, um, kind of this, uh, visualizing growth mindset type maybe started like looking down. Um, because I wasn't going to give up. Um, I saw that dog and I like, I wanted that because I saw other people in that group who like had total control over everything they did with their dog.
So I was like, how are you doing this? Um, so I would be like, Megan then already started like this. What are you doing? I need to know what you're doing. Um, yeah, I started taking agility group lessons a little after that. Um, which to be honest, maybe I should have waited a little bit [00:12:00] longer, uh, because. The dog wasn't really like into it, but looking back it was a good decision because like I faced all the struggles that I can help people with now in trainings because I've seen it.
If I would like, like just the dog who would give me everything for free, um, I wouldn't, I wouldn't be the dog trainer that I'm today.
Christoffer Endresen: And that, that's an interesting fact. Um, when it comes to speaking to agility handlers, um, uh, Susan that you worked, you work with, she has a podcast called Shaped by Dogs.
Right. And when you get a dog that isn't coming straight out of the box, you, you are being shaped as a handler and trainer.
Max Sprinz: Yeah. Yeah, that's very, very true. And like if I would've known Susan back then, um, I guess things would've been way easier. Um. Yeah, but I didn't, [00:13:00] so I, um, I needed to kind of figure that stuff out.
Um, yeah. And like, I kind of wanna say by myself, but also not because, um, I would've just stayed in my bubble and comfort zone. I don't think we would've ever outgrown that, um, because I would've never brought that dog to competition or to anything. Because like actually my first competition, um, she ran off, I was 13 and a half years old, um, and she ran off and on the way out she was attacking another dog.
So, and then you stand there alone at a competition because my parents like, they, I'm like spending the day there. Too boring. So they just drop me off. Maybe, maybe I even go with somebody else. Um. And I would be there and I would be there with my dog. And [00:14:00] yeah, that was like the most humbling experience that I had.
Um, and it was hard, like, it was not like fixed in a couple of days. Um, it took like a long time and it took like such a change of perspective, but the moment we got into like work training, I was like, alright, I'm gonna be, you know, I'm gonna run competitions, I'm gonna be great and stuff like that. But it didn't happen that way.
Christoffer Endresen: If you look back to that Max, uh, 12, 13-year-old standing there watching the dog running off the chorus and attacking another dog, like what made you go back to a new competition and not give up in that moment?
Max Sprinz: I think that there's, I think there's two parts. There's one thing that goes on behind, like in your mind, like [00:15:00] unconscious, um, of like, I don't wanna fail this.
Like, I wanna make it work. Um, but to be able to make it work, I think something, something has to happen in your like, like, uh, the, the, um, the real life perspective, like, why did this happen? Um, and I just found like, I was like, this is so cool. I started to watch so many people be so good on YouTube videos and stuff like that all over Facebook.
And I was like, I want, like, I love this. I wanna have this. Um, and that moment kind of made me like realize that there's way more to it and I have to do way more, um. To even have a chance to like go in that direction.
Christoffer Endresen: Yeah. And, and would you say that looking at others ad competitions or training groups and [00:16:00] YouTube videos, did that sort of, did you take that and sort of create your own mission of what you wanted to accomplish?
Max Sprinz: Yeah. So, um, like, I guess kind of coming from the motocross world where, um, you're like already like an individual either kinda, um, it made me like, I looked at these people and then I would always look at the people who are doing it at the highest level. And of course I didn't have any resource to go to like private training with them.
Like I, like, nor did I have the money or also didn't have the possibility to arrive there or whatever. Um. So I had to find my own way with like looking what are they doing and how are they doing it? And then bringing my spin to how can I use this most [00:17:00] effectively. Um, and I guess, I guess that's also kind of like, um, perspective thing because I think that's what separate, um, people who stay successful in the sport for very long compared to people who like have like a shorter timeframe who are, when they're successful.
Um, and it's, I think it's always changeable. Um, but by now, like if I see something that I think could be improved in my own dogs or I see in myself or I see in other people that is already so amazing, then I'm always able, like always, uh, open to improve that.
Christoffer Endresen: So if I understand you correctly, you have a vision.
Of how your different dogs, uh, you would like them to perform. And then you reiterate that vision based on if you get new information or new input inputs or see other handlers and you [00:18:00] incorporate that into that vision.
Max Sprinz: Yeah. And also, um, kind of like trying to, um, like I have this idea, like I see the courses, how everything develops.
I see what is, like, what gets better, dog I dog. Um, and then I've learned the hard way that you could have your perfect plan, but it probably won't go that way. Um, so how can I, like, how can I still go where I want to go? Um, like not losing my goal, but like making smaller adjustments, um, to get to where I want to be.
Christoffer Endresen: Yeah. And that's, that's also a part of the process. Once you have a, a clear vision of what you wanna accomplish and you see your current situation, that creates a gap. Uh, yeah. Which could, uh, sometimes be uncomfortable. Uh, but then it starts the Sure, the effort that you need to put in and the struggles and so on, and the sacrifices sometimes that you have to put in, because [00:19:00] the, the bigger the vision, the more the sacrifices you have to put into it.
And I know that from, um, we talking before, is that when you, if we go back to that 13, 14-year-old max, like what was the effort and, and the sacrifices that he made at that young age? Well,
Max Sprinz: well, some, some illegal ones that I maybe shouldn't mention. Um, so in, in my defense, I have to say that. The moment I started doing more and more, I had the feeling that this is my thing.
