AGILITY IN ATHENS 2003

Having returned from Helsinki a few days before, I was once more flying over Europe to Athens to work with Yiannis Arahovitis founder of StarDogs Positive Training (www.stardogs.gr), who I have worked closely with for almost a year now.

I found it particularly rewarding to see the amazing progress the dogs and handlers had made since my last visit in November, bearing in mind that there was no knowledge of these dog sports in that part of the world, nor any equipment available to them a year ago.  With incredible ingenuity these dog enthusiasts had managed to build all their own equipment (including a rigid tunnel!) and were even able to give an agility demonstration at a big indoor show.

The Greek audience were absolutely amazed to see the dogs going through tunnels, over jumps, through tyres, and over dog-walks as most of the population see dogs either as a nuisance (the State is well known for leaving poison to rid themselves of the "noisy vermin" and so many pet dogs and strays die in long and excruciating agony), or chained up to guard their property.   The audience were struck by the enthusiasm and intelligence of the different kinds of dogs that were in the display (many of which had been street dogs) and were keen to learn more about these new, positive and above all kind training techniques.

Although Greece is far behind Britain in its treatment and attitude towards dogs, these pioneering dog handlers are helping not only their dogs enjoy working as part of a partnership, they are showing their fellow countrymen that dogs and humans can live a far more harmonious life together.

As well as doing various agility training sessions in the beautiful surroundings of an orange grove (but very bitter wind - hence the warm coats!) I also gave a talk to various dog trainers on the Give Your Dog A Bone Diet (based on the book by Dr Ian Billinghurst), and took part in a Web Chat with dog owners and trainers from various parts of Greece (luckily it was in English!). Also the Greeks love to dance and party and I was feted and looked after to such a degree that I came home an awful lot heavier than when I went out (and the luggage as well!).

I look forward to returning, perhaps later this year, to give further help and advice and also promote DOG-GAMES in Greece.

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