Dogs will take center stage at these 9 attractions at the San Diego County Fair

This year’s San Diego County Fair theme is “Summer Pet-tacular” and over several weeks, it will highlight several pet-friendly activities and events. 

There are about 14 such attractions this year and more than half of those are dog-centric, starting on the fair’s opening day on June 11. 

Here is a list of some of the dog-friendly events, exhibits, contests, games and interactive programming in chronological order.

Pets Rock: The San Diego Humane Society will be on site daily in the exhibit hall presenting a show called “Pets Rock: Live on Tour.” The show takes the public on a journey through the eyes of animals. The area will also have adoptable pets, such as puppies, and workshops with skilled dog trainers and veterinarians.

Stunt dog shows: Every day when the fair is open to the public, a stunt dog show will take place. The performance entails trained rescue dogs showcasing their skills and agility via tricks and Frisbee stunts. Plus, the public might be asked to participate in the show, according to the fair. The daily show is at the Family Funville area at 1, 3 and 6 p.m.

Pet pavilion: There will be a daily pet pavilion where fair guests can meet adoptable pets. The area will also have informational demonstrations. The pet pavilion is located on the grass field in Family Funville.

Dog races: Small dog lovers rejoice, corgi and wiener dog races are coming to the fair. The competitions will be at the Del Mar Arena on June 14, with the dachshunds racing at 3 and 6 p.m. and the corgis running at 7 and 8 p.m.

Cesar Millan: Dog Whisperer Cesar Millan is hosting a show focusing on his dog training techniques. Millan is known from his television shows “The Dog Whisperer with Cesar Millan” and “Better Human, Better Dog.” The event takes place at The Sound on June 21 at 6 p.m. and tickets range from $61.56 to $75.60. Tickets can be purchased on the county fair’s website, and tickets include same-day ission to the fair.

Dog scent demonstrations: See how trained dogs use their nose to find specific odors and smells to help humans in special operations. This demonstration will feature the skill set to find specific odors such as narcotics, explosives and wildlife. The public can see these demonstrations at the Del Mar Arena from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. on June 25 and 26.

Dog competitions: For five days, fair guests can check out two types of dog competitions at the Del Mar Arena. The dock dog is an aquatic competitions that require dogs to leap and splash in the water. This water contest will take place at noon, 4 and 6 p.m. on June 25 to June 27 and noon, 4 and 7 p.m. on June 28 and 29. The second dog competition involves dogs highlighting their teamwork, speed and agility with flyball races at 10 a.m., 1 and 5 p.m. on June 28 and 29.

Puppy yoga: Practice yoga and cuddle with puppies at the fair’s puppy yoga event. The 45-minute yoga class is led by Samara Ariel. After the class, participants can play and cuddle with with adoptable puppies. Puppy yoga happens at The Sound at 10 a.m. on June 29 and July 6. Advance registration is required, and a portion of the proceeds benefits partnering rescue organizations, according to event organizers. The public can for the yoga class at spirityogaandbarre.com.

Dog fun run: Dog owners can take their four-legged friend out for a fun run the morning after the Fourth of July, on the Del Mar Fairgrounds racetrack. The Pet-Tacular Pooch Fun Run features contests and a dog-centric vendor village with products, accessories and services for canines. Participants must in advance at sdfair.com/p/what-to-do/pet-tacular-pooch-fun-run. The cost is $50 and includes ission to the fair without a dog. The event occurs in Family Funville from 6:30 to 10:30 a.m. on July 5.

A map of the San Diego County Fair can be found at sdfair.com/p/plan-your-visit/fair-map. For a list of all the pet events and activities, go to sdfair.com/p/what-to-do/pet-events–activities.