Um, and I was nowhere near of what I like, imagined myself to be. Um, so the sacrifices that I took was number one. Um, I would occasionally, uh, skip school, um, [00:20:00] to train. Um, I don't recommend, um, I've only done with classes where I knew that was possible. Um, and other than that, like I've, like, I had, um, we have, like in Germany, we have like this thing where it's like a big party when you're like 14 years old.
Um, and like there's like lots of money, like, like gathered from all the family and then you get that, um. I just invested all of that money, which was, I think it was like 2000 something. Um, everything into obstacles. And of course, you know, you don't get like a full on amazing course for 2000. So I was already looking like, how can I do that?
And then this, and then I like building a dog walk with planks and stuff. Um, so yeah, and then I talked, like, I did lots of talking to my neighbor because he had like a, like a [00:21:00] grass field outside, um, uh, that he didn't really take care of so much. So I told him, well, I can take care of it if you're okay with having obstacles on there.
Um, and at one point it was like, like I'm taking care of it. Is it okay if I like train like more times a week? Um, and if I had my to train and then like it kind of like, um. Yeah. And honestly, like every sense I had from birthdays or like working, like I went, um, like I went around the town, um, for people in like their summer vacations and we didn't go to vacation.
So I would walk to their plans, I would grasp, uh, I would cut their grass and stuff like that. Um, and every Euro was invested into, or my dog, um, and like as like [00:22:00] a, by then, like 15-year-old, um, I would say that's a pretty big thing because your friends like start to go to, like, they go shopping, they buy these pair of shoes and like I would go with them, but I would like just not spend the money.
Um, I was like, no, no, I gotta save that. And then had like little envelopes in like a cupboard. Um. Competition day here, competition day here, where I would put like money in. So I went to the competition with like 50 cent pieces, like, like 30, 50 cent pieces for like the run. Um, yeah. It was like I was invested, like really, really invested.
Christoffer Endresen: I can definitely hear that. So you basically had budget with envelopes. Yeah. And I think it's, I think that's, you, you touch on a very important point because there's a lot of people there, there are a lot of people thinking that in order to be, in order to have progress, in order to grow, [00:23:00] I need a hole in the backyard.
I need two sets of obstacles, uh, hopefully the best of Gallan and so on. And, and there's nothing wrong with that. But looking back and, and what you're telling me, you focus more on what you had available of resources rather than thinking that this, this is how it should be, or this is what I need it to be.
Max Sprinz: And I believe that. That doesn't restrict you to dream bigger. Um, so of course I would like, in my mind, I always wanted like a, a place where I have like my hall or whatever, um, or like in the beginning having like a, like a flat outer feet. Um, but I mean, I gotta take what I have now and, um, and see what the future holds.
And then still dream big because I think that what I've learned during that time, I guess, is that you can kind of never dream big enough as [00:24:00] long as you know how to cope with not getting it immediately.
Christoffer Endresen: So it's basically dream big, but then, yeah, work where you are at the current moment.
Max Sprinz: Yeah, so focus, so personally in my experience, it's like this, when, when I go go to bed at night, um, or like before, like that's like my creative mind activated.
Um, and now being like almost 26, um, I can reflect that this is actually happening and not spend the whole five hours of first like, of the night thinking. Um, so I can stop myself. But there's like this time where I allow myself what would be like, how big can I actually dream? And I think I've done that in like, kind of like forever.
Um, just not as structured as it is now. Um, and [00:25:00] then during the day, um, I focus on what I can do in what is it my power to make that happen. Um, and then I have like. Short term goals that are important to me because these are the ones that are like reinforcing things well, um, my feeling and, yeah, and the big, but the big dreams never sleeping.
And honestly, when I, when I look bad, like every big dream that I've had either already came true or is on the right track to come true. And I'm still dreaming bigger. Um, but like this, this is like when you read all of these things about like, um, like if you, um, what's the word with m manifest, uh, manifesting, um, like how that is true.
Like I'm like the perfect example of how it's really [00:26:00] true.
Christoffer Endresen: Yeah. And I think that once you, once you've gone through the process and you've accomplished a big goal that was. Once a dream, you start to process over again. Yeah. But you're bringing along a confidence that I have actually the ability to, to set big dreams, work hard towards accomplishing them, overcoming the hurdles that you face, and then you do it again, and then you start to enjoy.
And it seems to me like you're starting to enjoy that process of setting big dreams and then working towards it. Yeah, because like,
Max Sprinz: it's like, what I've learned, um, is that, um, when I achieved 2008, I was European champion with X and there was like by back then one of the three big dreams that I have or have had.
Um, so I got that. And [00:27:00] in the first moment I was like, and what happens now? Um. Like what is, what is like the next thing, like, I've done this Paris, or what is the next thing? Um, so I just, I just fall in love. So you're absolutely right. I fell in love with like the journey to dream bigger. So it's not like I didn't fall in love only with like small things and staying there.
I fell in love with trying new things. More exposure, more experience, trying different things. Like right now, like my mind is thinking about India should live like six months in like Canada or whatever. Like maybe, maybe there's like things to do to experience. Maybe there's more, um, like both to be chased or something like that.
Christoffer Endresen: Yeah. And I, and I think that that is a smart thing as well because at many times we're so stuck in our own beliefs of, or like a framework of how things should be. But once you, [00:28:00] and I think that the purpose with a goal or a vision or a big dream, is really to take you out of that box and think differently and start to question some of the beliefs that you have, and then do your best in order to challenge those belief and overcome them.
