Top 10 Things to See and Do at Discover Dogs 2014!

With only a week until Discover Dogs opens at Earls Court, London, it's definitely time to start planning what displays you want to see, what things you want to buy and what breeds you want to meet. As I have attended the show many times, I have chosen 10 things that I would not want to miss at the dog show...

1. Southern Golden Retriever Display Team: Okay, I know I go on and on about this group of gorgeous Goldies, but they truly are tremendous! The team consists of 16 Golden Retrievers and 16 handlers and they perform routines of obedience that are choreographed to music. Very entertaining to watch- check them out in the Main Ring at 13:40 on Saturday and 16:05 on Sunday.
2. Flyball: This mad dog sport is a relay race, where the dogs sprint and leap over a line of jumps, pick up a tennis ball, and then sprint and leap back over the jumps for another dog to have their turn. Arguably the noisiest of all dog sports, this is definitely an event to be watched. Main Ring at 15:15 on Saturday and 13:35 on Sunday.
3. Heelwork to Music (Richard Curtis and Mary Ray): Famous dog trainers Richard Curtis and Mary Ray perform immensely impressive routines with their dogs and each have won top Heelwork to Music competitions across the globe. Performing together, this show is bound to be one of the most memorable events of the week. Catch them in the Main Ring at 15:35 on Saturday and 13:30 on Sunday. 
4. English Springer Spaniel: For obvious reasons, this stand remains to be my favourite of all 200+ dog breeds. Who wouldn't want a snuggle with a Springer? Visit these adorable Spaniels at  Stands 191/192.
5. Young Kennel Club Ring: Witness the skills of some of the next generation's most promising dog trainers in this ring. The programme includes Dog Groomer of the Year qualifiers for Crufts, which are taking place on both days, so make sure you visit this ring to see some new talent!
   
6. Scruffts: Back in 2000, Scruffts was launched at Discover Dogs and now,  throughout the weekend, the semi-finals of the UK's first cross-breed dog competition will be taking place in the Main Ring. The finals for this competition will be held at Crufts 2015 so this is your chance to see all the potential finalists before March next year. 
7. Great Dane: Although they're not Springers, I've got to admit that these dogs are very cute and are definitely worth going to see. Known as the 'Gentle Giant' of dog breeds, visit Stands 88/89 to meet some of these huge dogs. 
8. Agility: I had agility lessons for many years and this sport is still my favourite of them all. On both Saturday and Sunday, competitions are taking place, with some of the country's top dogs and handlers competing against each other. Definitely one not to be missed! Competitions taking place at various times throughout each day. 
9. Spanish Water Dog: Another lovely breed; Spanish Water Dogs are not a breed that you come across every day. Discover Dogs is great for meeting rarer breeds, and this one is one that I met at the show a few years back. My family are huge admirers of their perfectly-curled coats! Meet some at Stand 197. 
10. Shops: With over 100 trade stands at the show, it would be ridiculous not to have a look at what's on offer. Only 8 Sundays until Christmas everyone...!

As you can see, there are plenty of things to entertain you and your family with at the show, which is why my humans return every year. Let me know of your favourite things to do at Discover Dogs- I would love to hear your recommendations. 

Talk soon, Jasper x

For more information on the dog show, visit www.discoverdogs.org.uk 

To buy tickets to Discover Dogs, click here