While some came to win a lot of medals, others were happy to be spending quality time with their best chum during the event at mypetstop in Tingley, Leeds on Sunday.

About three dozen dogs led their owners through three plus hours of dogged determination on track and field in events such as hurdles, the long jump and a relay race.

Later owners got to show off what the pets had learned at obedience classes during a gymnastics event, followed by the javelin retrieve, steeplechase and a marathon.

Michaela Butler, 31, of Beeston, Leeds, struck gold when her cross terrier rescue dog, Jasper, leapt five-and-a-half feet in the long jump.

Michaela said: "We come here to the doggy play school, Canine Capers, for an hour a week and I thought we would come along to the Doggy Olympics because it sounded good fun."

Michelle Chappell, of Gomersal, and eight-year-old daughter Abigail brought along their cavalier King Charles spaniels, Charlie and Sam.

Michelle said: "It's been a great day out, the kids and the dogs have loved it."

Julie Randall, of Churwell, stole the show when she pushed her 17-month-old King Charles spaniel, Pippa, into the arena in a child's wheelbarrow for the gymnastics event.

Julie said: "Pippa loves dancing and one day at Canine Capers she got in the wheelbarrow and she loves it."

Kevin Forsey, operations manager at mypetstop said: "Lots of customers who come to training classes every week came to the Doggy Olympics to show off their skills."