Um, and it's, and it's an interesting way of doing it. And, but if you would go back to, let's say, a younger, uh, max. So let's say we go back to your 15. What, what was your big dream back then?
Max Sprinz: So, I wanted to live like this life of living from agility. I wanted to be like, back then, actually, like I wanted to be somebody in this sport.
Um, which by now, which by now I've realized that I could have like, like stopped chasing that one a little bit sooner because honestly, that's not fulfilling. Um, to be [00:29:00] somebody in this, it's just like, you gotta be like, make yourself better and like, prioritize that and then like all of these things, they come naturally anyway.
Um, so yeah. And then the two biggest goals was, um, metal at European Open Metal Network.
Christoffer Endresen: One of, one of the things that I know from, from speaking to you and, and knowing a little bit more about your story, one thing that really uh, caught me was that you were at one point sleeping in the garage of, of a camper trailer to some friends in order to go to competitions.
Max Sprinz: So back then it was way before the border col, it was still with Emma, the Terrier.
And um, I wanted to go to competitions because I wanted to see like how, like where are we. Um, compared to other people at competitions, and it was just like local competitions, but [00:30:00] my parents, they weren't into that. Um, so they, like my mom, they, she would support me and she would like, if it's like a one hour radius or something, she would drive me.
Um, but she wouldn't stay there. She's like, that's like way too boring. Um, so I've, um, you know them Don and, and they now have a puppy, um, a brother to Vince, Christopher, Ellie. Um, and they, they have like, they have this big motor home and their son, Ben, um, he's a longtime friend of mine. And um, so I asked them like, do you think there's like a possibility at first to put my tent like in your area?
And they said, um, like. No way, because it's gonna be raining snow, like, it's gonna be like thunderstorms and everything during the night. Uh, you're not gonna sleep in a tent outside. Um, so they have like, they have like [00:31:00] this garage in the bag, um, that they would like have all of their camping stuff in there, but they would get out there anyway for the competition, so it's empty thing.
Um, so they offered me to sleep in their garage of the motor home for the weekend. And there's a twisted because like, like I had Emma, so it was Emma and me in that thing. Um, and then they had to lock the door, like there's two sides and they had to lock one side of the door because, um, they had an older dog that, um, like at night or like in the mornings.
Um, if I would as like a random person go into their front camping area, uh, she might. Because you would be scared. So, and they said like, maybe it's no problem, but like if it is a problem that it's gonna be a huge one. So they had to lock me, um, into [00:32:00] that garage. Um, and yeah, it was, it was crazy, but like the, like the ways that I would go just for like these couple of runs, a couple of seconds.
Um, yeah, and it was like, like I've, I left these, these type of events and I was like, so motivated and I was like, oh my god, this most best weekend ever. Um, like wrenched in water and dirt and like slipped on the ground while running and everything. Like, everything happened, but I got a clean run and like I had a second place in a three and, you know, it was the best weekend ever.
Um, that's how, kind of how it went.
Christoffer Endresen: I, I think it's such a great story and, and, uh, Don and Susie, they're, they're wonderful people, so kind, um, and open. And, uh, and I, but I, I think that it's when, when we see people standing on the top of a podium, whether it's, uh, [00:33:00] European open or AWC, you never, th you never think that that person was the one sleeping in the garage of a, a camper trailer or doing those type of things because you just see what's in front of you.
Um, and I think that it, it says a lot that you are willing to do so many things in order to pursue a vision that you had. And that's really what is required so many times in order to get to a certain level, it doesn't mean that you have to really put yourself in a painful situation all the time, but. We have to put in an effort at least.
Yeah.
Max Sprinz: Yeah. And I, I, I believe that, um, if you chase things and if you're like, like ready to sacrifice things, um, of course it's a little bit easier if you're like, like it's easier and [00:34:00] difficult if you're 15 because you're not risking as much, um, uh, as like an adult. But also it's way difficult, way more difficult because you don't have the resources.
Um, so probably it like balance it out in the middle again. Um, but like I felt like every time I've done that, at one point I got rewarded. Um, and there was like possibilities for more. So it's just like a rewarding, reinforcing journey. And if, I think if you feel that, and it might take long, like it hasn't been.
You know, these, the stories like, thought in a couple of minutes, but, um, like it took me I think like eight months. So my area wouldn't run away from a company. Um, it was like eight months of kind of daily work towards that. Um, and that's been like, that, that has been a [00:35:00] difficult time. That was like a struggling time.
Um, and I do, sometimes I do re I have to remember myself because we get so used to like now if I like, I know so much more. So, so many things wouldn't even occur anymore and avoid it. And then something happens. And in my mind it would be like, why, like why is this so challenging now? And I was like, like, it's not even challenging.
Like you've, you've spent like. Eight months, whatever, whether it was, um, I'm like, I was going to football games and stuff with her, so she would learn how to work with me in that environment. Like I went on the bus with her, like just like few stops back and forth, back and forth because she was scared of the noise and stuff.
So there was like so much time invested, um, like, you know, it's like a perspective thing.
Christoffer Endresen: Yeah, I think so. And, and, and I, while you're telling this, like how often do you actually [00:36:00] look back on the on to watch the progress that you've had? Yeah,
Max Sprinz: so I do that every time I win something. It happens automatically, um, because kind of like, um, of course the moment you win is like pure emotion and it's like amazing.
