Dogs have their day at the Lido

About 90 pups and their families came, sat and stayed at yesterday's Dog Day Out at the Lido Aquatic Centre.

The event originally was scheduled for inside the pool complex, but fears of a few "floaties" changed the authorities' minds and the event was moved to the adjacent park.

But there were still plenty of activities for everyone to sink their teeth into, including a doggie toy and lolly scramble, races, a loudest bark competition and fancy dress.

A police dog gave a demonstration and Feilding Dog Training Club instructor Bronwen Burnette gave a "Paws N Music" performance.

"It's the next level up from obedience, but not formal. It's like tricks and moves that look like the dog is dancing to music."

After Saturday's fatal dog attack near Whakatane making headline news, Ms Burnette said the event was a chance to promote the other side of dog ownership.

"That attack doesn't help us, so we are saying you can have good, responsible ownership and take dogs to places like this."

As well as dog owners, the park turned into a kind of canine car- yard with many prospective owners turning up to do some paw-kicking and to have a chat with owners about the pros and cons of different breeds.