0:00:03 > 0:00:06Hello, and welcome to the Brathay Estate
0:00:06 > 0:00:09on the banks of Lake Windermere in the Lake District.
0:00:09 > 0:00:13This beautiful part of the country is about to play host
0:00:13 > 0:00:15to a contest like no other.
0:00:15 > 0:00:18A physical and mental competition for humans...
0:00:18 > 0:00:19Go!
0:00:19 > 0:00:21..and their dogs.
0:00:21 > 0:00:23Good boy!
0:00:23 > 0:00:24OK, up, up!
0:00:24 > 0:00:27We've scoured the country and found eight people
0:00:27 > 0:00:30who all believe they have the ultimate relationship
0:00:30 > 0:00:32with their canine companions.
0:00:32 > 0:00:36We'd love to win it, to prove to the world how good Douglas is.
0:00:36 > 0:00:40We understand each other. We've been a team since he was seven weeks old,
0:00:40 > 0:00:42and he's now nine.
0:00:42 > 0:00:43Flapjack's beauty and my brains,
0:00:43 > 0:00:45we should make quite a winning combination.
0:00:45 > 0:00:47This way, this way, this way! Flapjack!
0:00:47 > 0:00:49Over the next four weeks,
0:00:49 > 0:00:52guided by some of the country's top dog trainers...
0:00:52 > 0:00:54That is incredible!
0:00:54 > 0:00:56..and canine scientists...
0:00:56 > 0:01:00- What it tells us is that Betty is ambidextrous.- Same as me!
0:01:00 > 0:01:04We'll see them unlock the full potential of their partnership.
0:01:04 > 0:01:06- You're ace, you are!- Go!
0:01:06 > 0:01:09They'll compete in a series of challenges.
0:01:09 > 0:01:10Just go, Douglas, go Doug!
0:01:10 > 0:01:13And the best duos will win a place in our grand final...
0:01:13 > 0:01:15Whoops!
0:01:15 > 0:01:18..where one pair will be crowned ultimate champions.
0:01:22 > 0:01:26If you think you know what your dogs are capable of, think again!
0:01:38 > 0:01:40Last time...
0:01:40 > 0:01:42Go, go, go, good girl!
0:01:42 > 0:01:45..the pairs split into two groups, and took on a set of challenges
0:01:45 > 0:01:47designed to test how well they communicate.
0:01:47 > 0:01:49- Good lad!- Just the eyes...
0:01:49 > 0:01:52The Reds took on the nature slalom,
0:01:52 > 0:01:56where Colin and Mitch and Toni and Flapjack floundered.
0:01:56 > 0:01:58- You've lost your dog.- Benny...
0:01:58 > 0:02:01But Ellie and Benny emerged as top dogs.
0:02:01 > 0:02:04Absolutely superb!
0:02:04 > 0:02:05Little Benny Bear.
0:02:05 > 0:02:07One, two, three... Go on!
0:02:07 > 0:02:10The Yellows faced an upstream scramble.
0:02:10 > 0:02:11Zuri!
0:02:11 > 0:02:15Daisy couldn't persuade Zuri to take the plunge.
0:02:15 > 0:02:16Good girl, Bodger, thank you.
0:02:16 > 0:02:18But Badger and Bodger...
0:02:18 > 0:02:20Go, Bodgy!
0:02:20 > 0:02:22..and Jake and Monty triumphed.
0:02:22 > 0:02:23That was an awesome display!
0:02:25 > 0:02:29Finally, our duos faced the ultimate test of communication...
0:02:33 > 0:02:35..in a tethered cycling trial...
0:02:35 > 0:02:39It looks scary, it looked proper scary.
0:02:39 > 0:02:41..where Toni and Flapjack fought back...
0:02:41 > 0:02:44- Sausages, sausages!- Yay!
0:02:44 > 0:02:46..giving Josh and Doug a run for their money.
0:02:46 > 0:02:48Go on, push, push, push, push!
0:02:48 > 0:02:51But others failed to make the grade.
0:02:51 > 0:02:53We're not performing as a team,
0:02:53 > 0:02:55I'm finding it really, really frustrating
0:02:55 > 0:03:00because I'm not getting the results from him that I'm asking of him.
0:03:00 > 0:03:02We'll get there, won't we?
0:03:02 > 0:03:05I still love you! Still love you.
0:03:12 > 0:03:15It's week two, and time for the Reds and Yellows
0:03:15 > 0:03:17to face a new set of challenges
0:03:17 > 0:03:21designed to test the limits of their person-to-pet partnership.
0:03:23 > 0:03:25The bond that we share with our dogs
0:03:25 > 0:03:27is almost beyond description.
0:03:27 > 0:03:29What's it about?
0:03:29 > 0:03:32Well, it's about cooperation, it's about respect,
0:03:32 > 0:03:33it's about friendship.
0:03:33 > 0:03:35We share our lives with these animals.
0:03:35 > 0:03:37It's about love.
0:03:41 > 0:03:46Any happy, healthy human-dog relationship must be built on trust,
0:03:46 > 0:03:49and that's what this set of challenges is all about.
0:03:51 > 0:03:54Right now, Badger and Bodger lead the Yellows
0:03:54 > 0:03:56with Josh and Doug hot on their heels,
0:03:56 > 0:03:59and Daisy and Zuri bringing up the rear.
0:03:59 > 0:04:02In the Reds, there were three pairs in close contention,
0:04:02 > 0:04:05with Colin and Mitch not that far behind.
0:04:07 > 0:04:10This time, it's the Reds who have the first chance
0:04:10 > 0:04:12to get more points on the board.
0:04:12 > 0:04:14Ah-ha! Here they are!
0:04:14 > 0:04:17This is Brathay Bay on the banks of Lake Windermere.
0:04:17 > 0:04:21You haven't come down here to take in this marvellous view!
