A day for dogs
From tiny terrier to imperial Great Dane, dogs of all shapes and sizes were in attendance at Sri Lanka’s first ever Canine Carnival – ‘Unleash’ – organised by the Ceylon Kennel Club along with renowned Indian dog handler and canine behaviourist, Shirin Merchant, at Excel World last Sunday.
Making the leap: The carnival began with agility demonstrations
In addition to participants who came with their dogs, the carnival managed to attract a crowd of curious spectators, who sauntered in despite the gloomy weather outside.
The carnival began with agility demonstrations by a few dogs and trainers, after which owners and their dogs were invited to have a go themselves and even take a dip in the paddle pools.
This was a first for many of these dogs and while some, like the bigger dogs, struggled on the ramp, others took to it quite naturally.
“Agility is important in keeping dogs physically and also mentally active,” Shirin, who was behind the carnival’s concept told the Sunday Times.
“Most people think it’s enough to feed a dog and walk it regularly, but dogs are capable of so much more and sometimes can get frustrated if they’re bored.”
Shirin, who grew up in a household that loved dogs, was mentored by acclaimed canine behaviourist John Rogerson and says she fell into this career quite naturally.
Dog handler and canine behaviourist, Shirin Merchant
Although it wasn’t a very popular or viable career in India when she first started, “we have really developed over time,” said Shirin. “India, like Sri Lanka, is a multicultural and religiously diverse society so views on dogs often vary.
Some people like them and treat them well and some don’t. What’s important is educating people about dogs. We teach people how to react when you see a dog running towards you.”
Shirin also does a lot of work in schools, educating children about dogs and their behaviour. “I think we may have lost this current generation of adults, but there is hope for the next generation,” she said.
While not all the dogs may have excelled in agility, each got its moment in the spotlight when the doggy fancy dress parade hit the runway.
We loved the tutu adorned Rottweiler princess and pop-star pit bull rocking sunglasses and a sun bonnet, but Frank the bullmastiff took out first place for his stately strut and world-weary expression quite befitting his professorial getup.
However, the highlight of the evening for us was the dancing competition with dogs and owners clearly enjoying boogying, bopping and even waltzing to the likes of ‘Who let the dogs out’ and ‘Gangnam Style’.
“Bronto is enjoying himself way too much,” said Rasha Yusuf of her Great Dane who was at that moment busy barking at yet another passing dog.
Adorable: Tutu adorned Rottweiler princess
“I think this carnival is great because there aren’t really any places you can take your dog out to, except in your neighbourhood, but that’s not always safe because of stray dogs.”
“It’s great for my beagle pups because they’re very playful and really good for owners too,” said Chalana Buddika. “I hope there will be more such events in the future.”
With the carnival’s success under their belts, the Ceylon Kennel Club has other exciting plans lined up.
“Since this was the first time, we restricted it to dogs of a known breed, but we hope to expand Unleash and include activities for stray dogs in the future,” said the club’s president, Lucille Dahanayake.
Professorial getup: Frank the bullmastiff