Flushed dog owners at Zwolse Dog show

By Hilde Tromp

17 september 2006  Zwolle

what happens in a hot late summer weekend when you put 2400 four footed animals together with hundreds of fanatical dog owners in one spot?
Not the dogs, but the dog owners are in a mad fit.

Last weekend there was a enormous interest in the dog show organized at the Zwolse IJsselhallen. Visitors were surrounded by noisy barking and had to be careful not to stumble over pimped dogs. The foundation SOHZ (foundation dogs exhibition) organized fo the sixth time this big international dog show. Not only were the dogs being inspected, they could also undergo a behaviour test. While waiting, visitors could walk down many stands which were present.

One of the visitors, liesa willems from belgium, attract attention by wearing her beautiful pennant. Here dog, a Welsh Springer Spaniel, won the first price in the male dog category. With conviction she tells us that her dog Peppo is a well-know dog in the dog world. “Peppo is already Dutch Champion”. Winning the first prize Liesa doesn’t complain. Her parents are nothing but enthusiastic about the organization of this dog show. The organisation, however, are really annoyed by the fact that many dog owners fly off the handle against inspectors. Co-worker Marie-Jose thinks that the heat plays an important role.  ‘’ People  are immediatly irritaded”. She feels sorry for the inspectors who came from far and near and had to cope with some annoying dog owners.

Unluckly, the organization didn’t have any influence on the mood of the dog owners. What they could do, was to test the kindness of the pets. Visitors could sign in their dog for a so called MAG test(social  acceptable behaviour). Gaby Boekelder signed her dog in. Her american stafford, known for his aggressive behavior, was tested. The dog was confronted with a doll and loud noises . “The result was that my dog had a good and sweet character; something i already know” Gaby said. Inspector Rob Bouwman explains that many dog owners are afraid to do the MAG test for their dog. “They don’t like it when their dog is being critized.

It is obvious that Gaby Boekelder isn’t afraid to let her dog do the MAG test. She hasn’t got any reason to complain because her dog did an excellent behaviour test and had a third place in the inspection.