But for me, what makes it so emotional is the weight. There, like this is just like the sharing on the cake reward thing. Um, which of course is admired by everybody and also by myself. Like I admire it and I like everybody who achieves something like this has my deepest respect. Um, and yeah, but in the end I feel like, yeah, after these events, like it's a lot like the drive home from, from Portugal.
Like I kind of relived all of these struggles and all of the ways and um, and, and I would even say if I have like a struggle, [00:37:00] um, it also happens, then I relive and I was like, what? Like do I have a different perspective right now than I had back then? Because back then it was like nothing was impossible.
So, so why am I limiting myself now when possible? Um, and I mean I have lots of like positive, um. Like experience in the back already for me, like as well with like frustration and celebration. Um, but I do think that there's like lots of things out there. Um, for example, if we look at this podcast, like people like you who try to like give something to people, like to relate to, um, maybe they haven't had the experience yourself that it's worth it.
Um, but you know, maybe they believe you and I that honestly in the end, um, it is pretty worth it.
Christoffer Endresen: [00:38:00] Yeah. I, I think that, um, one of my favorite phrases is to struggle well, so going through the struggle, but doing it well. I think that, again, if you set, set a goal that's outside of your comfort zone and you manage to work towards that and make that within your comfort zone, I. It creates such a fantastic feeling that the effort that you put in, though it seemed expensive there and then was totally worth it.
Max Sprinz: Yeah.
Christoffer Endresen: And then you wanna do it again and
Max Sprinz: Yeah. Exactly. That's the thing. Like you, you just wanna do it again and you wanna keep going and keep drawing and stuff like that.
Christoffer Endresen: There are two things that I, I thought about when, when you were talking, it's very interesting that you're, that a victory is triggering that reflection and mm-hmm.
There's an exercise that, let's say you, [00:39:00] that where you mentally go back to the young you and you take them into the future and you show them what you've accomplished. And, and that exercise is Yeah. Is very, it's, that's an emotional exercise and that gives you Yeah. Then again, power to, to take the next leap, the next step, uh, towards.
What you can accomplish in the next 10 years or wherever it might be. Um, but that was the first part. That was one point, uh, for the audience. But the second thing that I want to go into is these struggles for you. What do you consider as one of the lowest or di most difficult struggles for you to go through?
Max Sprinz: Most difficult one. Hmm.
I have to think. So there's been like different type of struggles [00:40:00] and I guess it kind of depends what type person you are to like see what is more difficult and like easier for me. Um, so for example, I would say confidence was never like a huge issue for me because I always felt like if I can do it, like.
I can do it anywhere. Um, the, the pressure is not such a huge, like, it's a struggle because you have to reflect, like, how do I cope with that? But I, I, like, I manage it well because the moment I step on the line, it's like completely gone. Um, so I would say, um, probably finding, like finding myself in competing and coaching and truly allowing me, um, not to do what people like, but to do what I believe is best for me and for them.
So I think that was [00:41:00] my personal biggest hurdle along the way. Um,
Christoffer Endresen: yeah, finding your own, own voice in a way that Yeah. And also having the guts to do what you think is right. Yeah. And like
Max Sprinz: standing, standing up for myself. Um. If I would stand there next to somebody that was like an or is like an idol. Um, and in like a for example, that's like, um, we we're standing there at a competition at trials and that person says, um, this and this and this about that court.
And somebody would ask me, what is your opinion on that? Being able to say what I mean without being like, without being like, um, kind of like, uh, attached to what the other person said that was like that type of person for me, [00:42:00] um, that was varied. And also in seminars, if people come like, I want, like still, I want that, I want that everybody leaves with as much value as possible.
Um, but I'm not, I'm not changing my core beliefs. Um, in dog training and in teaching. So if you don't like that, um, and you're more than happy to go to somebody and I would even recommend you somebody. Um, but my te like, you know, like our belief stays the same and I'm like learning the confidence to express that and to go for that.
That was my most critical, I would say.
Christoffer Endresen: Yeah. So being firm on your own principles, despite others' opinions basically. Yeah. And sort of stand your ground. Yeah. And I guess
Max Sprinz: if we would like take that like into like a competition thing when you're like hose walking and [00:43:00] everybody says, oh my God, you have to do it this way here.
And you hear everybody talking, but you know, I can do it this way and it's better. And like, do your thing and learn. And even, even if it doesn't work out, learn why it didn't.
Christoffer Endresen: Yeah. And that brings us to very, um, interesting topic. Um, and that is making those decisions as at, at a course walk. Um, an interesting phenomenon there is that people see what other people are, are doing as a course walk. Yeah. And then they see more people doing that, and then they think that that is the solution.
But they're not taking into account that I have a different dog, I'm a different handler. Yeah. And they're not doing their things, but that them making a decision that seems like everyone else is making,
Max Sprinz: uh, and like I was just going to say, maybe there's like, um, you can take such advantage if you think outside the box in these [00:44:00] moments.
Christoffer Endresen: Yeah. Because suddenly you make a different, take a different decision, uh, do a different handling, and then you get 0.3 seconds more. That's sufficient. Yeah.
Max Sprinz: Awesome.
Christoffer Endresen: Yeah, it's, I, what comes to my mind is, is really about how we humans are as, as a, um, as a social animals. And there's a great video on YouTube, um, where a woman walks into a waiting room for, I think it's a doctor or a dentist, and then every time they hear a ping, everyone gets up from their chair and stands for two seconds and then sits down.