0:04:21 > 0:04:23You are going to be doing this...
0:04:32 > 0:04:35It's called stand-up paddleboarding.
0:04:35 > 0:04:38And what happens when Flapjack just gets off?
0:04:38 > 0:04:40This is all about trust.
0:04:40 > 0:04:42This is about you having a fantastic opportunity,
0:04:42 > 0:04:45a new opportunity whereby, if you're working with your dog
0:04:45 > 0:04:48and you're exercising the bond that you've already got,
0:04:48 > 0:04:52you can enhance it by putting yourself in a new situation,
0:04:52 > 0:04:55and building upon that trust that you've got there.
0:04:56 > 0:04:59In this challenge, the pairs will need to paddle
0:04:59 > 0:05:01100 yards out to this buoy,
0:05:01 > 0:05:04circle it, and then race back to the bank,
0:05:04 > 0:05:08keeping themselves and their dogs on the board at all times.
0:05:09 > 0:05:11Mine is going to be a disaster.
0:05:11 > 0:05:13My challenge is going to be keeping him on the board...
0:05:13 > 0:05:14- Yeah, totally.- Not yourself.
0:05:14 > 0:05:16Cos he won't want to go on the board, he'll want to swim.
0:05:16 > 0:05:18He looks keen to get in the water, which I'm sure...
0:05:18 > 0:05:20But that's the problem!
0:05:20 > 0:05:22This is just going to be completely farcical.
0:05:25 > 0:05:28A sport like this should never be attempted without proper training,
0:05:28 > 0:05:32and only in water which is known to be safe.
0:05:32 > 0:05:34Ready to get on? Yeah? On you get.
0:05:34 > 0:05:35Good boy.
0:05:35 > 0:05:37Our dogs are all strong swimmers,
0:05:37 > 0:05:40and will be wearing specialist buoyancy aids.
0:05:40 > 0:05:42Oh, that's really warm...
0:05:43 > 0:05:45There's a drop there!
0:05:47 > 0:05:51The key to success in this challenge is persuading the dogs
0:05:51 > 0:05:54the paddleboard is a safe place to be.
0:05:54 > 0:05:57Good boy! You want to be on the boat!
0:05:57 > 0:06:00Dogs might be natural swimmers...
0:06:00 > 0:06:02It's nice. There's a little bit of movement I'm introducing,
0:06:02 > 0:06:05then I'm just going to encourage him off and I want you to pull
0:06:05 > 0:06:07- the handle out a bit further so the board moves more, OK?- OK.
0:06:07 > 0:06:12But floating on water is way out of the canine comfort zone...
0:06:12 > 0:06:13Flapjack, sit.
0:06:13 > 0:06:15Good boy. Right, let's go for a little float.
0:06:15 > 0:06:17Lie down, lie down.
0:06:17 > 0:06:19Oh!
0:06:19 > 0:06:20A good job you like water!
0:06:20 > 0:06:24They should be comforted enough by their owners' presence
0:06:24 > 0:06:27to cope with the novelty of being on the paddleboard.
0:06:27 > 0:06:28Hang on a minute!
0:06:28 > 0:06:30At least, that's the theory.
0:06:30 > 0:06:31You're such a clever boy!
0:06:31 > 0:06:33Good...
0:06:33 > 0:06:34Benny, Benny, Benny!
0:06:37 > 0:06:40For clinical animal behaviourist Sian Ryan,
0:06:40 > 0:06:43this is a great opportunity to see the pairs in action.
0:06:43 > 0:06:45Some dogs perhaps wouldn't bat an eyelid
0:06:45 > 0:06:46at something like this -
0:06:46 > 0:06:49they're very confident, they love water,
0:06:49 > 0:06:52they are confident about something that moves under their feet -
0:06:52 > 0:06:54but it is about the bond with the person.
0:06:54 > 0:06:56We know that we want our dogs to develop a secure attachment
0:06:56 > 0:06:59because that gives them confidence to move away from us,
0:06:59 > 0:07:01but that desire to be with us as well.
0:07:01 > 0:07:04That's what I'm looking for in a good bond.
0:07:04 > 0:07:08But one of our pairs is struggling to find their sea legs.
0:07:08 > 0:07:11Put that piece of food right on his nose, here.
0:07:11 > 0:07:15Colin's dog is yet to place all four paws on his board.
0:07:15 > 0:07:17Come on, mate.
0:07:17 > 0:07:18Oh, mate, have you got no appetite?
0:07:18 > 0:07:22And Sian steps in to help Colin avoid a classic mistake.
0:07:22 > 0:07:25Hang on, don't. Please don't just pick him up and put him on there,
0:07:25 > 0:07:27because we need him to choose to get on there.
0:07:27 > 0:07:28Mitch, come here.
0:07:31 > 0:07:34Currently near the bottom of the leaderboard,
0:07:34 > 0:07:35the contest has highlighted
0:07:35 > 0:07:38Colin's traditional approach to training Mitch.
0:07:38 > 0:07:40Mitch means a real great deal to me,
0:07:40 > 0:07:43but I've got an old-fashioned attitude to dogs.
0:07:43 > 0:07:46Just remember who is the master.
0:07:46 > 0:07:47Get on, Mitch, get on...
0:07:47 > 0:07:49After the first set of challenges,
0:07:49 > 0:07:52it's starting to feel like it's holding them back.
0:07:52 > 0:07:56Two-and-a-half years of teaching him to heel on penalty of death,
0:07:56 > 0:07:59and all of a sudden, on penalty of death, he's got to pull!
0:07:59 > 0:08:01Conventional wisdom has long been
0:08:01 > 0:08:04that since wolves live in an alpha-dominated pack,
0:08:04 > 0:08:08owners should mimic that and show their pet who's boss.
0:08:08 > 0:08:09Come on!
