Time to go barking mad!

After a hugely successful, albeit Covid-affected, inaugural event in February 2021, Dogs Day Out is back. On the weekend of November 26 and 27, dog lovers can join Healthy Pets New Zealand and friends for plenty of furry family fun celebrating all things canine.

This year’s event is being held over two days – featuring both a speaker evening and the Dogs Day Out interactive/ demonstration day – to maximise the opportunity for dog lovers throughout Southland and Otago to be fully involved. Healthy Pets New Zealand (HPNZ) is hosting the event to help provide a valuable education opportunity for dog lovers.

‘‘Whether you have two legs or four, there will be lots of fun, education and entertainment on offer for the whole family,’’ says HPNZ chairperson Dr Cath Watson.

HPNZ is a registered charity that that supports research into improved health and welfare for Kiwi pets. Established by the New Zealand Veterinary Association’s Companion Animal Branch, HPNZ has been funding research into the big health and welfare issues facing Kiwi pets since 1998.

‘‘We know Southlanders love their dogs. We’re looking forward to showcasing some of the research that is helping Kiwi dogs live longer, happier and healthier lives,’’ Watson said.

The event will kick off with the support of Invercargill parkrun, with Saturday 26th’s morning run becoming a ‘‘Bark Run.’’

Barkrunners are asked to register for free on the parkrun website in the normal way (https://www.parkrun.co.nz/invercargill/), and can have one dog on a short hand held non extendable lead.

Royal Canin premium pet food company is also back on board as education partner for Saturday evening’s Dog Education Seminars.

These include Associate Professor Nick Cave, of Massey University, talking on Raw food nutrition: facts, philosophies, and fallacies; Dr Cath Rivron, of Veterinary Behavioural Therapy, outlining how to tell if your dog’s anxiety requires further action; and Southland’s own Christina Rock speaking on recognising the signs of pain in older dogs.

Te Pukenga/Southern Institute of Technology is also sponsoring the event, and will host the seminars in Hansen Hall. Doors open from 5pm.

Entry is $5, with tea, coffee and finger food provided.

While anyone with an interest in dogs is welcome, HPNZ asks attendees to register on the HPNZ Dog Education Seminar Facebook page in advance. Unfortunately, no dogs are allowed at this event – after all they’ll need their beauty sleep for the next day!

Ascot Park Raceway is hosting the HPNZ Dogs Day Out on the Sunday where all dogs must be on a lead and under control at all times.

Sponsor for the Dogs Day Out event, and HPNZ Principal Partner is PD Insurance, the NZbased award winning pet insurance provider. It will be a rerun of the field event that proved so popular in February last year. Entry is by gold coin donation per human at the gate, which gains access to demonstrations and have-a-go events organised by dog clubs including sled dogs, agility and flygility, obedience, as well as an all-breeds ribbon parade.

Dog clubs taking part include the Southland Sled Dog Club, Southland Dog Training Club and the Southland Kennel Association.

About midday there will be a talk and demonstration by Murray Milne-Maresca of Fire and Emergency New Zealand and his accelerant detection dog Boss.

The exhibition area will feature offerings from some of Invercargill’s favourite dog stores.

Te Pukenga/SIT veterinary nursing students will be running a community clinic, and the ICC microchipping caravan will be there offering free microchipping and registrations.

The Ascot Park Raceway Sunday market will also be running next door with food and drinks on sale.

‘‘From the amazing sled dogs to the life-saving work of the search dogs, there will be so much to learn, do and to see. It really will be a fantastic celebration of all things canine,’’ Watson said.

The gold-coin entry event is a great opportunity to showcase Healthy Pets research and provide Southlanders the opportunity to support animal health research, she said.

‘‘Many Southland dog owners will not be surprised to learn that more than 90 per cent of New Zealand dog owners also regard their canine companions as valued family members.

‘‘No government funding for pet health research in New Zealand is the reason why we rely on the support of pet owners who care.’’

‘‘We’ll be encouraging attendees to dig deep and support our research that is helping to improve the lives of Kiwi dogs and their owners today and for many generations to come.’’

‘‘As veterinary professionals we are committed to holding an event that keeps both dogs and their owners safe.’’

There will be dogs on site as part of event displays and demonstrations.

HPNZ asks all dogs to be on a lead, unless taking part in a controlled event in a confined area.

For the use of the site, dogs cannot go near the stables, or on the racetrack.

Dog owners will be required to confirm their animal’s vaccination schedule is up to date (including for kennel cough) prior to entry. Dog owners cannot leave their dogs tied up unattended, or go indoors. To allow those attending on the day to be hands-free, Watson suggested bringing a buddy to share in what the day has to offer.