By Mark Laker
Agility Team GB dogs and handlers looked strong, fit and well prepared for the challenging courses this years European Open (EO) presented. We came home with a silver medal in the team relay final, a class win in the medium individual agility and overall top medium dog. This was a fantastic result for the team.
This years championships attracted over 800 dogs from 37 countries. The attendance grows each year establishing the EO as one of the top FCI competitions. All the current FCI World Champions attended and the competition builds over the three days to a thrilling Sunday final.
Thanks to the ongoing support from our sponsors particularly CSJ, Streamz and First Contact, Agility Team GB were able to send one of our largest teams this year, 25 dogs across all three height categories. The team was selected from this years squad of 50 dogs who have trained and prepared together since December.
As Team Manager I’m very proud for the opportunity to work with these top handlers and support them as they compete with the best in the world. The Coaching team work tirelessly in the background helping prepare the dogs and handlers with their course skills, fitness, mental preparations, strategy and game plan. Coming home with medals and class wins makes all the preparations and practice worthwhile.
I’d like to acknowledge all the support CSJ provide the team over the course of the year. This enables us to help prepare the team and send a strong coaching team to the championships.
Mark Laker
Agility Team GB Team Manager
