{"id":3489,"date":"2019-08-12T12:20:44","date_gmt":"2019-08-12T11:20:44","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.dog-ease.co.uk\/dogstival-2019-2\/"},"modified":"2019-08-12T15:03:49","modified_gmt":"2019-08-12T14:03:49","slug":"bbc-countryfile-live-blenheim-2019","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.dog-ease.co.uk\/bbc-countryfile-live-blenheim-2019\/","title":{"rendered":"BBC COUNTRYFILE LIVE BLENHEIM 2019: A FUN FILLED DAY FOR ALL"},"content":{"rendered":"\t\t
On 1st August through to the 4th August I attended the BBC Countryfile Show at Blenheim Palace to deliver a number of demos in the Dog Lovers Arena. With over 250,000 visitors having attended what has become one of Britain\u2019s largest outdoor event since 2016, this year\u2019s attendance was no different and we had a very busy few days!<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
The Dog Lovers Arena was sponsored by the PDSA and all demonstrations and acts were sourced and timetables by The Kennel Club. In addition, as in previous years, we had the pleasure of Peter Purves hosting the Dog Lovers Arena, who provided some wonderful and insightful commentary throughout the day.<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
The entertainment each day consisted of up to three demonstrations on the principles of dog training and behaviour provided by myself, and a number of Agility displays from both the Chance Agility Club and East Anglian Staffordshire Bull Terrier Display Team. It was wonderful to see a range of dogs partaking in agility, not just the usual breeds we might associate with the sport, showing that everyone can have a go no matter what size, breed or ability of their dog! Watching the Staffordshire Bull Terrier\u2019s work with such focus and determination was also lovely, the team really understood the needs of the breed and are a perfect example of how to be responsible dog owners. They demonstrated positive and productive exercises and showed how they help to prevent behavioural issues by provide mental stimulation and constructive exercise. This helps them to live happily with their beautiful dogs.<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
Dogs For Good also provided an informative display for onlookers each day, explaining the process by which dogs are chosen and trained as assistance dogs through their scheme. In addition, the PDSA provided some invaluable demonstrations on pet first aid should they ever be faced with a position where their dog is in need and requires urgent life saving intervention. Their demonstration was informative and interactive, offering some fantastic tips to the everyday dog owner.<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
Demonstrating twice a day on both Thursday and Friday, and three times a day on both Saturday and Sunday I was able to connect with and share my passion and knowledge for all things dog with MANY people over the four days. It was amazing to see just how many people were eager to learn about how to best communicate with their four-legged best friend, as well as to best help them with training or behavioural needs they might have. Wren, my youngest dog, was my trusty assistant as always, eagerly demonstrating for the crowd and meeting lots of the onlookers.<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
Many of you will know Peter Purves from being a presenter on the legendary Blue Peter. As the host of the Dog Lovers Arena at BBC Countryfile Live, Peter\u2019s charm and expertise entertained the crowd and, in addition, Peter also joined me in the ring for my first demonstration on both the Thursday and Friday. During this demonstration Peter helped me to demonstrate the principles of clear and effective training, how to time your commands and use positive reinforcement in order to help a dog to learn and understand, and how to bridge the communication gap between human and dog \u2013 after all, we usually speak a very different language to one another! Having joined me in the ring in both 2016 and 2017, Peter was an excellent addition to my demonstrations and expertly showed off the skills he had learnt, helping to show the crowd that anyone can learn how to train and communicate effectively with their dog. Peter is an absolute gentleman, a true dog lover and both me and Sally very much look forward to catching up with him next year.<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/section>\n\t\t\t\t We made some wonderful friends over the four days as well as catching up with some old friends!<\/p> The Kennel Club staff were welcoming and always happy to offer help, whether this was by bringing their own dogs into the ring to assist with my demonstrations or offering invaluable advice to pet owners. It\u2019s very encouraging to see how their health screening and accredited breeder schemes are developing and encouraging dog owners to remain responsible.<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t We also got to catch up with the beautiful Cavdashian\u2019s again, spending some time chatting about all things dogs and our adventures since last meeting! In addition, I manage to grab a quick chat with the fabulous John Craven from BBC Countryfile Live, as well as meet the inspiring Ade Adepitan, who attended to help judge the SCRUFFTS cross breed dog show on the Sunday.<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/section>\n\t\t\t\tMEETING FRIENDS <\/h4>\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t