And what she doesn't know is that everyone else in the room are actors. And then yes, oh, and then she starts to follow the group, and then one by one of the actors are going out, and then new people are coming in that aren't in the game, and they [00:45:00] keep following. And suddenly you have the waiting room sitting with people that have no idea why they're getting up when they hear the hear the ping sound.
And that, that can often happen with people. And, but if you ch if you choose to go your own way, you might have a different outcome as well. Um, that could potentially be better in many cases. And going to that, you decided as at a very, very young age, um, I think many people also consider both of us still very young.
Um, but you decided that you wanted to pursue agility not just as a handler, but also as a, as an instructor or, or a coach. And that gave, it sort of had its own set of struggles. 'cause I know that you've been driving a lot, a lot in your car to go to different places. Yes. So how did you [00:46:00] manage to com? Like what was the effort that you had to put in as a coach and how do you manage to combine that as being a a, a handler?
Max Sprinz: Um, so I would say it's still a learning process. Um, and I, I, I have the feeling that it might never like be done like in some way because it's always like a journey. Um, yeah. So I've been driving just like to get you like a, like an overview in the last two years because I just, my car died so I know exactly for all the two years that I have had one.
Um, I drove 88,000 kilometers on it in two years and basically only for teaching and the big events, um, which is like as a German, an insane amount of kilometers to drive
Christoffer Endresen: 88,000 kilometers divided [00:47:00] by two years, which gives you an average of 44,000 kilometers per per year.
Max Sprinz: Yes. And now like figure, figure out how much time that was in a part.
Um, yeah. And like when I started getting like all of the invitations from the seminars for me, like it was completely clear that I'm gonna follow that and I'm gonna do as much as I can. Um, and like I was just willing to sacrifice my own agility a little bit, um, to get my feet at the door into the cheating world.
Um, so I've been like traveling a lot. In the beginning I didn't even have a driving license. Um, so like I was, got a plane by train, whatever, um, at one point with a car. Um, and I would teach and at some points I would, um, I would go and I would like, um, bring my dogs. [00:48:00] Um, I, I very quickly learned that, um. If I would going to like, make, like, uh, teaching the priority right there, um, I have to take, like, I have to take that in consideration when I take dog and train them, uh, because I'm a different person.
If I've been teaching a delivery for eight hours straight, I'm a different person after that. Um, not in a bad way. I'm just, um, not as, um, like, you know, energetic. Like, there's so much, like I, I would call myself, like I'm a very creative person when I train my dog. Um, very intuitive. Um, so that's lost after eight hours.
So I can teach like knowledge and skills and stuff, but I'm not gonna handle a lot after. And occasionally I would do that on purpose to prepare if I'm a situation like in Portugal this year. [00:49:00] So I have to fight through and I need to perform anyway. Um, but that can't be like my daily. Um, so at one point I decided that I need to fall in love with like, finding the balance in that because I love both.
I love and I love like teaching people. Um, so, but it's been like a huge struggle. Maybe like, honestly looking back, maybe that's even one of the most struggles, um, to find the balances between giving to others. Um, also like taking and using the time for me and my dog. That is very, very difficult thing.
And I'm like, I'm getting much better at it because, um, like I've made rules with myself of how to do that. Um, because I know in the end if somebody that I know asked me, oh, can you speak two more days to teach after [00:50:00] that competition? I would, I would say yes, because number one, I like teaching. And number two, it's also my proof income.
Um, of course. And then there's, there goes another two days of where I could have done something with my dogs. Um, yeah.
Christoffer Endresen: Yeah. But I think that it is a challenge and, um, agility is not a, even though I would say you're, you're a professional athlete in agility, there's no money connected to competitions necessarily.
It's very few. There are some, but it's, you can't make a living of competing at those two competitions, basically. Sadly, sadly. But then again, it's, it's, if you want to, to, to do this full time, it also, it has its consequences being, um, an instructor as well. It takes energy. Yeah.
Max Sprinz: For sure. [00:51:00] And I feel like it's a very d like different type of job.
And I think a lot of people who only go to training, um, they don't know what it takes from the person standing in the middle. Um, so I've always like had this talk with Ramona, um, like she has a normal job. She's doing more teething now. And like, she would always not like, but she would understand. But she, she had a hard time to understand that if I come back from the seminar in somewhere in the world flying back, and when I come back home the next day, um, you know, I kind of wanna go on a walk alone with my ear cuts in and be in my own world.
Um, she would be like, why We didn't see each other for like five days. Um, and I'm like, I'm sorry, my, like my social battery is completely drained because I've been focused. Creative and [00:52:00] supportive for four days of at least eight hours. Um, and I, you know, your training should also be like a fun area, but in the end it's uh, like if you come to a seminar of mine, you're not coming to like do one to three and say hi, drink a coffee, coffee.
Um, you know, so I mean, you can, but that's not the purpose of it. Um, so in the end, I came back home and I am like, I need at least like a day if I want to recharge. And I would say for like three years, I really didn't have that way. I just pushed through for three years straight.
Christoffer Endresen: Yeah. And that drains over time.
Max Sprinz: Exactly. Yeah. It's, it drains me and it's like, uh, it's a sacrifice that people don't see so much, I guess. Um, yeah, and that probably it's also like I'm. I'm the person who would be [00:53:00] like, I'm gonna push through. Like, I can do this. Like, why shouldn't I? Um, so maybe that's also a problem sometimes. Um, but I'm, you know, I'm getting better at reflecting.
