PETPLACE joined forces with a leading animal play company to host a UK-first event for dogs and their owners.

The North Wales retailer’s revamped 25,000 sq ft Llangefni store held exercise and games sessions in partnership with Kong Company Ltd.

Kong ambassador and esteemed dog behaviour specialist Diane Kasperowicz shared an insight 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” and added: “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.”

Diane 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. 

PetPlace’s Business Development Manager Matt Davies thanked everyone who came along to the sessions.

Here’s a Q+A with Matt;

Why do you think it’s important for petplace to hold events like this?

“Holding these events is important to help us build a strong community within the store.
Events of this type bring together dog owners who want to ensure that their furry
companions are getting the most out of playtime.

It was great to see all the dog park members engaging and asking questions of Dianne
around different aspects of training and how to get the most out of the toys that they use
at home.

Kong has done a fantastic job over the last 8 to 9 years driving the educational message of
their toys and really wants to make sure the end consumer really is getting the most out of
their products.

This educational message really sits alongside Petplace ethos when it comes to educating
and supporting customers who visit our stores.”

What are some highlights or things you’ve taken away from the day of bringing your dogs?

“I have been in the pet trade for over 18 years, and I have owned labradors for 13 years but
still walked away learning something new about all 3 of my dogs and how they behave and
interact during playtime.

Every day is a school day!!”

What were some funny/expected things that happened? What was the vibe like? Was it fun, a good turn out etc?

Me being absolutely sure that my dogs would be great to be used to demonstrate some of
the training sessions and then spend the whole time looking for me!!

There was a great community vibe at the event, and the thing that really caught my attention
were our members arriving and leaving together and knowing that some of them have
formed friendships from meeting in the dog park.

After the session on Friday, members all gathered around to talk through what had just been
explained to them and were all sharing their thoughts on the event. It was nice to see a
genuine bond between our members.

Will petplace be holding more events like this?

Definitely we will be looking to roll out events across both parks to give something back to
the PetPlace community. It will be great to work alongside more of the the brands that help
to support the pet industry and it would be great to work alongside Kong in the future to help
to continue to educate our customers.

For more information on PetPlace, including the PetPlace Plus+ loyalty app, follow @petplaceUK
on Facebook and Instagram or email sales@farmandpetplace.co.uk. The app is available on
platforms including Google Play and The App Store. 

If you were unable to attend the event, and for more information, visit the ‘Classroom’ page on
the Kong website: www.kongcompany.com.