0:08:09 > 0:08:11But recent findings have revealed
0:08:11 > 0:08:14that they're actually more of a cooperative species,
0:08:14 > 0:08:18suggesting our relationship with our dogs
0:08:18 > 0:08:20shouldn't be based on dominance.
0:08:20 > 0:08:24There's obviously something that I, as a dog keeper
0:08:24 > 0:08:28over the last...over my entire life, have been missing.
0:08:29 > 0:08:32I thought we had a really strong bond,
0:08:32 > 0:08:34but I'm asking to do things and he's looking at me
0:08:34 > 0:08:37and thinking, "I'm not sure about that,"
0:08:37 > 0:08:40so perhaps that bond hasn't been there that I thought was there.
0:08:40 > 0:08:41Yeah.
0:08:43 > 0:08:47Yeah. So I think... It's a bit difficult, really.
0:08:47 > 0:08:49Eh?
0:08:51 > 0:08:55Sian wants to help Colin find new ways to engage with Mitch.
0:08:57 > 0:09:03At the moment, Mitch is very slow in his movements and he's very unsure,
0:09:03 > 0:09:08and Colin is actually very keen that he reawakens Mitch's playful side.
0:09:08 > 0:09:11- That's it.- Good boy, good boy!
0:09:11 > 0:09:12- There we go.- Good lad!
0:09:12 > 0:09:16So you getting on there gives him confidence to be on there.
0:09:16 > 0:09:17Going to do that back leg?
0:09:17 > 0:09:19Are we going to do that back leg, mate?
0:09:19 > 0:09:21Come on, here. Mitch, come on!
0:09:21 > 0:09:22Good boy!
0:09:22 > 0:09:26- See?- Good man. Good lad.
0:09:26 > 0:09:27There's a good boy!
0:09:27 > 0:09:31With all our pairs pretty much seaworthy...
0:09:31 > 0:09:33I feel like Pocahontas right now!
0:09:33 > 0:09:36..it's time for the main event.
0:09:36 > 0:09:39Now it is a race, first person back gets the four points,
0:09:39 > 0:09:42second, three, so on and so forth... OK?
0:09:42 > 0:09:44Remember, the paddles are for paddling.
0:09:44 > 0:09:46They're not a weapon!
0:09:46 > 0:09:48We don't want to see anyone being jostled off of their boards,
0:09:48 > 0:09:50with any randy paddling!
0:09:50 > 0:09:53- Are you ready to go?- Yes!- OK.
0:09:57 > 0:09:59They'll be ranked and awarded points
0:09:59 > 0:10:02according to who gets back to dry land first.
0:10:02 > 0:10:04Right, is everyone ready?
0:10:04 > 0:10:06On your marks, get set...
0:10:06 > 0:10:08- Go!- Good luck, people!
0:10:08 > 0:10:10Good girl, Betty.
0:10:10 > 0:10:11Good boy, Mitch!
0:10:11 > 0:10:15The race is on, but who can keep their dog calm and controlled?
0:10:15 > 0:10:16Stay with it, Mitch.
0:10:16 > 0:10:18Off the starting line,
0:10:18 > 0:10:22the key thing is persuading the dogs to stay still,
0:10:22 > 0:10:25which means offering calm verbal reassurance.
0:10:25 > 0:10:26Good boy, Mitch!
0:10:26 > 0:10:29Colin and Mitch have made a tentative start.
0:10:29 > 0:10:30Stay with it, Mitch!
0:10:31 > 0:10:34Ellie and rescue dog Benny...
0:10:34 > 0:10:37Come on, you've got this! You've got this, Benny!
0:10:37 > 0:10:40..and Toni and three-year-old Labrador Flapjack
0:10:40 > 0:10:41are looking steady.
0:10:41 > 0:10:43Good boy, Jack!
0:10:43 > 0:10:45But that can't be said for everyone.
0:10:45 > 0:10:46Betty, no, no...
0:10:46 > 0:10:49Oh! It's OK, Benny.
0:10:49 > 0:10:50Betty, here...
0:10:52 > 0:10:54- Betty's gone in for a swim. - Oh, no!
0:10:57 > 0:11:00Andrew and 18-month-old Border Terrier Betty
0:11:00 > 0:11:01are keen running partners,
0:11:01 > 0:11:03and so far in the contest,
0:11:03 > 0:11:06he's had problems reining in his dog's enthusiasm.
0:11:06 > 0:11:08Good girl!
0:11:08 > 0:11:11He'll need to keep a close eye on her, because here,
0:11:11 > 0:11:14staying calm and still won't come easy.
0:11:14 > 0:11:15Good girl!
0:11:17 > 0:11:18Good boy, Jackie. Jackie?
0:11:18 > 0:11:20I know you've got a wet bottom, but love,
0:11:20 > 0:11:21could you sit down, please?
0:11:21 > 0:11:24Flapjack's got up with the excitement of it all.
0:11:24 > 0:11:26If Flapjack went in, I don't know it if she'd be able
0:11:26 > 0:11:28to hoick Flapjack out of the water quite so easily!
0:11:28 > 0:11:31It's going to be harder work with you balancing, sweetheart!
0:11:31 > 0:11:33- Colin's up in front.- Yeah!
0:11:33 > 0:11:35Good boy, sit!
0:11:35 > 0:11:38I'm rooting for Colin and Mitch, here, come on!
0:11:38 > 0:11:40They're going for it, they're right out there.
0:11:40 > 0:11:41Colin's got to the buoy...
0:11:41 > 0:11:43I think it's Colin's got that, really tight.
0:11:43 > 0:11:45He's got a tight angle, yeah.
0:11:45 > 0:11:48With Colin and Toni in first and second place,
0:11:48 > 0:11:50Andrew and Betty are playing catch-up.
0:11:50 > 0:11:53Andrew's powering back in there now.
0:11:53 > 0:11:55They're gaining on Ellie and Benny.
0:11:55 > 0:11:56It's OK...
