Popular Top Dog's Day Out Event Is Back

Dog lovers will have the chance to show off their pet's talents at a fun event being held near Aviemore this weekend.

The free 'Top Dog's Day Out', organised by The Highland Council Countryside Rangers and the Forestry Commission, is back for its fifth year.

People will have a chance to put their trusty canine through its 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.

The event, open to owners of all dog breeds and spectators, will take place on Sunday (August 1st) between 12 noon and 4pm at The Hayfield close to Glenmore Visitor Centre, eight miles east of Aviemore on the Cairngorm ski road.

Saranne Bish, The Highland Council Countryside Ranger for Badenoch & Strathspey North, said: "Glenmore is such a great spot for walking dogs that we thought it would be fun to hold an event that both dogs and their owners can enjoy. Everything's geared towards having fun, including the competition course, which any dog can complete, whether they're agility trained or not.

"Dogs are welcome to the Cairngorms National Park all year round, although its particularly important to keep them under close control during the summer months to protect wildlife."

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.

Keep Scotland Tidy Campaigns Officer, Valerie Carson, said, "It is fantastic that Keep Scotland Tidy has been asked to be part of the Top Dogs Day Out at Loch Morlich,.as it co-incides with National Poop Scoop Week. National Poop Scoop Week is a joint campaign organised by the Dogs Trust and Keep Scotland Tidy, which aims to remind dog walkers in a fun and friendly way to 'Grab it, bag it, bin it'.

"Keep Scotland Beautiful has recorded a reduction in overall levels of dog fouling on our streets in recent years, but it still offends a significant number of people in public spaces. Approximately 1,000 tonnes of dog poo is produced a day in the UK, and while the majority of owners are responsible and pick up after their dogs, a careless minority are still leaving the mess behind for others to step in, and each year thousands of complaints are made about dog fouling spoiling our parks and streets. It is illegal not to pick up after your dog, you can be fined £40, so it makes sense to bag the waste and place it in the nearest convenient bin

"We look forward to seeing you all on the day. Look out for Keep Scotland Tidy staff in our dog costumes!"

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.

Saranne added: 'The popularity of this event keeps growing and growing with folk travelling quite a distance to prove just how great their dogs are. Even if you're not a dog owner there is still a lot to see and do. Bring a picnic and enjoy all the doggy activities'

Registration of dogs is on the day from 12 noon to 12.30pm and will be on a first come, first served basis. The event runs from midday until 4pm.