26 november 2005: Our First Dutch Shepherd Day.

After a very succesful year for our kennel with as highlight AvanStien (Aron) taking part in the Dutch Championship Policedogs in s’-Hertogenbosch Phase objectguarding and Tessa taking part in the WorldChampionships working dog competition All Breeds in Breda we wanted to close this good year together. Also because we have bred several litters we thought it was a nice idea to organise a meeting for Dutch Shepherd lovers. Our goal was to watch the dogs together with all dog lovers. and also to have the possibility to exchange experiences in all levels of the dog sport, such as Agility, tracking dog, KNPV and IPO and so on. Everyone who has a Dutch Shepherd and wants to take part in some activity with their dog is welcome. Also there were people who, in the near future would like to have a Dutch Shepherd. They were able to ask their questions to several dog owners and could exchange thoughts about obtaining, raising and personal experience on the training.

Unfortunatly due to the bad weather circumstances several people had to cancel. People from France, who stranden in Breda on the 25th of November were forced to turn around and go back home. Some people from Belgium who did not want to risk to travel all the way to the north due to the weather circumstances. Very understandable. But still people came from the surroundings of Rotterdam, Amsterdam, Hoogeveen, Apeldoorn and several people from the province of Groningen.

AtEverybody was introduced to each .A cup of coffee or tea with a nice waffle to go with it. The initial conversation concerned of course the weather. After a welcome from Klaas and Jose Stienstra with the indication that due to the weather circumstances unfortunately many people had decided at the last moment not to come. Still thids did not spoil the fun for the 35 persons who came. The children played in the playpen. The parents sat in the canteen with each other whilst chattering. In the morning there was time for tracking and obedience, after this the food was ready and in the afternoon one could possibly start with defence.

Unfortunately due to sickness Jos Grave wasn't able to make it to this day. This man has clearly deserved his tracks in the Dutch Shepherd world and he would have judged the dogs on their exterior.

The day went great, everyone had a goodt time and the dogs did their best to show what they can. The feedback was very positive and they even spoke concerning a continuation of this. Also some ideas came forward that it would be time to organise a Nederlands Kampioenschap africhting IPO because the Dutch Shepherd breed is clearly taking a place in the africhtingswereld. It is nice to see so many very enthusiastic people with each other who have much fun with their dog on which area in the dog sport.

Let it be a reminder for the NHC that our Dutch breed thrives. With so much capacity to the good, healthy Dutch Shepherd it must be possible to organise a Dutch Championship. Not only on exterior but also for its' working quality and don't let our breed be tolerated but also see to it that the breed is recognised as a working dog all around the world.

Around 16.30 O'Clock the day came to an end and everyone returned to their homes. Next year we will organise such a day again and we hope that the weather wil be better.

Reception