Dogs will love Goodwoof: Early birds save 15% on ticket prices – kids, parking and all activities are free

Goodwoof is heaven-sent for hounds who will be entertained all day long (and well-behaved humans are welcome too).

Watch the Dachshund parade, drool over doggie treats, get a pet portrait to treasure, paw-fect your performance in agility or prove you can teach an old dog new tricks, every dog can have its day here at Goodwoof, a celebration of all things doggie, held in the glorious grounds of the Goodwood Estate in Chichester, West Sussex on 17 – 18 May.

With its racing heritage you’d expect to satisfy your need for speed and whether you’re a greyhound or a basset hound you’re welcome to take part in the Fastest Dog event. This 50m sprint test is open throughout each day, with all dogs welcome to participate and a live leader board.

Fetch my lead!

Sign up for tickets now, because early birds get a 15% discount if they book before the end of April. Goodwoof takes place over two days on 17-18 May with a host of events that all put hounds at the heart of the action.

And once you’ve got your ticket (£30 for adults, £15 for young people and no charge for under 12s) all the events are absolutely free! There’s even free parking and a Bark and Ride Scheme – I’ll be doggone!

Home is where the hound is

Barkitechture is an architectural exhibition and competition of cutting-edge kennel design, spearheaded by Kevin McCloud MBE and The Duke of Richmond, featuring world-renowned architects and designers.

You can shop till you drop and accessorise your dog in superb style with the merchandise on sale. As well as looking for a lovely new lead, beautiful blanket or terrific dog toys, check out what the humble dog kennel could look like.

Say woof to wellbeing

Feel the need for a little pampering? No problem. Check out the wellness stage where novices or seasoned dog owners can pick up tips from a top veterinary on how to take care of man’s best friend. Dog Yoga, reiki, dog massage sessions are all bookable – and like all other activities are absolutely free. Chill out with some human and hound forest bathing. And if that doesn’t keep you cool you can chill off in the doggy lido.

The thrill of the chase

Love a run, a splash or a ball chase? The Action Sports Arena boasts adrenaline-packed competitions, including Flyball teams and the ultimate dog disco – Ministry of Hound.

Field and track events will sort the gundogs from the sheepdogs and the high speed CaniCross contest features top teams of four-legged, two-legged and two-wheeled athletes competing cross country.

And there are dog-friendly trails and walks, experts who can help advise on dog behaviour, training, socialising and much more.

But whether you’ve got a pedigree pooch or a mongrel mutt, your dog will feel right at home meeting every size, shape, colour and class of canine. Dogs are the VIP guests here and so, entry for them is absolutely free (they do have to be booked though, you can bring a maximum of four dogs and they need to stay on a lead). The spring weather and grass underfoot with plenty of trees around make it a haven for all hounds who will find plenty of sniffs and lots of shade.

Literary Corner

Whilst your pooch takes a well-earned nap booklovers young and old can relax and enjoy entertainment in Literary Corner where you could meet a host of authors, with special events from renowned playwright, author and performer Sir Michael Morpurgo and TV and stand-up comedian Russell Kane.

Sir Michael, a life-long dog-lover, will be at Goodwoof on Saturday 17 May reading extracts from his latest children’s book, ‘Cobweb,’ a powerful, moving adventure inspired by the extraordinary true story of the French Drummer Boy of Waterloo.

Russell Kane comes to the Literary Corner on Sunday 18 May. You’ll be howling with laughter at his hilarious 45-minute, family-friendly show based around his children’s book, ‘Pet Selector!’ This laugh-out-loud guide gives pointers on how to choose a new dog, cat, hamster, rabbit, gecko or even, rat.

I’ve been a good dog!

Go on, you know your dog deserves it (and you and the family will have a great value fun day out too).

Find out more about the event, how to book tickets and activities and make sure you secure yours and your dogs’ place at this highlight of every hound’s calendar by visiting the website here.