So I guess, um, that was a good combination at the end.
Christoffer Endresen: We, we talked a lot about the struggles, but there came a breakthrough, but, uh, what was the breakthrough for you? When was it, and why? Why do you consider that your breakthrough?
Max Sprinz: Mm-hmm. So I would say probably the moment that I qualified, like German tryouts are insanely intense.
Um, and when I went with Bäx and I won the overall tryouts, Germany en large, which is the most difficult category, um, which was also his first year trying out, um. That was the moment where I was like, [00:54:00] alright. I think, um, I think we have have the potential and I think we're on the right way to do it.
Christoffer Endresen: Yeah. And I remember this was my first European open that was in 2019 in Netherlands, uh, which was hotter than Portugal this year. Uh, and we, nobody was, uh, prepared for it. But I remember, uh, at the closing ceremony and also during the, the whole event, uh, Ailey would say, look at this guy. Pay attention to this guy.
Um, he's gonna be something I know for sure. Uh, and how old were you back then? Uh, were you 19, 18, 19 years old?
Max Sprinz: Yes, 19.
Christoffer Endresen: 19. Yeah. And I remember you standing on the podium there. Um, I can't remember if it was for team or, or individual, but I, yeah. Pay attention to this guy. Uh, for sure. And since then it's been [00:55:00] quite a journey.
Max Sprinz: Yeah. Honestly, it's been really like, yeah, I would say that was the breakthrough moment. Um, um, but also, um, actually that came with a struggle, um, like backing that up, um, in two ways. Number one, um, I don't want to be a one dog wonder person. Um, and also like, I don't wanna be the guy who was here two times now, you know, I want, you know, I wanna keep doing this because I love these events.
So these events are, um, like the reward for everything you do, um, are these big events To me personally.
Christoffer Endresen: Yeah. Yeah, I agree. And it's, um. It's your opportunity to really show the effort you put in, in, in advance, [00:56:00] basically. Yeah. To test and see how well, how well did we prepare.
Max Sprinz: I was just like thinking that, um, it's like the change of my ambition. Um, it kind of changes every year and I've, like, I had a talk with a friend who's, um, the type of like, you know, you have these people who are like 100% honest, even if you don't want, um, you, you know her, Kathleen with Reese and she's my best friend, like along the whole way.
Like she's been training with me in that little garden with everything. Um, and she's so honest that sometimes I have to like, ignore her opinion because I believe I can do this anyway. Um. But she's grounding me again, and I, I would like, I had a conversation with her about how every year I feel like, like [00:57:00] we have at least one conversation of what I'm thinking is gonna happen now and what is gonna be next and stuff.
Um, and she's always gonna be like, yeah, but this is, and she does believe in me and she always keeps pushing, don't get me wrong. Um, but she shows me all of the things that need to be done in order to do that, which is great. Um, yeah, so I realized during that talk that it changed every year. So it's just every year it's like, in the beginning it was like, I wanna go to these big competitions.
Then it was like, I wanna back up on European, the facts. Um, then it was like, um, like Remix is like, she's such talented dog. I can't let her go to weight. Stuff like that. Like, there's so many things that go on. Um, and maybe if you put that into like, um, if I look back and if I would've known more [00:58:00] like 10 years ago, I think some of the starters would've been so much easier because I know that this is not going to change the world.
It's gonna be amazing when it works. Um, but tomorrow I go in the supermarket and nobody knows me. So I can be who I am and I can do my best and I have to be happy with that. With that.
Christoffer Endresen: Yeah. Yep. One point that you touched on there is that if I were to go back and deal with the things, uh, that I consider as a struggle, back in the days, it wouldn't be a struggle.
And I agree with that. Yeah. But it, it says a lot about that you're not the same person today that you were back then. Yeah. And like for your personal growth, what has agility meant to you? To develop you as a person. I'm, I'm very interested to, to hear your take on that.
Max Sprinz: Yeah. I think in like lots of ways.
I think, um, [00:59:00] number one, being a natural people pleaser, it taught me how not to do that too much. Um, also, how do I, like, I always have the intention to create a fair environment that's like my, like I want that, that every, everybody feels like value. Um, so how can you communicate with people? So my communication skills, my emotional, the availability to whatever that like in different relationships, friendships, coachings, whatever, um, is like, uh.
Changed so much and improved so much. I feel like I can make way more impact on people that come to training because of that. Um, and on like a really, really personal thing, um, it taught me that like, believing in myself, never wrong. [01:00:00] Um, and like I, I guess if you, if if you listen to me for like, talking about the last 10 years, it's kind of like this journey of hard work pays off, which is true and struggles.
They, you know, you get through them and stuff like that. But before that then I was like, maybe like 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15. And targets were really big struggles. Um, I was, I was not talking like I'm talking now, like, um, I had this feeling that always kept me going. Um. There were moments where I was like, oh my God, is that all worth it?
Um, you know, like, is that really what I want? I don't know. I had doubt. Um, it changed my core belief in myself and what I can do. Um, yeah, and basically, basically how, like how much we can learn from dogs. I love dogs.
Christoffer Endresen: [01:01:00] Yeah. It's, uh, it's fantastic. And, and that brings me to the next question. Like what, what has your dogs or one of your dogs taught you that a human could never do?
