Record numbers of dog lovers are expected to flock to Earls Court in London this weekend for the annual Discover Dogs show.

Discover Dogs, taking place on Saturday and Sunday (10th-11th), gives visitors the opportunity to meet and find out about around 200 dog breeds and aims to educate and inform visitors about the benefits of dog ownership.

Caroline Kisko, Kennel Club Communications Director, said: “Discover Dogs is a fun event that showcases dogs of all breeds.

"It is also educational and the free seminars, sponsored by Royal Canin, give visitors the opportunity to get first-hand advice from dog experts on a variety of issues that they can put into practice with their own dogs.

"Visitors will also hear inspirational stories highlighting the special bond between dogs and their owners, including the incredible story of Sergeant Dave Heyhoe and Treo who protected our troops on the front line.”

Seminar places are free to anybody who has Discover Dogs tickets and seats will be allocated on a first come first served basis. Topics to be covered include:

How to improve the relationship you have with your dog - Carolyn Menteith, dog trainer and behaviourist, talks about how to improve your relationship with your dog using training and games.

What to look for when buying a puppy – Bill Lambert, Health and Breeder Services Manager at the Kennel Club, will guide visitors through the process of buying a puppy to help ensure that they buy the right breed for them and from a responsible breeder. The talk will give visitors all of the necessary information and expert advice available to help them find the right dog.

Sergeant Dave Heyhoe and his Labrador-Spaniel cross, Treo, will tell the incredible story of their bond and the crucial role they played on the front line of war as one of the British Army's foremost Arms Explosives Search Dog teams.

Needs of the ageing dog - ‘Maturity Matters’ – Vikki Haydon of Royal Canin will talk about how the age of our pet population is slowly creeping up and how and when the needs of these senior citizens change and what nutritional support they will need.

Reiki for dogs - Rob Fellows will be giving a talk on Reiki for dogs including practical demonstrations and providing information on the benefits of using Reiki on our canine companions including pain reduction.

Tellington TTouch – Sarah Fisher will talk about the Tellington TTouch technique and how this can help to address many behavioural and health problems including noise sensitivity, separation anxiety and hyperactivity in dogs.

Discover Dogs has a host of competitions and activities in store for visitors, including  Scruffts, Crufts Factor and the Companion Dog Club Competition, as well as displays including rescue dog agility. There will be over 100 trade stands.

For more information visit www.discoverdogs.org.uk