The Learning Resource Center (LRC) conducted the first learning session of the Animal-Assisted Education (AAE) Seminar Series, which emphasized responsible pet ownership and dog competitions in the Philippines, on June 10, 2024, at the LRC Office.
Wency Villanueva, president of the Pembroke Welsh Corgi Association of the Philippines and founder of Arcobaleno Corgis, shared his experiences and insights as the owner, handler, and trainer of Dalbong, the first dog from the Philippines to win the Best of Breed and World Winner at the World Dog Show 2023 in Geneva, Switzerland.
Named after a fictional character from a Korean television series, Dalbong has been competing since he was three months old. Villanueva adopted him when he was nearly three years old, under the condition set by the former owner that he continue showcasing Dalbong around the world.
“Talagang magastos ang pagsali sa dog show, pero ‘yung kapalit po na pride at saya, at ‘yung bonding na nakuha niyo, na nakita kayo sa spotlight sa buong mundo, hindi po ‘yun mababayaran ng halaga, kahit one million,” he said.
He said that it took him a year to develop a bond with Dalbong. “Lagi kaming pumupunta ng mall, bonding every morning, at bago matulog, proper training. At tsaka ‘yung pagbibigay ng mga gusto niyang food kasi sa pamamagitan noon, nakukuha ko ‘yung loob niya, at nakikita niya na we are good people, na kaya natin siyang alagaan.”
Villanueva recommended maintaining pets’ overall health by giving them the proper diet, scheduling regular health tests and vaccinations, socializing them in different environments, and spending quality time.
Villanueva also reminded the session attendees to avoid pet burnout from training, which can lead to a lackluster performance in the ring.
“Ang goal dito sa loob ng competition is pagpasok niyo ng ring, kailangan masaya ‘yung aso mo. ‘Pag hindi masaya ‘yung aso mo, it means may problem siya. May iniinda or bored na, pagod, or baka ayaw niya sa ginagawa niya. So kailangan ‘yung competition at training, at ‘yung lifestyle namin together, balanced lang po,” he said.
Villanueva described his experience at the World Dog Show 2023 as his “best moment” with Dalbong but added that he will always treasure every day they spend together as their best day.
“Dito sa dog show, mas naintindihan ko na hindi pala sila hayop talaga, para silang tao. Dito ko natutunan na dapat intindihin ‘yung emosyon at ‘yung mga gestures ng dogs at dapat magkaroon ng communication sa kanila. Mas naintindihan ko gaano ‘yung pagmamahal na pwedeng ibalik sa atin ng dogs.”
As five-year-old Dalbong is set to retire this year, he will become Villanueva’s “furever pet” while he works to produce a new world champion through responsible breeding.
“Ang pagiging pet owner at ang pagsali sa dog competition, magkadugtong naman ‘yan eh… But the most important po, for us to be able to reach ‘yung ganitong goal natin, or gusto natin maging successful ‘yung dog natin sa ganitong larangan, number one is to trust them,” he said.
He also encouraged attendees to foster a passion and devote resources to animal welfare and a love of pets as lifelong companions.
“Maraming tao na dadaan sa life mo, na makikilala mo at iiwanan ka, pero ang dogs, hanggang kaya nilang mabuhay, nasa tabi mo lang sila,” he said.
The AAE Seminar Series is part of LRC’s AAE Program, which is implemented in partnership with the UPLB BARKada at CATropa Animal-Assisted Intervention (AAI) Program of the Office of the Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs.
Dr. Maria Catalina T. de Luna, AAI Program proponent and trainer, and Joshua Michael G. Jonas, AAI Core Team member and LRC university research associate, facilitated the session. LRC Fur Staff and therapy dog-in-training Bobbi also socialized with the participants.
LRC and the AAI Team regularly facilitate interactions between “pawtner animals” and students to help them improve their mental well-being and academic performance.