Pups put best paws forward

TAILS were wagging when dogs and their owners enjoyed Woofstock.

Digby and Bella cool off in a rain puddle during the Woofstock event held at Limestone Park on Sunday. Picture: Rob Williams

TAILS were wagging in Ipswich yesterday when dogs and their owners enjoyed the town's first Woofstock.

Despite being sodden underfoot and the temperature rapidly rising throughout the day, the inaugural event was a great success.

The canine festival featured performances from Amberley RAAF dogs, an agility Frisbee team and free workshops with famous dog whisperer Chris de Aboitiz.

The RAAF handlers demonstrated three dogs of varying levels of training and their obedience and skills in defence.

The dogs are used to defend Amberley RAAF base 365 days of the year.

Four talented dogs won the titles of Waggiest Tail, Doggie's Got Talent, Australia's Next K9 Model, and Fashions on the Field.

Organiser Dave Daly said the Ipswich debut was exciting.

"Woofstock's home is in Eumundi, where the event is in its second year and attracted thousands," Mr Daly said.

"We decided to bring the festival to Ipswich, to showcase local services and especially talented dogs."

Mr Daly said, while Ipswich's first Woofstock didn't get the 4000 people they attracted on the Sunshine Coast, the event had been well received by local dog owners.

Originally published as Pups put best paws forward