All About Dogs 2008 I have to say that this year’s show was as good as any I have attended. The showground at Brentwood looked immaculate at the start of the day on Saturday, and thanks to the responsible behaviour of the stall holders, the demonstrators and the visitors, it was still looking pristine at the end of the show on Sunday.

As always there was a good mix of events in the two Arenas – starting at 10.30 and going through until late afternoon – everything from Gundog training to Gus Dermody’s Indian Runner Duck Herding - this latter being a firm favourite with the crowds. And there were great crowds.  The show claims to have something for everyone, and this was certainly true. The Agility ring was well attended, and the two Companion Dog Shows attracted good entries. The Heelwork to Music Marquee was packed, and hundreds had a go at the scurries – one organised by Languedoc Gundogs (another favourite from the main arena), and the other run by The Essex Dog Display Team. There were 41 different breeds with advisors in the Breed marquee – one of the cooler spots on the showground – with everything from Inuit’s to the Cano Corso on display. Fascinating stuff.

There was an innovative event to find Britain’s Brightest Dog, where the many entries were put through their paces, trying to solve some simple problems put in front of them – one being “how do you get in to the ring?” And the return visit of Dock Dogs UK was an absolute winner on such a warm weekend. There was a long queue all day on both days with owners giving their animals the opportunity to launch themselves from a runway in to an inviting pool. Pure bliss. And it was fun for the watchers too.

I was pleased that a good crowd surrounded the main arena as we presented the Bravery Awards to the Police Dog Handlers and their dogs. There were five awardees, and the citations were remarkable. They were rightly well applauded for some extraordinary feats.

And for the 21st year at Brentwood, the show hosted the Inter Counties Police Dog Trials. They continued all through Sunday, and were watched by many of the public. The High Sherriff of Essex, Sarah Courage kindly presented the awards for both of these events, and she was duly impressed with the officers and dogs, and with the show as a whole. There was also the opportunity to meet a couple of the stars from the Bill who were on hand on the Sunday, Alex Walkinshaw (Sgt Smithy) and Graham Cole, (PC Stamp) and they assisted with the presentations to their non-fictional counterparts.

So was the show a success? From my point of view as Main Arena Commentator, it was a superbly organised event. Everything was on schedule throughout the weekend, there were only two cases of dogs being left in cars, and those were quickly attended to. Only one lost child was reported and rapidly reunited with his family, and the crowds were large, but manageable. The venue looked beautiful, and the Roy Dyer and his team once again did a remarkable job of organising and running this hugely popular event.

A success? Definitely.