North Wales retailer PetPlace recently joined forces with the Kong Company to stage a series of exercise and games sessions for dogs and their owners.
The event, described as first of its type ever held in the UK, took place at the retailer’s recently-revamped 25,000 sq ft Llangefni store, which incorporates an indoor dog park. During the two days of the event, Kong ambassador and dog behaviour specialist Diane Kasperowicz met with owners without their dogs, then held activities and exercises with them and their pets to see what toys their canine companions preferred, encouraging interaction to ensure more fun when out on walks or in the home. She shared insights into how dogs play, with a focus on health and wellbeing and the best ways to enhance recall, improve nose work, and sharpen cognitive abilities.
Paul Ratcliffe from Kong thanked PetPlace for showcasing the “power of play”, saying: “We chose to partner with them because their enthusiasm and attitude towards the welfare of dogs matches our own. This was the first event of its type ever held in the UK, so for it to take place over two days at PetPlace’s Llangefni store and dog park was fantastic.
“We rely on the knowledge of educated retail staff to ensure Kong products meet the needs of dogs, and after all, dogs need to play, so it’s an important connection.
“We often come across owners who show little or no interest in play, or don’t know how best to form a bond with their pet, so these sessions gave them lots of tips and advice they can take away for the future.”
PetPlace’s business development manager Matt Davies added: “We have had a long and successful relationship with Kong, but this is the first time we’ve ever done anything like this.
“PetPlace and Kong are known nationwide for pushing the envelope and being at the forefront of advances in the industry, and this was another example of that. The feedback from our members was really positive, so it’s something we will definitely look to do again in the future.”
