The Have-A-Go Show Ring & Activities
All our events host an array of interactive fun have-a-go activities for you and your pooch to enjoy together! Activities include agility, hoopers, flyball, scurry, and scent work perfect for increasing the bond with your best friend.
Scurry – Great for active dogs
Ready, set, retrieve!
Join in the fun at the Scurry Zone, where dogs of all shapes and sizes race against the clock, leap over hay bales, and sniff out hidden treasures in this high-energy challenge. Whether you’ve got a seasoned retriever or a curious couch pup, everyone’s welcome to have a go!
Agility -Dogs love this!
Test your teamwork in the Agility Arena!
Display Ring – The heart of the action
Step into the heart of the action at our electrifying Display Ring!
Included in online ticket price
Get ready for non-stop action in the Display Ring!
More information coming soon.
Trick Training – Trick training ring
Looking for a paws-itively fun way to bond with your furry friend?
Included in online ticket price
Step into our trick training ring, where tails wag and smiles shine! Pick tricks you want to teach or try cool moves from our idea board—either way, it’s a playful, laugh-filled time full of learning and showing off your pup’s new skills.
Activity provided by Nicci Hindson.
Obstacle Course – Test your teamwork
Get ready for a tail-wagging challenge!
Navigate the course designed for dogs of all shapes and sizes. The obstacle course is a fun, confidence-building adventure where you and your pup work together, cheer each other on and celebrate every wobble, wiggle and win. It’s all about laughter, bonding and plenty of proud paw-parents moments along the way.
Lure Chasing – Fast, fun and full of energy
Let your dog chase, sprint and have a blast!
Lure chasing is all about speed, excitement and instinct. Dogs chase a fast-moving lure across a set course, tapping into their natural prey drive in a safe and controlled environment.
It’s a brilliant way for dogs to burn off energy, build confidence and just enjoy the thrill of the chase. Whether they’re seasoned sprinters or trying it for the first time, most dogs take to it straight away!
Expect high speeds, wagging tails and plenty of excitement – this one’s always a crowd favourite.
Rally – A fun, fast-paced obedience challenge
Give it a go and test your teamwork!
Following a set route, you’ll tackle a series of stations that might include sits, stays, turns and more, all designed to test your communication, focus and teamwork in a relaxed, supportive environment.
It’s a great way to build your dog’s confidence, strengthen your bond, and try something new together… whether you’re complete beginners or already have some training under your belt.
Flyball – The ultimate team relay for dogs!
Give it a try to see what all the excitement is about!
Working in teams, dogs race over a series of hurdles to a flyball box, trigger the release of a tennis ball, and then race back to their handler at top speed.
Fast, energetic and great fun to watch, Flyball is a fantastic way for dogs to burn off energy, build confidence and put their speed and enthusiasm to good use.
Hoopers – A flowing, low-impact dog sport
Guide your dog through the course!
Using hoops, tunnels and barrels, you’ll work together to navigate a flowing course that focuses on communication, teamwork and confidence rather than speed alone.
Designed to be accessible for dogs of all ages, sizes and abilities, Hoopers is a fun, low-impact activity that encourages your dog to think, listen and work closely with you.
Canicross & Canihike – Get active with your dog!
Discover a new way to explore the outdoors together!
Whether you prefer a steady walk or a more energetic run, Canihike and Canicross are fantastic ways to enjoy the outdoors as a team. Connected by a specially designed harness, bungee line and waist belt, you’ll work together while your dog enjoys the freedom to move ahead and help power your adventure.
Barn Hunt – Put your dog’s nose to the test
A fun challenge that taps into natural instincts!
Barn Hunt is a scent-based activity that encourages dogs to use their natural hunting and problem-solving abilities. Working through a course of straw bales, dogs must search, climb and explore as they use their noses to locate hidden scent targets.
Suitable for a wide range of breeds, ages and experience levels, Barn Hunt offers a rewarding mental challenge and a great opportunity to discover just how powerful your dog’s nose really is.
Scentwork – Discover the power of your dog’s nose
Watch your dog become a scent-detecting superstar!
Scentwork challenges dogs to use their incredible sense of smell to locate hidden scents, turning natural instincts into a fun and rewarding activity.
This is one of those activities where dogs often surprise their owners with just how talented they are!
The Big Bark
Location: Towcester Racecourse
Date: Sat 5th & Sun 6th September 2026
Set in beautiful venues around the UK, the festivals are specially designed for dog owners, dog lovers, and – most importantly – dogs themselves! It’s the ultimate celebration of our four-legged friends, packed with fun, entertainment, and community spirit.
Whether you’ve got a playful pup, a veteran, or just a soft spot for wagging tails, The Big Bark offers the ultimate day out with interactive zones, expert advice, shopping, entertainment and plenty of chances for your pooch to get involved.
It’s fun, it’s friendly, and its completely dog-focused – a paws-itively perfect weekend you won’t want to miss! The Big Bark is a must-do day out for dog lovers of all ages.