0:11:56 > 0:11:58As they round the buoy,
0:11:58 > 0:12:01Colin's doing a great job of reassuring Mitch.
0:12:01 > 0:12:02Good lad!
0:12:02 > 0:12:06Andrew spots a chance to take Ellie on the inside...
0:12:06 > 0:12:08but once again... SPLASHING
0:12:08 > 0:12:10..Betty has other ideas.
0:12:10 > 0:12:13- Betty's gone in again... - Betty's gone in for the second time.
0:12:13 > 0:12:15Good girl.
0:12:15 > 0:12:17Betty, will you stop falling in?
0:12:18 > 0:12:21It's the home straight, and at the front of the pack,
0:12:21 > 0:12:24Colin and Toni are fighting for pole position,
0:12:24 > 0:12:26but they're not forgetting their manners.
0:12:26 > 0:12:28Sorry, Colin.
0:12:28 > 0:12:29- Sorry!- Sorry...
0:12:29 > 0:12:34I can't believe what polite competitors we are!
0:12:34 > 0:12:35So sorry.
0:12:35 > 0:12:36Sorry!
0:12:36 > 0:12:38Colin's out in front.
0:12:38 > 0:12:40But Toni is really trying to keep up with him.
0:12:43 > 0:12:46For Ellie and Andrew, it's a battle for third.
0:12:47 > 0:12:49Betty, no!
0:12:50 > 0:12:52Somebody just lost their dog...
0:12:52 > 0:12:54- Betty's in.- Oh, that's Andrew!
0:12:56 > 0:12:58- Andrew's in! - Andrew's gone in!
0:13:00 > 0:13:03Andrew will be quite disappointed, I think, cos he's quite competitive.
0:13:03 > 0:13:07- It would take a bit of trust wouldn't it?- Absolutely. - To get them still on the front.
0:13:07 > 0:13:08Look at Colin and Mitch.
0:13:08 > 0:13:10- This is the team.- Go on, son.
0:13:10 > 0:13:12Get in, Mitch! Stay...
0:13:12 > 0:13:15Toni's giving it some now, though!
0:13:16 > 0:13:19- It's going to be a close call. - It is going to be close.
0:13:19 > 0:13:20They're coming in, they're very close.
0:13:20 > 0:13:22There might be a photo finish!
0:13:23 > 0:13:25I tell you what, if we make this,
0:13:25 > 0:13:28somebody better be standing there with a gin and tonic as I get off.
0:13:28 > 0:13:30- Jack!- Keep going, keep going!
0:13:30 > 0:13:31Get in!
0:13:31 > 0:13:36Dry land in sight, who will paddle through to victory?
0:13:37 > 0:13:38Good boy...oh...!
0:13:39 > 0:13:42Oh, no! I don't believe it!
0:13:42 > 0:13:44Way-hey!
0:13:52 > 0:13:53Good boy, good boy!
0:13:53 > 0:13:56Ellie and Benny claim third.
0:13:56 > 0:13:57Oh, great!
0:13:57 > 0:13:59And Andrew and Betty bring up the rear.
0:13:59 > 0:14:02Go on, Betty, go on!
0:14:02 > 0:14:03Thank you, mate.
0:14:03 > 0:14:05You deserve that as well, mate.
0:14:05 > 0:14:06You really, really do.
0:14:06 > 0:14:12- Oh, yes. He's over the moon. - That means such a lot to them.
0:14:12 > 0:14:14Colin, that's amazing. Well done, mate.
0:14:14 > 0:14:17I can't believe that. I really can't believe that.
0:14:17 > 0:14:18Oh, my God, I'm chuffed to bits.
0:14:18 > 0:14:22- What can I say? What can I say? - Well done.- What a performance!
0:14:22 > 0:14:24I really can't believe that.
0:14:24 > 0:14:25He was great.
0:14:25 > 0:14:26It's enlivened things a bit.
0:14:26 > 0:14:28- You know, refreshed things.- Yes.
0:14:28 > 0:14:30I'm so, so pleased.
0:14:30 > 0:14:33We got a good bit of swimming practice there,
0:14:33 > 0:14:35- it was quite good fun! - Did you fall in?
0:14:35 > 0:14:37- I went in about five times there! - Oh, did you? Oh, OK!
0:14:37 > 0:14:39Do you know what? We're all right in the water.
0:14:39 > 0:14:41It was just sad cos I was trying
0:14:41 > 0:14:43to give Colin a run for his money at the end!
0:14:45 > 0:14:48Race over and it's time for the results.
0:14:50 > 0:14:52I hope you enjoyed that,
0:14:52 > 0:14:56because that was the best spectator sport that I've had in some time,
0:14:56 > 0:14:57I've got to say!
0:14:57 > 0:15:00- Andrew...- Yes? - You had a few problems.
0:15:00 > 0:15:02- Three times!- No, it's great fun.
0:15:02 > 0:15:04It was a swimming competition, yeah?
0:15:04 > 0:15:06You slightly misinterpreted that!
0:15:06 > 0:15:08Andrew, as soon as she went in,
0:15:08 > 0:15:10the way that you got her out of the water...
0:15:10 > 0:15:13Spot-on, well done. She knows that you've got her back.
0:15:13 > 0:15:17But what I think you need to work on is keeping that connection with her
0:15:17 > 0:15:19so that she sticks with you in the first place.
0:15:19 > 0:15:20You had six points, Andrew.
0:15:20 > 0:15:23You get one from this one, which brings you up
0:15:23 > 0:15:25to a total of seven points.
0:15:25 > 0:15:28Ellie and Benny, you came in third.
0:15:28 > 0:15:31You had six points, you get two on this occasion
0:15:31 > 0:15:33which brings you up to a total of eight points.
0:15:33 > 0:15:35Toni and Flapjack...
