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Sit? Paw? Battersea’s search is on for London’s most obedient dog

Can your dog sit on command or wait while you walk away? How are they at coming back to you when called? Battersea Dogs & Cats Home is calling for London’s most obedient dogs to rally on Sunday 6 September for an elimination of the rebellious, where only the cleverest canines will be crowned ‘top dog’.

The obedience elimination is just one of many classes on offer at Battersea’s Annual Reunion and Fun Day in Battersea Park – the highlight of the charity’s canine social calendar.

Nala the two-year-old Staffordshire Bull Terrier has been practicing her ‘down’ in Battersea’s kennels, after she was brought to the charity as a stray. She is a beautiful, bouncy girl, loves her food and responds well to commands, but will need some further training with her new family. Loving and full of life, Nala will make a fantastic companion.

Head of Dog Rehoming at Battersea, Rob Young, says: “We work with all of our dogs in kennels to give them basic training before they find loving new homes, but of course some dogs pick it up more quickly than others. Teaching basic commands such as ‘sit’, ‘paw’, and ‘stay’ to dogs like Nala really helps them to relax and keeps them occupied in the kennel environment.

“We’re asking members of the public to bring their best behaved dogs to our Annual Reunion and Fun Day on Sunday 6 September to see if they can give Battersea dogs a run for their money in obedience elimination. It will be a fantastic free event, so please do come and join us.”

The Fun Day promises to be a spectacular family event and welcomes all dogs, not just former Battersea residents. Visitors can expect a fete atmosphere with competitions, games and activities, and are encouraged to enter their canine friends in one of Battersea's infamous dog classes such as Golden Oldie, Handsomest Dog, and the hotly contested Best Battersea Dog.

You can find out more information about Battersea’s Annual Reunion and Fun Day here: www.battersea.org.uk/annualreunion

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