The new recruits

A meeting to open up the organisation to new candidates leaves some handlers disappointed, but three hopefuls progress to the next stage

- RUDI VAN KETS

A few years ago, we decided to try to boost our association’s membership. We had already received a few emails asking for information about our group, so at the association’s next board meeting, we formed a plan. We would reply to everyone who had contacted us and invite them to a practice session, where they could see the dogs taking the test that year. The meet-up would allow us to review the potential new applicants’ paperwork, explain our operation and answer any questions.

Before long, we had sent everyone who had shown an interest in the group an invitation to come to the meeting. We asked them to bring their dog and pedigree papers and to submit a motivation letter detailing why they were ideal candidates for the training programme.

Soon, the day of the meeting arrived. Steve, one of our board members, kicked off proceedings with a short introduction to our association and a brief explanation of how everything works. Next up was Koen, who spoke about the how and why of the group and the purpose of the tests. The invitees nodded along and seemed satisfied with what they were told. Koen then gave up the stage to some students who had an internship day. Again, everyone seemed to understand the information imparted, but there was a growing awkwardness among some of the attendees. Had they misunderstood the nature of our group? Did they think us too strict?

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