0:15:35 > 0:15:37- Oh!- The end was spectacular,
0:15:37 > 0:15:40but not spectacularly successful in some ways...
0:15:40 > 0:15:43Spectacular visually, probably, for everybody on the shore!
0:15:43 > 0:15:46You had five points, you get three more here,
0:15:46 > 0:15:47which brings you up
0:15:47 > 0:15:48to eight as well.
0:15:48 > 0:15:50And of course, that just leaves us
0:15:50 > 0:15:52with Colin and Mitch.
0:15:52 > 0:15:55We've taken it very steady with Mitch this afternoon
0:15:55 > 0:15:57to make sure that he was comfortable on the board.
0:15:57 > 0:16:01He took great comfort in the fact that you were on the board with him.
0:16:01 > 0:16:04And to see you both cross the line first, just...
0:16:04 > 0:16:07I don't know if there was a dry eye in the house!
0:16:07 > 0:16:08You can still see the glee...
0:16:08 > 0:16:12You had three points, Colin, but you've now added four to it.
0:16:12 > 0:16:14And this gives you, obviously, a total of seven,
0:16:14 > 0:16:16which brings you right back into contention.
0:16:16 > 0:16:18Eight, seven, seven and eight.
0:16:18 > 0:16:19All to play for!
0:16:19 > 0:16:21I've won something, I've won something!
0:16:21 > 0:16:23I've actually won something!
0:16:23 > 0:16:25And I really didn't think I had a hope,
0:16:25 > 0:16:28because he was so reluctant to get on the board first off.
0:16:28 > 0:16:29He was really reluctant.
0:16:29 > 0:16:31Mitch, are you a happy dog?
0:16:35 > 0:16:38I was really surprised he stayed on the board,
0:16:38 > 0:16:40I think it's a testament to, sort of,
0:16:40 > 0:16:42our closeness, really, that he did.
0:16:43 > 0:16:47I've learnt to look a lot more at how she is...
0:16:48 > 0:16:49..in a tricky situation,
0:16:49 > 0:16:52and I'm picking up on those little signals from Betty
0:16:52 > 0:16:54when she isn't 100% confident.
0:16:54 > 0:16:56I'm just sort of looking now for those little things,
0:16:56 > 0:16:59to keep her...keep her happy, really.
0:16:59 > 0:17:02But it's a massive moment for Colin and Mitch.
0:17:02 > 0:17:04Doing things like this together
0:17:04 > 0:17:07has got to be strengthening the bond, it's got to be.
0:17:07 > 0:17:10Colin's learning that building trust
0:17:10 > 0:17:12takes more than asserting dominance.
0:17:14 > 0:17:18Now, canine behavioural scientist Doctor Emily Blackwell wants to use
0:17:18 > 0:17:22new research to show Colin just how much he means to Mitch.
0:17:23 > 0:17:26In the past, people have pretty much thought that dogs only like people
0:17:26 > 0:17:28because they give them food.
0:17:28 > 0:17:32But there's been some recent research where they've looked at
0:17:32 > 0:17:34how dogs see the reward they get from food,
0:17:34 > 0:17:36and the rewards they get from people.
0:17:36 > 0:17:38- OK.- Praise and attention.
0:17:38 > 0:17:41So what we're going to do today is give Mitch the choice
0:17:41 > 0:17:44of a tasty bit of sausage, or access to you.
0:17:44 > 0:17:47And we're going to give him that choice and see which way he goes.
0:17:47 > 0:17:49- Go for the sausage. - Are you sure?
0:17:52 > 0:17:55Faced with a simple maze...
0:17:55 > 0:17:57- Come and sit in this seat here.- OK.
0:17:57 > 0:18:02..Mitch must choose between heading for food or Colin first.
0:18:02 > 0:18:04- Facing away... - Facing away is lovely, thank you.
0:18:04 > 0:18:06Oh, no!
0:18:06 > 0:18:09They'll perform the test 20 times,
0:18:09 > 0:18:11with Colin swapping sides
0:18:11 > 0:18:14to make sure Mitch doesn't have a preference.
0:18:14 > 0:18:15Ready...
0:18:15 > 0:18:17- Good boy! Mitch, go Mitch! - Good boy!
0:18:17 > 0:18:18Good boy!
0:18:24 > 0:18:26Turncoat!
0:18:26 > 0:18:29Right, one for food!
0:18:29 > 0:18:30Mitch, I'm here! Mitch!
0:18:30 > 0:18:33Good lad. Oh, mate!
0:18:33 > 0:18:36Researchers at Emory University in Atlanta
0:18:36 > 0:18:38have taken a more hi-tech approach
0:18:38 > 0:18:40to studying this aspect of a dog's behaviour.
0:18:40 > 0:18:44Mitch? I'm here, look, all right? It's either me or sausage, mate!
0:18:44 > 0:18:46- Mitch!- He changed his mind!
0:18:46 > 0:18:48He started and then suddenly thought about that...
0:18:48 > 0:18:51Using MRI scanners to measure neural activity,
0:18:51 > 0:18:54they discovered that the reward centre in some dogs' brains,
0:18:54 > 0:18:56called the caudate nucleus,
0:18:56 > 0:19:00was activated more by praise than it was by food.
0:19:01 > 0:19:03Good boy! Good boy.
0:19:03 > 0:19:06But what has motivated Mitch?
0:19:06 > 0:19:08The score was...
0:19:08 > 0:19:10For food - seven.
0:19:11 > 0:19:14And for Colin...13!
0:19:14 > 0:19:17- Get away!- This really is just a bit of fun.
0:19:17 > 0:19:20Obviously in Atlanta, they've done this in a really rigorous way.
0:19:20 > 0:19:22But I think what this does show us
0:19:22 > 0:19:24- is that Mitch does value your attention.- Yeah.
0:19:24 > 0:19:26So the old idea that dogs only like us
0:19:26 > 0:19:28because we provide them with food...
