Aviemore attracts Top Dog lovers' event
Dog lovers will have the chance to show off their pet’s talents, once more, at a fun event being held near Aviemore this weekend.
The free ‘Top Dog’s Day Out’, organised by the Forestry Commission Scotland’s and Highland Council’s Countryside Rangers is back for it’s fourth year!
People will have the chance to put their trusty canine through it’s paces in a variety of activities including a wild and wacky assault course where, alongside normal obstacles, the dogs will have to walk past a sausage on a table without eating it and demonstrate how much fun they’re having by doing a party piece. A Search and Rescue demonstration will also take place for spectators to enjoy.
The event, open to owners of all dog breeds and spectators, will take place on Sunday 2nd August between 12 noon and 4pm at The Hayfield close to Glenmore Visitor Centre, eight miles east of Aviemore on the Cairngorm ski road.
Miranda Whitcomb, Recreation Ranger for Forestry Commission Scotland, said: “Top Dogs is one of the events we really look forward to holding each year. While dogs are welcome all year round at Glenmore, this is our one event that's truly for dogs and their owners. Lots of people come back each year, now - I can't wait to see whether Griff, the small Westie with the large stomach comes back to defend his sausage eating title!”
Local dog trainer Sue Williams, who will be providing the agility course, will be on hand during the day to answer any questions and to provide tips on the handling and control of dogs.
Prizes donated by local businesses will be given out on the day for, amongst other things the fastest, most obedient and daftest dog, with the sausage eating competition always a firm favourite
Highland Council’s Countryside Ranger Duncan Macdonald added: “It is great to be back for a fourth year. The popularity of this event just keeps growing with people travelling quite a distance to show what their dog can do. Each year there is something different to experience and the event is really aimed at everyone. Even if you are not a dog owner it is still a lot of fun.
“Here in the Cairngorms National Park we are blessed with a wealth of recreation opportunities and this event allows us to demonstrate, in a fun atmosphere, responsible dog ownership.”
Registration of the dogs is on the day from 12 noon to12.30pm and will be on a first come, first served basis.
For more information about the event, please contact Miranda Whitcomb on 01479 861220 or Duncan Macdonald on 01540 673907.
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1. Forestry Commission Scotland serves as the Scottish Executive’s forestry department and is the largest provider of outdoor recreation in Scotland. Each year, around 20 million people visit its forests and woodlands, which cover over 17% of Scotland’s landmass – an amazing natural resource to explore.
2. It is recommended children accumulate one hour a day of exercise to benefit their health. Active children are more likely to be active adults, reducing their risk of life-threatening conditions such as heart disease and diabetes,
3. The Highland Council’s Countryside Rangers, in Badenoch and Strathspey, are a partnership between The Highland Council and The Cairngorms National Park Authority with the aim of promoting public enjoyment and appreciation of the countryside and conserving wildlife.