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wellness

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The wellness area will provide visitors with a weekend packed with expect speakers covering a range of topics. You'll be able to enjoy and learn everything from dog biomechanics to blood donation. Find out more about our speakers below. 

Timetable coming soon. 

Thanks to this year's wellness sponsor Pawsitive Relief

Wellness Timetable

Introducing our
wellness sponsor 

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At Pawsitive Relief, we provide dedicated veterinary rehabilitation and pain management services designed to help dogs live longer, happier, and more comfortable lives.

As the only vet-led rehabilitation practice in the North East, we offer a unique, clinically informed approach that blends advanced veterinary knowledge with hands-on, personal therapies.

We work with dogs (and cats!) of all ages and conditions — whether they’re recovering from injury or surgery, struggling with long-term pain such as arthritis, or simply slowing down with age.

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Join Pawsitive Relief; our wellness sponsor for their talks across the festival weekend.

Talk One; Living Better, For Longer: Why recognising pain in dogs matters. 

Dog’s are masters at hiding pain and commonly signs of pain can be confused as being ‘normal’ in older dogs. This talk shines a light on the importance of recognising when your dog might be in pain, even if they are not crying or limping. We will explore the subtle signs of discomfort, common misconceptions about pain in pets and why early recognition is key to improving quality of life. By understanding what pain looks like and how it affects your dogs behaviour, mobility and mood, you’ll be better equipped to advocate for their well-being. By the end of this talk, you’ll have a clearer understanding of why dogs often hide signs of pain and how to recognise the subtle behavioural and physical changes that might indicate discomfort. You’ll learn how to distinguish normal signs of aging from signs of underlying pain, why early recognition of pain is so important for your dogs long-term well-being, and how to confidently start the conversation with your vet to get the right support. Ultimately you will leave better equipped to advocate for your dog’s comfort and quality of life.

Talk Two; Pinpointing Relief: How Veterinary Acupuncture Can Help Your Dog

Veterinary Acupuncture is a safe, evidence-based treatment that can support dogs living with a range of conditions – from arthritis and back pain to digestive and neurological disorders. This talk will demystify acupuncture, explain how it works in animals and present real-world examples of dogs who have benefited from it. Perfect for curious dog owners, this session will show how acupuncture can be a valuable part of your dog’s wellness plan. After this talk you will have a solid understanding of what veterinary acupuncture is, how it works and how it can support your dog’s health and comfort. You’ll learn which conditions it can help to manage as well as what a typical acupuncture session involves. We’ll also discuss how to know if your dog might benefit from this gentle, evidence-based treatment, and how it can fit alongside other therapies as part of a holistic care plan.

introducing this year's speakers

Passion. Expertise. Dedication

You’d be hard-pressed to find a more diverse timetable without paying a small fortune —but at the festival, it’s all included! Take a seat, relax, and enjoy an inspiring lineup of talks covering everything from canine nutrition and behaviour to health, wellness, and more. Featuring leading experts from across the country, this is your chance to learn from the best—all as part of your day at the festival. Don’t miss it!

More speakers to be added soon.

Ask the sponsor....

Dive deeper and find out more about our wonderful sponsor Pawsitive Relief. 

Why did you decide to get involved with the festival? 

We chose to sponsor the North East Dog Festival because it perfectly reflects what we’re all about – celebrating the bond between dogs and their people, and supporting canine health and wellbeing at every stage of life. It’s a fantastic opportunity to connect with dog loves across the region, share what we do, and help more owners learn about how rehabilitation, pain management, and proactive care can make a real difference to their dog’s comfort and happiness. We’re proud to be part of an event that brings together expertise, community, and a genuine love for dogs.

What are you most excited to see at the festival? 

We are most excited to meet the amazing pet owners of the North East at this years festival! We can’t wait to chat, share advice and connect with fellow dog loves who want the very best for their pets (and we can’t wait for all the doggy cuddles too!)

What makes your business unique?

We are proud to be the only veterinarian-led dedicated rehabilitation practice in the North East, devoted exclusively to helping dogs live more comfortable, active lives. With expert knowledge in pain management, mobility, and recovery, we offer a level of care that goes beyond the basics – combining veterinary insight with hands-on therapies like physiotherapy and acupuncture. Our personalised, evidence-based approach means your dog gets the best of both worlds: advanced clinical care with a gentle, compassionate touch. At the heart of everything we do is one simple goal, to help dogs live more comfortable lives. Because every dog deserves to feel their best, for as long as possible. Clients come to me because they know they’ll be heard, their dog will be seen as an individual, and the support they get will be honest, knowledgeable, and tailored. It’s not just about teaching obedience — it’s about building connection, confidence, and lasting change.

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"I am driven by the satisfaction of helping dogs live their best, most comfortable lives. Seeing them recover, thrive, and regain their happiness – whether its through pain relief or a successful rehab journey – reminds me every day why I do what I do. It’s not just about treating a condition; it's about restoring a bond between dogs and their owners , and ensuring they can enjoy more happy years together."

Dr Emma Rogers-Smith
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