0:19:28 > 0:19:29Because we feed them, yeah...
0:19:29 > 0:19:32..is probably thrown out of the window by these new studies.
0:19:32 > 0:19:34That's very reassuring, actually! Yes.
0:19:34 > 0:19:35A little bit surprised,
0:19:35 > 0:19:39because a dog's stomach is kind of like his primary thought,
0:19:39 > 0:19:41you'd imagine, but quite a few times,
0:19:41 > 0:19:43he came straight to me.
0:19:43 > 0:19:47I want Mitch to respond to me like he proper loves me.
0:19:47 > 0:19:49I'm pleased he did that.
0:19:51 > 0:19:54Colin and Mitch are making great progress.
0:19:54 > 0:19:57But as the Yellows prepare to face their challenge,
0:19:57 > 0:20:00one pair face a test of their patience.
0:20:00 > 0:20:05Monty hurt his leg during the ghyll scramble.
0:20:05 > 0:20:09And unfortunately, he's just not quite healed enough,
0:20:09 > 0:20:11which is devastating.
0:20:11 > 0:20:14It's a minor injury, but to be on the safe side,
0:20:14 > 0:20:17Jake is sitting out the next challenge
0:20:17 > 0:20:20and Monty is not taking the news well.
0:20:20 > 0:20:23He's been pretty miserable actually.
0:20:23 > 0:20:25Every time Monty sees them all going out,
0:20:25 > 0:20:27wandering off together,
0:20:27 > 0:20:30he starts whining and basically wants to get involved, so yeah,
0:20:30 > 0:20:32we're really looking forward to getting back out there.
0:20:37 > 0:20:39For the rest of the Yellows,
0:20:39 > 0:20:41it's time to face their next challenge.
0:20:41 > 0:20:42Just like paddleboarding,
0:20:42 > 0:20:45it will test the strength of the trust between them.
0:20:47 > 0:20:50Welcome to Brathay Woods. We've got another challenge for you.
0:20:50 > 0:20:53It is a very, very difficult challenge.
0:20:53 > 0:20:55We've got parkour.
0:20:59 > 0:21:02Based on the urban sport of free running,
0:21:02 > 0:21:06our canine parkour course takes in five different obstacles.
0:21:06 > 0:21:09The dogs must place all four paws on the tree boards,
0:21:09 > 0:21:13balance across a walkway, step up and down the tyre stack,
0:21:13 > 0:21:16and climb the tree stump steps to the finish.
0:21:16 > 0:21:18Stay...
0:21:20 > 0:21:23In order to try new things in an unfamiliar environment,
0:21:23 > 0:21:28it's essential dogs view their owners as a secure base.
0:21:28 > 0:21:30They'll be happy to venture away from you
0:21:30 > 0:21:32if they know you'll be there when they return.
0:21:32 > 0:21:34The idea of this is a spring-off -
0:21:34 > 0:21:36so if you walk in the woods,
0:21:36 > 0:21:39what would be the actual parkour run with this
0:21:39 > 0:21:41- would be to spring off the tree trunk itself.- Oh, cool!
0:21:41 > 0:21:43- Right, OK.- So what we're doing at the moment
0:21:43 > 0:21:45is giving the platform to lure him up to that.
0:21:45 > 0:21:47- To understand how to do it. - Exactly that.
0:21:47 > 0:21:50Our duos will have half an hour to get used to the course...
0:21:50 > 0:21:52Good boy! Clever boy!
0:21:52 > 0:21:55..before they have to race against the clock...
0:21:55 > 0:21:56Good girl! Yes, yes, yes!
0:21:56 > 0:21:58..where the pair with the fastest time...
0:21:58 > 0:22:01- This way... - ..will get maximum points.
0:22:01 > 0:22:02If you do that again...
0:22:02 > 0:22:05- Oh, no... That's a free one, good boy!- Freebies!
0:22:05 > 0:22:08What will they get out of this, in terms of the team, the partnership?
0:22:08 > 0:22:11This is such a great way of enhancing your walks
0:22:11 > 0:22:13when you take your dog for a walk,
0:22:13 > 0:22:15and you can see all sorts of parkour obstacles,
0:22:15 > 0:22:16whether it's a park bench
0:22:16 > 0:22:18or you're out in the woods and there's a tree trunk.
0:22:18 > 0:22:20For the dogs who are lacking in confidence,
0:22:20 > 0:22:23they get to explore something that they were a bit worried about,
0:22:23 > 0:22:25but in a way that they know is safe.
0:22:25 > 0:22:28They're building that bond, building that understanding
0:22:28 > 0:22:30that "My human is not going to ask me to do something
0:22:30 > 0:22:31"that's going to scare me."
0:22:35 > 0:22:37And it's good for people too.
0:22:37 > 0:22:39Studies are starting to suggest
0:22:39 > 0:22:42that when we positively engage with our dogs...
0:22:42 > 0:22:43Douglas?
0:22:43 > 0:22:45Good boy!
0:22:45 > 0:22:46Good boy, Doug!
0:22:46 > 0:22:49..and have sustained eye contact with them...
0:22:49 > 0:22:51Let's try it again.
0:22:51 > 0:22:55..humans AND dogs experience an increase in oxytocin levels.
0:22:55 > 0:22:57Good boy! Clever dog.
0:22:57 > 0:22:59Zuri, up!
0:22:59 > 0:23:01Sometimes called the love hormone,
0:23:01 > 0:23:03it's more commonly associated
0:23:03 > 0:23:05with building trust between a parent and infant...
0:23:05 > 0:23:07Good girl!
0:23:07 > 0:23:10..and plays a key role in reinforcing a healthy bond.
0:23:10 > 0:23:12So what we're going to do is set Douglas up
0:23:12 > 0:23:14to try and walk across the planks here.
0:23:14 > 0:23:16You've got to introduce it really carefully.