Max Sprinz: Hmm, that's a good one. Um, I would say like, but maybe a human could do it. No human can comfort me in the way that, so, um, taking care of them, going on a walk with. That grounds me so well, and that gives me so much peace. Um, and talking about make and material patient
Christoffer Endresen: Yeah. Patience is in, uh, that's, uh, that's important. I, it's funny how many of the people that I talk to is that their first dog is the one that teaches them patience. Yeah.
Max Sprinz: Also, like, in [01:02:00] all fairness, I guess if I would've, like, if I would've been a better dog trainer by that dog trainer by then, um, it would maybe be a different story.
But we learn together. And, um, so I'm, I'm always grateful for that because, um, with every dog I learn so much more. Um, and I'm always like, I always have the intention to give them whatever they need back. Um. It creates this, I don't know, like they have no expectation. They're just grateful for what they get.
Um, and that's so wholesome. And I, I try to take that as an example. Like if I, like, if I can give, um, it will come back to me eventually in some other way, you know, might be too spiritual for some people, but I believe it's,
Christoffer Endresen: yeah, you can, you can call it karma and, um, what you give is what you get. [01:03:00] And, um, and that also goes back to, to perfectly into a different topic.
And that is, you, you changed the game a little bit. You've been traveling around now in Germany, uh, different places, uh, holding, uh, coaching sessions or seminars and so on, and then competing on these big competitions. But, um. You and I changed the game a bit. Uh, I remember it so well. When still was the secret.
You said at Christopher, I want to tell you something.
We are going to collaborate with, uh, Susan Garrett, me and Enya Hobel. And uh, and how's that been for you? That's been, I cannot, I rem remember when you said it and I was just thinking your life is going to to change in so many ways.
Max Sprinz: Mm.
Christoffer Endresen: It's not gonna come for free. We, we know that for sure, but how has it changed for you?
Max Sprinz: I, I have to start off with saying that [01:04:00] I've never met a person, um, that has such a unique and inspiring brain as Susan. Um, she's really one of a kind person is such a kind art. Um, so. When we collect with her, like when she asks us if that be an option for us. Um, and we like talked about how that would be and how we could like have way more people than we can do right now.
Um, 'cause time is limited, but if it's, if online there's no limitation. Um, but of course you need to create something. Like we wanted to create something very unique. Um, and the journey has been like so, so, so rewarding. Um, um, it's also been hard exclamation mark. The hours, the time that we've [01:05:00] put in, um, is really like, I like, it's like a lot.
Uh, lemme tell you that. Um, but it's like, it's worth it a thousand times because number one, it grew, I believe all of us. Like even the OG Susan Garrett, um, could take things from that. Um, and I did for sure, and I know that, I know Annie did for sure. Um, and we grew so much as like a, like a team, like communicating as a team, work as a team, um, looking at way different perspectives.
So, um, yeah, and we had two big, uh, shoots, um, of like morning eight till evening nine or 10. Uh, somebody was straight out in front of the camera. Um, and it's been such a creative thing to do, but also such an, like a structure wise thing. And [01:06:00] like I could have never imagined how big, like the background of everything could be to make it as amazing as it is now.
Um. So that's like my experience for the program itself. Um, how it, how it worked. Um, my life changed in the following way that, um, I'm sitting here in my office, um, much more. Um, and I'm doing a lots of any, and me, we're a lot with the team, a lot doing behind the scenes of, um, learning how all of the things work together, which is great and cool.
Um, and we learn a lot. Um, yeah. And that's like a different, and of course like lots of, um, reviewing the video, we're still like, we're not done with all the lessons throughout the year because there's like three to five lessons a week for a [01:07:00] full year. Um, imagine how much video time that is, um, and. Yeah, like, we're still like, we're way ahead.
So everybody who's listening, who's, don't worry, you don't have to miss out on your content. Um, but we're not fully done with like the perfect cuts because it takes a village, honestly. Um, it's not just one person who does it and then it's out. Um, there's lots to do. And, um, yeah, that changed for me completely because that means that I can have way more time at home with Ramona, with my dog.
Um, and I'm still teaching them live. Um, but also mainly the people around our circle who work here and, um, and then prioritize who are in our program because that elevates even more. If you are in that program and you come to a private, um, like you can take so much more out of it. [01:08:00] Um, and usual person comes to the training because you already know all of the core values.
Um. It's like creating more and more. Um, yeah, it's, it's been insane.
Christoffer Endresen: One of the things that, um, I wrote in my book is a formula for change. And that is having, the formula is vision times, um, uh, dissatisfaction times system, times belief. And one of the things that I really like about what you're doing now together is that, um, I think a lot of people out there have a vision.
They have big dreams. They might not be confident to say it out loud to people, but they know it within, um, they look at the current situation. They know that that is not congruent with the vision. So that creates dissatisfaction and there, but you needed two other ones and you need a system. And going back to when you were young, you didn't have a system [01:09:00] necessarily, you just started with what you had.
Today it's totally different because you can actually get access to a system and sort of have mentors that gives you a lot more speed faster and much more results. You still have to put in the work though, but you, you get more return of the work because you don't have to figure out the way. Sure. And then that instills belief as well.
Um, and, and that's, that's really what I, I sort of push towards people. I find that system, and you talked about that as well. You have your training system and how important is that for you?
Max Sprinz: Yeah, that's, that's, I think that's the most important thing. And, um, I, like, I've been a per, like, I've went through all of these struggles, creating my idea.
