Wagging tails and four legged friends with their cheerful owners filled Marks Park on September 21, as Marks Park All Breeds Dog Training Club hosted their first open day, giving members and newcomers alike a chance to put their pets’ skills into practice, while having plenty of fun.

Chairperson Naomi Cullinan explained that the day was designed to showcase the club’s activities, while inviting in the wider community.

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“It was just a little bit of fun for our members, so they could do activities with their dogs and really put into practice what they’ve been learning all year. We also wanted to expose what we’re doing here at the club and invite new people to have a look.”

The open day featured a range of courses, each with a unique focus. The obstacle course encouraged dogs to build confidence as they navigated different textures and challenges, while the obedience course gave visitors a taste of basic training, including sits, downs, and mat work, all linked to the Canine Good Citizen Certificate – a recognised qualification the club is proud to offer.

The agility courses catered for both beginners and advanced dogs. Newcomers were introduced to the basics, while more experienced handlers took on contact obstacles and complex routes.

For a lighter touch, the fastest recall competition added excitement for all participants, while the breed and shelter parades highlighted the variety of dogs in the community, and the importance of adoption.

Cullinan said the turnout exceeded expectations: “This is the first time we’ve done this event, so I didn’t know what to expect, but it was great. People seemed to have a lot of fun.”

Adding to the spirit of the day were learners from Redham House Bedfordview, who volunteered as part of their community service requirements.

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“They assisted since the morning, helping us set up and pack up. It’s been great having their support,” Cullinan said.

She also added some simple, but vital advice: Consistency is key. “Dogs thrive on routine. If you don’t want your dog to bark at cars, don’t let them get into that habit. Call them away, reward them when they’re quiet, and reinforce the behaviour you want. We don’t use negative training here – everything is reward-based.”

She highlighted that exercise and stimulation are essential: “A lot of bad behaviour comes from dogs that are bored. It doesn’t have to be a big walk – just training in your lounge, or a bit of mental stimulation, can make a huge difference.”

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