Hundeplatz at Kincaid Park
by Kathy Carmen
The Hundeplatz at Kincaid Park is very important to me. Hundesport or Schutzen is a European dog sport. The dogs, usually German Shepherds, are trained in the foundation work for search and rescue. Although many people may not have heard of this sport, there is a decent size Hundesport community in Anchorage, and the Hundeplatz is used pretty much every night of the week.
The Hundeplatz has been at Kincaid for 15 years. Because there is a lot of barking, and the fact that the dogs have a harder time staying focused when other dogs are around, the isolated setting we have at Kincaid is very important to us. We haven't had to fence the premises, which leaves us with a beautiful setting for the sport.
I originally got into Hundesport because I had a German Shepherd, and thought it would be interesting. It's been really nice over the years seeing my daughters get involved as well. This sport is a true family sport for my family, since everyone, including the dog, is involved.