There is a fun and educational event for your four-legged friends happening in Dundrum this weekend

Are your family one of the thousands of families across Ireland who purchased, adopted or fostered a dog during the past 18 months?

Well, then you are certainly in good company. It seems we all collectively fell in love with the idea of being puppy parents during the pandemic. However, the DSPCA has warned that they are already seeing a big increase in the number of pets being abandoned or surrendered due to owners being overwhelmed and not having the knowledge and education in behavioural training needing to raise and care for a dog. With this in mind, the DSPCA and Dundrum Town Centre have partnered this weekend for Pooch Pitstop – a fun and informative outdoor event of doggy treats and agility training, as well as behavioural and training advice from the DSPCA’s team of experts who will be on-site in Pembroke and Town Square at the popular shopping centre. “We are delighted to be partnering again with the DSPCA on a fantastic informative outdoor event for all ages to enjoy," says Don Nugent, Centre Director at Dundrum Town Centre. "The aim of Pooch Pitstop is to give dog owners the tools to train and socialise their dogs so that fewer dogs are returned to shelters.  We also hope that this event provides support to the DSPCA through donations, to enable them to continue their outstanding work regarding animal welfare in Ireland.” Visitors are encouraged to bring their dogs along to the complimentary outdoor event this weekend, as the event is taking place between 11am and 4pm from Friday 20^th – Sunday 22^nd August. Inside the activation, there will be lots of fun to be had with toys and dog-friendly agility equipment such as hurdles and hoops for your furry friends to play on. Pooch Pitstop will be a great opportunity for doggie lovers and their pooches to meet and integrate their dogs in a safe environment, with experts on-site to provide visitors with behavioural tips and tricks. Pet owners will also be able to avail of complimentary coffees from Griolladh and even the dogs can enjoy an afternoon delight thanks to Dundrum Town Centre’s Hydration Station and 'pupcakes' supplied by Ruff Café, who are known for their delicious and safe treats for canines. In addition to this, the DSPCA’s mobile educational van will be present on Town Square, where experts will be on hand to discuss adoption services, while providing support to pet owners looking to avail of more 1-1 advice. Suzanne McGovern, Corporate Relations at DSPCA explains: "The DSPCA are delighted to partner with Dundrum Town Centre for Pooch Pitstop.  We see pets as valued family members and this weekend it’s about celebrating dogs and the important role they play in our lives. Our dog training team will be on hand giving advice and encouraging responsible pet ownership.  Lots of fun, games and treats too!" Visitors will also be encouraged to donate to the DSPCA to support their incredible work in rescuing, rehabilitating and rehoming sick, injured and cruelly treated animals. For more information on Pooch Pitstop and individual store hours please visit www.dundrum.ie.