Dog festival back at Dalkeith near Edinburgh in September
Dog-lovers and owners alike will find plenty to enjoy at this festival, which this year is back at Dalkeith Country Park, near Edinburgh on September 3 and 4.
The event is packed with fun activities for you and your canine companion, including over 100 shopping stands and eight dog-friendly activities from flyball to agility.
There will also be plenty of concession stands to keep you – and your dog – fed and watered; serving everything from mouth-watering gourmet burgers to ‘paw star’ martinis and pup ice cream – the perfect treats for your pup!
Mixing with the stars
TV presenter Michaela Strachan is a huge fan of DogFest, which is presented in partnership with ManyPets Insurance.
She said: “I absolutely love DogFest. Being with thousands of gorgeous pooches is simply the best day out. Can’t wait for DogFest at Dalkeith Country Park – see you all there for entertainment, expert advice, the Big Dog Walk and plenty of furry cuddles!”
Things to do
There are plenty of activities to keep your hound happy including the popular agility course, the Wisdom Panel haybale racing or you could take part in a 2k or 4k ManyPets Big Dog Walk through the stunning grounds to raise vital funds for Dogs Trust. Your canine could be a competition winner and grab a rosette at the MayPets Fun Dog Show, with cute categories including Best Rescue and Most Fabulous Fella.
And it’s not all about fun for your dog – it’s fun for the owners too! Although it’s a festival for dogs, there’s live music, tasty festival food and drink and a wide range of independent exhibitors to shop with!
Shopping for you and your dog
We all love to treat our pets and there will be plenty to pamper you and your pooch with at DogFest. Why not indulge in a bit of retail therapy with quality products from vendors such as Stocky & Deefor unique, Scottish-made luxurious collars, leads, blankets and harnesses, or head to Butternut Box to grab natural, healthy food for dogs, which is tailored to their needs or pick up a peanut butter treat from Nuts for Pets.
Talk to the top dogs!
If you’ve got a problem pup – be it a barking Boxer, dizzy Dalmatian, lazy Labrador or savage sausage dog – there will be a chance to get advice and guidance from the experts. As well as a host of dog gurus provided by Dogs Trust at the Dog School, you can also sound out some of the industry’s leading professionals, including expert animal behaviourist and trainer Adem Fehmi, in the Behaviour Zone.
Adem will be doing interactive demonstrations with some special guests, where you could learn new ways to train your dog in specific environments like the vets, cafes or public parks. It will be a safe space to come and ask for advice and learn ways of recognising different behaviours in a dog.
Adam said: “I’m really excited to be at Dalkeith Country Park, where you’ll find me helping new and seasoned dog owners alike learn new ways to train their beloved pets in a fun and safe environment. I’m also looking forward to giving insight and advice into your dog’s behaviour and offering helpful training tips.”
Main arena
The running order for the main arena is action-packed with demonstrations from hugely talented canines and trainers including TikTok sensation Lucy Health. Crufts Freestyle winner Nicci Hindson will be showing off her dancing dogs and sharing the latest tips and tricks to train your dog.
DogsFest for all
So, whether you’re planning to take your new pup out on its first big outing or bringing the whole family for a great day out, this could be the ultimate dog-friendly experience you’re looking for.
DogFest takes place on Saturday September 3 and Sunday September 4 at Dalkeith Country Park and tickets start at £20.
For more information and to buy tickets visit the website here and you can follow DogFest on Instagram via @Dog_fest.