Wonderdogs WOW the World Dog Games

Dr Katrina Warren and her Border Collie, Toby The Wonderdog, were the well-known faces for fans of popular TV shows Totally Wild and Harry’s Practice. So it was hardly surprising that the famous vet’s appearance on the Advocate Stage was so warmly greeted by enthusiastic crowds on both days of the World Dog Games (31 October and 1 November). As for Toby, after many years in the spotlight, he is now enjoying a well-earned rest, but his place was filled more than ably by the new team of Advocate WonderDogs (Jordie, Willow and Flynn).

The public at the Advocate Stage watching Dr. Katrina and the Wonderdogs

But the Advocate Stage wasn’t purely about entertainment. As Katrina and her assistant Kelly Gill got the dogs to perform their fantastic repertoire of tricks, the audience were treated to a commentary on how to train dogs and the importance of treats and, particularly, positive reinforcement (verbal and physical) in getting your dog to do the right thing.

Dr. Katrina Warren, Kelly Gill and the WonderDogs

Audience participation was the order of the day, with children particularly keen to join Katrina and her four-legged friends on the stage. Katrina talked about what to do when meeting a new dog (get permission from the owner to approach him, allow him to sniff your hand to get used to your scent and don’t pat him on the head as the dog can’t see your hand there), what to do if scared of dogs (stand still, look down and don’t move your hands) and the importance of giving dogs lots of mental and physical stimulation to keep them happy and eliminate destructive behaviour.

One of the highlights of the show came when WonderDog Willow played a spelling game with a girl from the audience. ‘Can dogs spell?’ Dr Katrina asked. Well, Willow certainly can, selecting letters to spell out FLEAS.

The Wonderdog Willow spelling out the word 'FLEAS'

According, to Dr Katrina, fleas are the number-one dog-bothering pest, and she stressed the importance of protecting dogs against these annoying pests with an effective flea treatment such as Advocate.

The show ended with Dr Katrina inviting the audience to have their photos taken with the WonderDogs, who were then taken away to the Advocate Stand for a well-earned drink of water and rest!

Dr. Katrina and the Wonderdogs posing for a photo before taking some shots with the public!