Festival proves a hit with the dogs

The North East Dog Festival has once again proved a huge hit with the dogs of the North East (and their owners). The event, sponsored by Durham Animal Feeds, saw thousands of owners and their dogs visit Northumberland College’s Kirkley Hall Campus in Ponteland, in what was a weekend that got many tails wagging.

Dogs of all shapes and sizes, ages and breeds enjoyed have-a-go activities in everything from gundog scurries to hoopers, flyball to parkour. Despite the damp weather on Saturday, thousands turned out to shop, play and have fun, with plenty winning some of the many rosettes on offer. The trainers and clubs running the have-a-go activities worked non stop throughout the day, some seeing over 200 dogs per day go through their individual areas. Some dogs were lucky enough to be crowned activity champions with prizes kindly sponsored by My Pet HQ.

The event also had three charity dog shows, including classes which were judged by Channel 5’s Yorkshire Vet, Peter Wright. Some classes saw in excess of 50 entries, meaning lots of money raised for their individual causes.

The display ring welcomed Alan Bradley from the Lake District Sheepdog Experience and also the Walworth Castle Birds of Prey whilst the demonstration ring welcomed Festival new comers; Scentventure, Rally and whippet racing. The Vets On The Meowve Wellness Marquee also welcomed fabulous speakers on a range of topics.

Festival Directors Dawn and Rebecca commented “This festival has been one of the biggest and best we’ve ever run, the weather didn’t put people off on the Saturday and Sunday was warm and sunny bringing huge crowds. Walking around and seeing everyone having a go at something with their dogs, and seeing those dogs happy and learning is why we do it. Many of the clubs and trainers said that they had recruited new members and this is what this festival is all about, bringing something new to the North East and giving people with their dogs an opportunity to learn and give new things a try. It was fantastic to see visitors leaving with rosettes, prizes and bags and bags of shopping with many food traders selling out on the Sunday. This event is a real team effort and we are extremely grateful to those who has supported us this year”

It is hoped the festival will run again in 2022 and dates will be released shortly.