After a break due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the traditional all-around competition with working dogs “Young Canine Handler” returned to Zaporizhzhia.
This year 16 young canine handlers took part in the competition. Children with dogs of different breeds take part in the championship: German Shepherd, Belgian Shepherd, Mestizo, Dachshund, Labrador and Beagle.
The competition program consisted of four types of exercises. The dogs, together with their owners, had to temporarily run a distance of one hundred meters, show the class on the obstacle course. Then the dogs demonstrated their skills in the general course of obedience. The animals followed the orders “sit!”, “down!”, “come!”, “heel!”, etc. The last stage in the competition was to complete the tasks of the special course: protection of things, selection of things, detention, etc.
Traditionally, the promoters were supported by “Zaporizhstal” Steel Works, which allocated money for the prize fund. All participants in the competition received cups and memorable gifts. In addition to prizes, young canine handlers were awarded in various nominations. The smallest participants of the championship received separate prizes.
– These competitions are a vivid example of how children can harmoniously and peacefully interact with animals, demonstrating their skills, developing discipline, skill and patience,” – said Sergey Samarskiy, head of the social sphere management at “Zaporizhstal” Steel Works. — This is a great competition. “Zaporizhstal” Steel Works will continue to support this championship for the development of cynology in Zaporizhzhia and the region.