Enya went through her struggles, creating her ideas. Susan went through even more because she's way more experienced already. And also she, like in that tiny [01:10:00] thing, um. Hiding punishment training for years. Um, true reinforcement based dog training. Um, and now three people who are successful in this sport, um, with the intention of positive dog training joined together to create our experience.
Um, so to create the best experience because there's always gonna be like, I have a different experience than Enya has or than Susan has. Um, but all of that combined creates a program that is suitable for everybody. Um, and like whatever struggle you have, there's like nothing in there that is not, there's like everything is in there for you to have like that.
Um, you can feel. I get really excited about this program because I feel like we can help so many people. Um. [01:11:00] You just have to trust. You have to trust them, and then nothing is gonna be in your way anymore.
Christoffer Endresen: Yeah. And you can also take in, in your own pace, um, and adjust it to your dog so you can sort of tailor it to an individual process as well.
And I think it's very unique that you collaborate because there's a principle called Triangulate, um, which is done to make good decisions. And I think that you're, you're a triangulated, uh, team that pushes push, you push each other, uh, and you, you challenge each other, which then creates the best outcome for the people that are in that community and, and on those courses.
And, um, in terms of, I know that it's limited when you can get access to it, but can you sort of give us a hint on when, when you're reopening for people to. [01:12:00]
Max Sprinz: Might be something happening after a big event this year that's gonna be happening. Not so, not, not so, not so far from it.
Christoffer Endresen: Very good. That's really cool. But in terms of your journey, um, now having your ping open, um, behind us were, you had a challenge because it was a big podium, but you were both on first and, and third place. First with Remix and third place with Style. Um, and you had, uh, with, with Make as well, which was his last championship, wasn't it?
Max Sprinz: Yeah, it was her last. Yes. Which,
Christoffer Endresen: uh, was very emotional for, for both you and Ramona. Um, and I got to witness it and it was fantastic to watch. Um, but what's, what's next on your journey now?
Max Sprinz: Yeah, a lot of things. Um. [01:13:00] Like huge, big future dreams. Um, yeah, so my goal for this year's AWC is kind of the one that I have every year.
Um, I want to perform as good as we can, um, with the potential we have. Um, and of course I would've loved to have Remix there. Um, but I'm so looking forward, it's gonna be, uh, Makes last two runs. I gave away her individuals food. I'm only gonna run her in teams and I'm gonna enjoy these two runs to the fullest.
I'm gonna give everything I have. I'm gonna be emotional after. I'm not gonna allow myself to think about the last three months before. Um, and I'm just gonna enjoy Style and I'm gonna enjoy the fact that I'm able to be there. And the moment I know myself, I'm gonna do all the work leading up to it. And once I'm there, um.
I know that [01:14:00] I'm, I'm gonna be able to perform because that's what I do. And, um, yeah, that's the, that's the closest goal. And then, let's see, at one point there's like few things in the future, visiting more countries on Saturday and flying through Australia for the first time. Um, yeah, lots of cool things.
Yeah. Big dreams. Yeah.
Christoffer Endresen: Very good. Thank you so much, max, for, for sharing your story. Um, I, I do believe, and I hope that people that are listening to this can relate to some of your story and then use that as motivation to continue to put in the struggle. Um, and if you want more information about, uh, the work that Max Enya and Susan are doing, where, where can they go to find more information about that?
Max Sprinz: Yeah, so you can just, um, actually you could just go to my Instagram. Um. You will find a link in the bio that you [01:15:00] can click to figure out more, um, or you just search, uh, Synergy Handing 360. Um, and then you will find way more information. Um, and also if you're like really, really curious, you just have to scroll a little bit back in my Instagram profile because there's lots of, uh, like there's live sessions that we've done on the topic of the programs.
Um, also like few little reels where you can see what the program is about. Um, yeah, so make sure you check that out. And my Instagram profile is, uh, max.
Christoffer Endresen: Thank you so much. And, and thank you Max for taking the time. Thank you for having me. It's been super cool. I hope you've enjoyed this week's episode with Max, and that you now have a deeper understanding of the work and the effort and the sacrifices he had to put in order to get to his level of performance.
And [01:16:00] I also hope that this episode inspires you, that you can relate to it and that it inspires you to put in the work so that you get to the level of performance you want to get to. Remember, you are the one that defines success for you and your dog, but it's also you that need to put in the work. And I hope that this podcast really fuels your tank so that you can put in more effort, better effort in striving for towards becoming a better trainer, a better handler, and hopefully a better dog owner.
We also talked about his collaboration with Susan Garrett and Enya Huble, and. In the show description, you will find the link to their next masterclass that will start on the 23rd of September after AWC. So go to the link description or the descriptions in the show notes and click on the link and you can sign up through their webpage there.[01:17:00]
And then you'll get all kinds of notifications so you don't miss it. Before that, we ha have the AWC that is happening in Sweden. So next week you will see Max there. I will attend and. I look so forward to see all the different teams go to see my old friends back at this big competition, this big event that we all look forward to every single year.
And I'm also going to put in the link in the show descriptions or show notes where you can watch the live streaming for this event. And with that to all the listeners, both the ones that are going to AWC and the ones that would probably watch on the live stream, have a wonderful week. Thank you so much for listening to this podcast.
It means a lot. Every time I see a new listener listening to these [01:18:00] podcasts, and then I see you next week.