0:23:16 > 0:23:19Two of our pairs are picking up parkour pretty quickly...
0:23:19 > 0:23:21Doug, round here, please? Dougie?
0:23:21 > 0:23:23Currently close to the top of the leaderboard,
0:23:23 > 0:23:2527-year-old Josh from Devon
0:23:25 > 0:23:29and two-year-old Labrador/springer spaniel cross Doug
0:23:29 > 0:23:31are feeling at home in the woods.
0:23:31 > 0:23:33I'm feeling really good about this challenge.
0:23:33 > 0:23:35Without knowing it, I think he does this stuff anyway,
0:23:35 > 0:23:38he jumps up on logs when he's not on the lead and things like that,
0:23:38 > 0:23:39so it's just keying into a cue to do it.
0:23:39 > 0:23:41Go! Good girl! Up, up!
0:23:41 > 0:23:46Frontrunners Badger and her dog, Bodger, are acing it.
0:23:46 > 0:23:47I think we will nail it.
0:23:47 > 0:23:51It's just whether or not she can just control her speed
0:23:51 > 0:23:54and just keeping her focused and not...
0:23:55 > 0:23:58Bodger is now digging a hole.
0:23:58 > 0:23:59Bodger?
0:24:00 > 0:24:02Have you finished?
0:24:04 > 0:24:06But one pair are struggling.
0:24:06 > 0:24:08Wait. Are we going to do a narrow one?
0:24:08 > 0:24:11Shall we try the narrower one? Come here. Zuri, come here.
0:24:11 > 0:24:13Walk? Up, up... Come here...
0:24:13 > 0:24:14Zuri, sausages!
0:24:14 > 0:24:17Come here... Sausages!
0:24:17 > 0:24:18Zuri, up!
0:24:18 > 0:24:20Currently in last place,
0:24:20 > 0:24:23the challenges so far have made Daisy question whether
0:24:23 > 0:24:26there's something missing from her relationship with Zuri.
0:24:26 > 0:24:29I find comfort in her, but not the other way round,
0:24:29 > 0:24:33because when friends and family look after her, you know,
0:24:33 > 0:24:35no-one ever said that, you know, she missed me.
0:24:35 > 0:24:37You know, she'd just settle in as if, you know,
0:24:37 > 0:24:40she's home with whoever she's staying with...
0:24:40 > 0:24:42ZURI SNEEZES
0:24:43 > 0:24:45LAUGHTER AND GROANING
0:24:45 > 0:24:48From what Sian's seen so far, she suspects that this may be
0:24:48 > 0:24:51because of a lack of trust between the pair.
0:24:51 > 0:24:52Look!
0:24:52 > 0:24:56Last time, Daisy couldn't talk her dog into taking a dip.
0:24:56 > 0:24:57OK, we lost that one.
0:24:57 > 0:25:00And having been unable to take part in the cycling,
0:25:00 > 0:25:03they're yet to complete a challenge.
0:25:03 > 0:25:06Sometimes, you've used food to get her to do something
0:25:06 > 0:25:10she doesn't want to do, or she's scared of doing.
0:25:10 > 0:25:13So there's a slight element of, "I don't trust you.
0:25:13 > 0:25:15"When you put food in front of my nose,
0:25:15 > 0:25:18"it's because you're going to make me do something."
0:25:18 > 0:25:21- So we just need to turn that around a little bit.- Yes, we do.
0:25:21 > 0:25:23I'm willing to change, I will do anything.
0:25:23 > 0:25:26Canine parkour is a great chance
0:25:26 > 0:25:29for them to take their bond back to basics.
0:25:29 > 0:25:30Ah, that's cheating, isn't it?
0:25:30 > 0:25:32That's taking two leaps in one go.
0:25:34 > 0:25:38And Sian thinks that by using toys as a reward, instead of food,
0:25:38 > 0:25:42Daisy can show Zuri that new things can be fun.
0:25:42 > 0:25:44Since they've got here,
0:25:44 > 0:25:47we've been trying to rebuild Zuri's trust in Daisy,
0:25:47 > 0:25:50so that when Daisy asks her to do something,
0:25:50 > 0:25:53Zuri believes it's going to be fun, it's going to be rewarding.
0:25:53 > 0:25:55She'll pick up those skills faster.
0:25:55 > 0:25:57Zuri's got it! Oh, can I have it?
0:25:57 > 0:26:00Yeah, Zuri, so lovely! Yes, what's this?
0:26:00 > 0:26:04The better Zuri does, the more rewards she receives,
0:26:04 > 0:26:07which increases the incentive to do well.
0:26:07 > 0:26:10Called a positive feedback loop,
0:26:10 > 0:26:12it will help strengthen the trust between them.
0:26:12 > 0:26:15The other challenges haven't gone really well, so I'm hopeful today,
0:26:15 > 0:26:18Zuri will actually complete the whole challenge.
0:26:21 > 0:26:22Practice over.
0:26:22 > 0:26:25Next, a race against the clock.
0:26:25 > 0:26:28At stake, a chance to get points on the board.
0:26:29 > 0:26:31OK, who's first up?
0:26:31 > 0:26:34Josh and Douglas are going to go first.
0:26:34 > 0:26:37I think the one we find a bit more tricky is the walk along the plank.
0:26:37 > 0:26:40He seems to get the idea that going halfway and jumping off
0:26:40 > 0:26:41and looking at me is a better idea.
0:26:41 > 0:26:44That'll be the potential banana skin, I think.
0:26:44 > 0:26:46On your marks, get set...
0:26:46 > 0:26:47Go!
0:26:47 > 0:26:49Come on, Doug! Up, up, up! Keep looking.
0:26:49 > 0:26:51Cheered on by their fellow competitors,
0:26:51 > 0:26:55first obstacle for Josh and Doug, the balance beam.
0:26:55 > 0:26:58If one paw touches the ground,
0:26:58 > 0:26:59it's back to the beginning.
