If you happen to catch one of our rangers humming “It’s the most wonderful time of the year…” don’t worry – we haven’t lost track of the calendar!
Here at Coast and Country Canines HQ, we’re SUPER excited to be gearing up for our annual Dogs’ Day Out, and preparations are in full swing.
Dogs’ Day Out ’26 is all about enjoying great walkies while caring for wildlife. It’s a showcase of wildlife-aware dog care skills, practical equipment, expert advice, with plenty of hands-on opportunities to try things out yourself.
Our stallholders will be popping up their stands in Toplands field at River Hamble Country Park, poised and ready to help us all on our dog walks – and here’s how:
What to wear
A wildlife-aware walk begins with a safe, comfortable dog, helping them stay engaged while reducing impacts on wildlife. That’s why we’ve invited expert dog wear and behaviour specialists to help you get things just right.
They’ll be on hand to:
- Help you choose and properly fit harnesses
- Show you how to introduce your dog to new things, like wearing a muzzle, in a safe and kind way
- Talk through suitable leads for different walks
- Demonstrate how to use long lines while practicing recall
Plus, don’t miss the beautiful handmade accessories from Mavis and Dolly – practical and full of personality.
Body language is everything
Dogs communicate with their whole bodies, and learning to read these signals can make all the difference when wildlife suddenly appears – whether it’s a deer, a dunlin, or even a donkey!
At Dogs’ Day Out:
- Kids Around Dogs will share family-friendly guidance on understanding dog body language
- Our expert and ethical trainers will help you recognise what your dog is telling you and how to respond calmly and effectively
- You’ll leave with practical strategies tailored to your dog and their unique distractions
And if your dog is a natural poser, Dogs In Focus will be offering free, professional photos – a keepsake you’ll treasure.
Channeling that energy
Walks are about far more than exercise – they’re mental workouts too.
On the day you can:
- Learn about scent work with 360 Pawsibilities
- Try engagement games taught by expert trainers
- Explore our self-led sniffing trail
- Have a go at mantrailing with Darwin’s Dogs
- Find out about Muddy Canicross Runners, a friendly social canicross running group
Perfect for dogs with a high prey drive, these activities channel natural instincts into fun, rewarding challenges – while giving wildlife the space they need to feel safe.
And yes, treats are covered! Pick up natural goodies from The Healthy Pet Store, plus ecofriendly treats and grooming kits from 4 Paws and Planet. Because who doesn’t love a mid-walk snack?
Learning from the best
We’re incredibly lucky to be joined by leading trainers from Goodalls’s, K9 Klass, and Green Dog.
They’ll be running demonstrations and sharing practical skills you can use straight away.
As well as the demonstrations on the day, keep an eye out for announcements of future workshops with leading experts, subsidised by Coast and Country Canines.
Giving and helping
As well as businesses at Dogs’ Day Out we are also encouraging everyone to support some very special local charity work.
We are also delighted that The Cinnamon Trust are also joining us on the day to showcase their fantastic charity work – supporting dogs and their owners in times of real difficulty.
You can also come and meet (and fuss) some amazing Guide Dogs and learn about all that they do for dogs and people living with sight loss.
And Finally…
There will be a treasure hunt 👀
If you find a hidden paw print on the day, bring it back to the Coast and Country Canine gazebo to win a prize! From treats, to lick bowls, balms and slow feeders – there are all sorts of goodies up for grabs in the morning and afternoon, and limited to one per family.
It’s going to be a fabulous day, and we can’t wait to see you and your dogs there.
