European Open organizers and Galican react to criticism in social media

Last week, the organizers of the European Open 2022 in Opglabbeek, Belgium, announced that they plan to use Galican’s latest technology during the tournament. Specifically, this means the use of the Galican Soft Line contact zone devices. Compared to conventional contact zone obstacles, these have a new type of shock-absorbing structure under the rubber covering. Viewed from the outside, it is difficult to see. If you touch the surface, however, you can feel the cushioning, which should prevent or at least reduce long-term effects on the joints in dogs quite well. What sounds positive at first, also received criticism after the announcement in social media.

Various athletes reported that, among other things, the step sequence of the dog is a completely different than with conventional dogwalks from Galican, among others, due to the cushioning. The criticism is not aimed directly at the development of the new obstacles. This is welcomed by the majority. Rather, the use of them at this year’s European Open was questioned. Due to the different approaches of the dogs, the teams are disadvantaged, which do not have the opportunity to test the obstacles extensively beforehand. Galican has been selling the Soft Line contact zones for quite some time. However, they are not yet widespread.

The organizers have now reacted together with Galican. A post on Facebook showed understanding for the comments on social media. Still, they see the future in this development and stick to the decision. Nevertheless, they want to find a compromise for those who have doubts. Concrete this provides for an extra training session on Wednesday between 11 a.m. and 9 p.m. Teams that have not yet had any experience with the Galican Soft Line obstacles can train on five rings for 15 minutes per team (handler/dog). In addition to the contact zone devices, 6 jumps will be also available. The additional training is free – but should preferably be used by dogs that really have no experience with these obstacles. The registration for this must be made by the respective team leader of the country.

The usual training on Thursday remains almost untouched. In addition there will be also an additional ring in which the teams have the opportunity to train again. Like all the other rings, this is reserved for team training according to the previously determined schedule. With this middle solution, the organizers and Galican want to go with the future on the one hand, but on the other hand also understand the critical voices. According to the organizers, Galican made a major contribution to offering this solution.

Source: https://www.facebook.com/groups/383870845005713/permalink/5127595777299839/