DOGS of all shapes and sizes, and their two-legged companions, will be descending on Berkshire (or should we say Barkshire?) this weekend for an brand new celebration of all things dog.
DogFest 2016, a two-day fun-filled festival for dogs, takes place at Windsor Great Park on Saturday and Sunday, featuring everything your canine companion could wish for.
Hosted by the star of Channel 4’s Supervet, Professor Noel Fitzpatrick, the event will see thousands of dogs from all the south take part in demonstrations, agility competitions and grooming sessions, while their owners browse stalls and listen to interesting talks on all aspects of their dog’s life.
Tickets are: Adults £14 in advance, £17.50 on the door; Children £8 in advance, or £12 on the door; Students and Seniors (60+): £10 in advance, £14 on the door; Family ticket (2 adults, 2 children) £36 in advance. Parking is free. For more informationa nd to book tickets visit www.dog-fest.co.uk.
10 Things to do at DogFest
1 Make New Friends
DogFest is the best place in the UK for your canine to make new friends. Last year over 13,000 dogs came to DogFest in Cheshire, so your pooch is bound to make new furry friends of all shapes and sizes! Compare notes with other owners and let your dog play all day with the masses at what is set to be the biggest and best DogFest yet.
2 See Supervet Noel Fitzpatrick on the Main Stage
Make sure you catch Professor Noel Fitzpatrick on the Eukanuba Supervet Live Tour. This live show will give a unique insight into a day in the life of the Supervet himself, and you’ll also be able to bark your questions loud and clear in the Q&A. Noel will also share the incredible stories of the other animals he has treated at Fitzpatrick Referrals and the cutting edge surgery he is pioneering. Not to be missed!
3 You Can Teach an Old Dog New Tricks
From the basics in puppy training to breaking the habits of golden oldies, everyone is welcome at the Hill’s School 4 Dogs, where even the most disobedient of dogs can become top pupil! With a programme of events designed to teach top training tips, come along and take part in the interactive sessions, or get inspired watching performances from some of the UK’s most entertaining canines.
4 Dive In and Have a Go!
From Dog Diving to Flyball and new activities including Lure Racing and Hay Bale Racing, there is plenty to bark about! Take your pup over to the Have-A-Go Agility Ring where you’ll find an obstacle course fully equipped with jumps, tunnels, hurdles and frames – no need to book for these activities, just turn up and get stuck in.
5 Join The Great Dog Walk
Twice a day, Noel will also start The Vets4Pets Great Dog Walk – the perfect opportunity for your dog to have a sniff around the beautiful grounds of Windsor Great Park. This year, DogFest has teamed up with Battersea Dogs Home (Windsor) and Manchester Dogs Home (Cheshire) as charity partners as well as The Humanimal Trust, so you can get your friends and family to sponsor your walk and raise some money for the less fortunate dogs across the country.
6 Become Top Dog
It’s all about fun competitions in the all-new Top Dog Ring, with prizes for everything from Loveliest Lady to Dog with the Waggiest Tail! Sign your dog up for a chance to come out on top and take a rosette home – they’ll be the pride of the park!
7 The Weigh-In
Royal Canin’s Weight Management Team will be on hand offering free Pet Healthy Weight checks to all dogs; the perfect opportunity to find out if yours is at the ideal weight or if they need to lay off the biscuits for a while! Owners can gather essential advice and information on keeping your dog in tip top shape – they’ll thank you later…
8 Watch and Learn from the Experts
This year will see a jam-packed programme of events in the Drontal Advantage Main Activity Ring. Come and join the crowds for a celebratory bark at amazing performances including the K9 Conquest dog display teams, a hilarious duck herding display, Flyball and much more!
9 Shop ‘Til You Drop
With dozens of stands and stalls or you to peruse and buy from, make sure you plan in some time to upgrade to a new toy, get ahead of the trends with stylish new jacket or a delicious snack for the ride home. Owners take note – you’ll be spoilt for choice if you’re looking to treat your four legged friend.
10 Chill Out and Put Your Paws Up
After a day of exploring, meeting friends and your dog digging in to everything on offer you’ll no doubt be ready to head to the ROYAL CANIN ® Chill Out Marquee for some much-needed doggy down-time. Leucillin will also be on-hand offering Dog Grooming and the Doggy Day Spa – a wellness centre to get up to speed on good skin health and a chance to ask the Leucillin experts- it’s all about giving your dog a glossy coat!
