Four-legged friends put their best foot forward at Run for Fun: “It’s hard work”

The fact that the agility competition for dogs is held in Benningbroek is special, because there are hardly any competitions for four-legged friends in West Friesland or even in North Holland. Most are organized in North Brabant and Limburg. There are several dog schools that do agility in West Friesland.

“Almost any dog ​​can do this,” says Herma Verspuij, one of the organizers of Run for Fun. “With some dogs it is really not possible for health reasons, such as a dachshund. If he is very tall and has to climb a fence, it is almost impossible.” According to Herma, very large or heavy breeds are also not the best dogs for agility competitions.

Kooikers

During the competition in Benningbroek, many border collies, Australian shepherds, shelties and Kooikers participate. “It is the first time that we have really seen many cagers. You don’t see them that often at other events.” Yet they are very suitable dogs for agility, says the co-organizer. Although a visitor adds: “But they can also be very stubborn.”

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To participate in a competition, you must first take lessons with your dog. “It really takes a while before you master all the equipment,” says Herma. “The debutants have easier equipment than other classes.”

These four-legged friends literally and figuratively have a nice stepping stone. “It’s all to make it easier for the dog and to get used to such a competition and the stimuli that come with it.” There are three classes in this competition: the debutants, the first class and the open class.

‘Breathless’

Although the four-legged friends are the big stars and have to do their utmost, their owners are also challenged quite a bit. “It’s very hard work,” says one of the dog owners. “But that gives a very good feeling, even though I’m out of breath.”

A second added: “If you succeed, you will have a lot of fun together. But it is hard work, yes. I am often quite out of breath.”

Satisfied four-legged friends

If the Run for Fun is a success, it will be organized more often, says Herma. As co-organizer, she can already look back on a successful day. “Today I only see happy faces, good messages and especially happy dogs. That’s exactly what it’s meant for.”