Kang Hyung-wook requests cooperation for equestrian center rental to re-challenge world competition, "Will pay the costs"

Trainer Kang Hyung-wook, along with his companion dog Dagger, has requested cooperation from equestrian center officials to secure training space as they prepare for a re-challenge in a world competition. Recently, Kang revealed his training space, explaining the realistic constraints he faces and the importance of the training environment in the process of aiming for a prize in the world competition.

"Horses might get startled" Reasons why equestrian center rental is difficult and requests

Trainer Kang Hyung-wook stated that equestrian center space is desperately needed for the world competition preparation. Since the competition takes place at an equestrian center, training in an environment with horses is essential. However, he also expressed understanding regarding the difficulties domestic equestrian centers face in renting out training spaces.

In the video, Kang explained, "It is understandable that equestrian centers do not rent out space because if untrained dogs rush at or bark at the horses, the horses could get startled and injured." Accordingly, Kang conveyed his intention to use the space for 1 to 2 hours once a week or once a month under conditions where there are no horses, and he is willing to pay a fair price for the use. He promised to train while controlling the dogs so as not to harm the horses.

A third artificial turf training ground considering Dagger's ankle health

Kang revealed the details of the training space he put great effort into for Dagger's safe training. In particular, he stated that he was careful in selecting the flooring material for the ankle health of Dagger, a Malinois breed weighing over 30kg. In the first training ground, regular artificial turf was used, but he considered that it could put strain on the ankles due to Dagger's habit of slamming his paws hard onto the ground.

After experiencing failure in the second attempt, he has now settled by installing a third type of artificial turf that provides cushioning. Furthermore, to prevent situations where training is interrupted due to equipment failure, he showed thorough preparation by equipping multiple identical products, such as expensive Tugs (toys used for biting training) imported from Germany. In the rack shown in the video, there were Tugs worth 300,000 won imported from Germany and various products from the Fravo brand.

Goal for the world competition is within the top 80... "Success in ticketing is key"

Specific target figures for the world competition were also mentioned. This competition is of a very high level, and dogs that have passed German selection are expected to participate. Kang explained the high difficulty of the competition, saying, "Out of 200 dogs, 80 are dogs that have come through the German selection." He cited entering the top 80 as a realistic goal and mentioned the 50th rank as a dream ranking.

The method of participating in the competition is determined through ticketing. Kang stated that succeeding in the ticketing, which opens at 0:00 on January 1st, is the primary task. He also mentioned that at the competition venue, excessive cheering or noise from the audience may be restricted for the concentration of the dogs, adding that orderly viewing, such as clapping after the performance is finished, is necessary. "At competitions where animals appear, you just have to stay quiet," he said, requesting caution as the dogs might turn their heads during the performance.

Cooperation with trainers to strengthen professionalism

Kang mentioned that it is difficult to perform all training alone and said he is receiving help from various trainers. He said that several trainers, such as Director Bae in Siheung, Director Jang in Opo, and a Director in Jeju Island, are helping with the training, which allows him to continue training even when alone.

In particular, he showed efforts to increase professionalism by mentioning Director Lee Tae-won in Daejeon. Director Lee has previously recorded 10th place in a world competition and is an expert who has won numerous first places in world competitions through rescue dog training. Kang added that he is also considering receiving lessons from Director Lee.