Weekend fun for dog lovers
 Story and photo by ESTHER CHANDRAN
Metro, 7 Dec 2007

THE weekend will be one filled with fun for dog lovers in Seri Kembangan as the inaugural Dog Sport and Working K9 Carnival 2007 takes place at SRJK (C) Serdang Baru 1 in Seri Kembangan. 

The two-day event, organised by the Residents Committee for Zone 29 and the Selangor Working Dog Club (SWDC), aims to promote a healthy, active lifestyle and responsible dog ownership among dog owners. 

Seri Kembangan assemblyman Datuk Liew Yuen Keong said the carnival would expose dog owners to the correct training and handling of dogs, specifically large and working breeds such as the German Shepherd, Belgium Shepherd (Malinois), Doberman and Rottweiler, among others. 

Event coordinator S.K. Choy said the Dog Agility Competition would be held at 5pm on Saturday, while the Schutzhund and BH Obedience Competition (8am to 10am) and Schutzhund Protection Competition and Working K9 Demo (4pm to 7pm) will be held on Sunday. 

From 10am to 4pm on Sunday, dog owners can attend a seminar on dog sport and working canines or try out the agility equipment at the playground for dogs. 

SWDC director Richard Ho said the agility trials were similar to the equestrian sport of show jumping. 

“The show will test the speed, agility and accuracy in completing a course of obstacles with the handler handling the dog. 

Especially for dog lovers: The Residents Committee for Zone 29 and Selangor Working Dog Club with Liew (sixth from left) holding a banner to promote the Dog Sport and Working K9 Carnival 2007.

“It will be divided into two categories, for small and big dogs,” he said, adding that about 40 dogs would take part in the show. 

Schutzhund (protection dog sport) is a test to evaluate the training of dogs in the areas of obedience and protection. 

Coordinator Michael Leong said participating working dogs would be put through a series of disciplines such as obedience, retrieving an object, defense and bite work exercises. 

He said Schutzhund training required dogs to have a healthy mind and body, to be safe around people and to be obedient and reliable. 

“Schutzhund trained dogs make good pets as well,” Leong said, adding that the first Asian judge, Phumithat P. from Thailand, who was qualified to judge Schutzhund competitions, would judge the event. 

Choy said members of the public could bring their pets to try out the agility equipment at the show. 

For details, call 013-388 9366 or 012-234 6846.