Let The Games Begin…

Back in August we told you about the first-ever World Dog Games, taking place at Sydney’s Acer Arena on 31 October and 1 November. And now that we’re so close to this canine carnival, we thought we’d let you know what you can expect from the spectacle.

Well, for starters… there’s Grant Denyer. Not that the TV star will be entering any of the events (although we think he’d do really well at Flyball!), but he will be hosting the entire show. And what a show it promises to be. As well as the four events (Flyball, Agility, Canine Disc and, for the first time ever in Australia, the incredible diving Dockdogs – all of which will be shown on giant screens around the arena so wherever you’re sitting you’ll be at the heart of the action), there’s also statistics, commentary, prizes, exhibitions, shopping and loads of entertainment on offer.

The organisers proudly say that ‘the World Dog Games is for entertaining and educating humans about dogs’, and they’ve put together a line-up of two- and four-legged stars to live up to that promise.

Expert advice

On the human side of things, the Games feature advice from international experts including Jan Fennell, Pam Martin and Greg Derrett, and homegrown talent including Dr. Katrina Warren, Dave Graham, Rosalie Hicks, Joanne Righetti and Andrew Biggs. They’ll be giving lectures and practical demos on all aspects of canine care, from training tips and hygiene hints to an exercise programme for both you and your dog. The experts will even be on hand throughout the two days to match the right dogs with the right people.

You don’t even have to worry about the kids getting bored – in the special Kids Zone, they can enter a colouring-in competition and learn about the best and safest ways to approach and interact with dogs.

Canine capers

The gates open at 10am each day, with the expert clinics taking place in the mornings and afternoons, either side of the main event… the Sporting Spectacular.

If you’re anything like us, you probably think it’s an achievement to get your furry friend to sit before he chows down his dinner. So prepare to be amazed as the most-agile, best-trained pooches around go through their paces in the four events. See them twist, climb, catch and fly between 12.30pm and 3pm on both days. And find out who really is the top dog!

Event highlights

As well as all that, you’ll also have the opportunity to take part in the special ‘Ticked Off’ quiz show, where you’ll have the chance to win one of four luxury dog hampers. This fun-filled activity takes place at the Bayer Stand at the Acer Arena entrance.

And judging from the number of entries we received for our David Darcy photo competition back in May, Dog Diaries readers won’t want to miss the chance to visit the renowned photographer’s exhibition, featuring enlarged pictures from his new book, A Little Help for Our Friends.

Finally, meet the Advocate Wonderdogs (and Dr Katrina Warren) for a photo opportunity at the Advocate stand next to the Advocate demonstration stage. Big smiles, please!

For more information and to get tickets, go to www.worlddoggames.com.au