Fressnapf are hosting the sixth Dog Day at the Düsseldorf racetrack on August 17 2008 together with the Menschen-Tiere-Werte (MTW) association. Visitors can expect a varied programme with fun and entertainment from 11am to 6pm for two and four-legged friends, as well as comprehensive information on everything canine.
"8,000 people and 3,500 dogs came to the festival last year. This year, we expect around 10,000 human and 4,500 animal visitors," say Ulla Bergob, board member of MTW and Jörg Dräbert, Managing Director of Fressnapf Heimtierbedarf GmbH and co-organiser of Dog Day. Animal protection agencies, breeders, dog associations and many other experts will be on show at over 90 stands. Visitors can buy accessories, feed, toys and much more for their animal friends. Fressnapf is also represented with its own stand, where visitors can exchange their entry ticket for a fantastic gift bag. Dog dancing, dog tricks and dog frisbee will be shown on two stages. Handicapped dogs will prove that they have a few tricks up their paw bands and sheepdogs will also demonstrate their skills. The Düsseldorf Fire Service's rescue dog team demonstration is expected to be particularly impressive. Spectators can witness how brave canines are roped down by "their people" in fire engines. Dog trainer Martin Rütter will offer a wealth of information with insights into his training philosophy followed by an audience question and answer session. "Dog Day features the crème de la crème of the dog sporting world with Rütter, frisbee world champion Karin Actun, dog trick specialist Manuela Zaitz, animal trainer Mareike Degenhardt, zoology expert Dr Udo Ganslosser and many more," say the organisers.

But there’s more than just spectator events on the programme - there are plenty of opportunities for human and animal visitors to get involved in Dog Day. Visitors can for example take part in the two-kilometre human-dog race and receive a certificate and a gift for their participation. Also on offer is a behaviour test, an agility course and an intelligence test. Four-legged friends can also take part in casting at the Happy Dog stand. A bouncy castle, the Fressnapf playbus, a horseshoe-throw and a roller track will ensure that there’s plenty of fun for the little ones. Organisers want Dog Day to be a festival for the whole family - "There are plenty of activities for children as well, and our wide range of food on offer will have something for every taste, including for adults - and all at family-friendly prices," explains Jörg Dräbert.

All animal lovers are invited to bring their four-legged friends and take part in the "beastly" good fun. The only prerequisite is an up-to-date anti-rabies inoculation for canine visitors, with a vaccination certificate as proof. "We take this veterinary inspection office requirement very seriously," emphasises Ulla Bergob. "Unfortunately, we cannot let any dogs without proof of full vaccination onto the showgrounds." Dog owners must ensure that they bring a valid vaccination certificate for their four-legged friends with them. Please note that puppies are first protected by vaccination 21 days after their first anti-rabies inoculation and are therefore unfortunately no longer allowed on the grounds.

If you’re driving to Dog Day, ample parking is available at the racetrack and at the metro on Schlüterstrasse 1, as well as at Staufenplatz. Then take the free bus shuttle service to Dog Day. If you're taking public transport, catch the 709 to Staufenplatz, and then the Rheinbahn bus to the racetrack.


Dog Day
17 August 2008, 11am - 6pm
Düsseldorf racecourse (Pferderennbahn), Rennbahnstr. 20
Entry €4, children up to 16 free
Entry tickets can be exchanged for a gift bag at the Fressnapf stand.

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