0:27:02 > 0:27:03Top work!
0:27:03 > 0:27:04Next, the tree boards...
0:27:04 > 0:27:05Up, up, up!
0:27:05 > 0:27:08..where all four paws need to make contact.
0:27:08 > 0:27:11- Good boy!- Oh, that was very nicely done there.
0:27:11 > 0:27:13And up, up, up! Good boy, good boy!
0:27:13 > 0:27:15He's just flying.
0:27:15 > 0:27:16Next, it's the tyre stack,
0:27:16 > 0:27:22and Douglas must place at least one paw on each level of the obstacle.
0:27:22 > 0:27:23Right, no, wait, wait, wait.
0:27:27 > 0:27:28He's missed it.
0:27:28 > 0:27:30It's not straightforward, is it?
0:27:30 > 0:27:33It's not that they've just got to run in front of a bike, one job.
0:27:33 > 0:27:36Here, they've got to do five consecutively,
0:27:36 > 0:27:38and they are all different.
0:27:38 > 0:27:40No, wait. Up, up, up!
0:27:40 > 0:27:42Good boy!
0:27:42 > 0:27:45That's it, slow it down, slow it down.
0:27:45 > 0:27:48- Can he get straight up on it? - Oh, yes, look at that.
0:27:48 > 0:27:50Good boy!
0:27:51 > 0:27:54- Look at that.- Look at that.- Oh!
0:27:54 > 0:27:56- Fantastic.- Well done!
0:27:56 > 0:27:59- Brilliant.- Good boy!
0:27:59 > 0:28:01- So, that was good.- Only one fail,
0:28:01 > 0:28:03and he slowed him down and got it to work.
0:28:03 > 0:28:04Nicely done.
0:28:04 > 0:28:06Oh, you've got a time to beat now.
0:28:06 > 0:28:08Pressure's on!
0:28:09 > 0:28:13Currently leading the Yellows, next up, it's Badger and Bodger.
0:28:13 > 0:28:17Really want to build on what we did yesterday,
0:28:17 > 0:28:19because I didn't think we'd win.
0:28:19 > 0:28:21So, there's a bit of pressure to perform.
0:28:21 > 0:28:23I think the hardest obstacle is probably
0:28:23 > 0:28:26just to control her giddiness, as I call it,
0:28:26 > 0:28:28because she just does everything at a million miles an hour,
0:28:28 > 0:28:31so trying to keep her calm enough.
0:28:31 > 0:28:33Bodger, Bodger, calm down!
0:28:33 > 0:28:35- Are you happy, Badger? - Yeah, I think so.
0:28:35 > 0:28:37- Is Bodger happy?- Bodger's happy.
0:28:37 > 0:28:40Is she steady, though? That's what we'll find out.
0:28:40 > 0:28:41OK, well, let's find out.
0:28:41 > 0:28:43Starting...now!
0:28:44 > 0:28:45Good girl!
0:28:45 > 0:28:47Badger was really worried about this,
0:28:47 > 0:28:48Bodger was jumping off it.
0:28:48 > 0:28:50That's it, good girl!
0:28:50 > 0:28:52- Excellent.- Very nice. - Excellent stuff.
0:28:52 > 0:28:55Up! Good girl, that was really high!
0:28:58 > 0:29:00She's so good at this.
0:29:00 > 0:29:01This one, up! Good girl.
0:29:01 > 0:29:03That's good, that's good.
0:29:03 > 0:29:06A little bit of frustration that she's not paying attention to her.
0:29:06 > 0:29:07- She's too excited.- That's it.
0:29:07 > 0:29:09No, jumped off.
0:29:10 > 0:29:12Down!
0:29:12 > 0:29:13Bodger, too, has missed a step.
0:29:13 > 0:29:15She'll have to do that one again.
0:29:15 > 0:29:17Up! And down, come on.
0:29:18 > 0:29:20Yes!
0:29:20 > 0:29:22- That's it, that's it. - That's it, nicely done.
0:29:22 > 0:29:24On! Good girl!
0:29:24 > 0:29:25OK, here she goes.
0:29:28 > 0:29:30- Yes!- Spot-on, well done.
0:29:30 > 0:29:3338.69 seconds
0:29:33 > 0:29:34for Badger and Bodger -
0:29:34 > 0:29:37that's over ten seconds slower than Josh and Doug.
0:29:37 > 0:29:39Sian, what was going on there?
0:29:39 > 0:29:41She wasn't concentrating as hard as she might have been.
0:29:41 > 0:29:44I think actually the nerves got to them a little bit.
0:29:44 > 0:29:45It's a shame.
0:29:47 > 0:29:50It seems Bodger was picking up on some of Badger's nerves
0:29:50 > 0:29:54and was focused more on her owner than the obstacles.
0:29:54 > 0:29:55We were a little disappointed,
0:29:55 > 0:29:58because we did so much better in the training,
0:29:58 > 0:30:00but that's the way the cookie crumbles.
0:30:01 > 0:30:04Daisy and Zuri are up next.
0:30:04 > 0:30:06If the toy training has paid off,
0:30:06 > 0:30:09this could be the first time in the contest
0:30:09 > 0:30:11they'll complete a challenge.
0:30:11 > 0:30:15Zuri's attention is on me, she can totally do everything.
0:30:15 > 0:30:18- Let's wait and see. - OK, are you ready?
0:30:18 > 0:30:20- I'm ready. Are you ready? - Go!
0:30:20 > 0:30:21Walk.
0:30:23 > 0:30:24Slowly.
0:30:24 > 0:30:26Slowly, slowly!
0:30:26 > 0:30:27- Well done.- Slowly.
0:30:27 > 0:30:28Come on, then, up!
0:30:29 > 0:30:31Yes!
0:30:31 > 0:30:32Off!
0:30:32 > 0:30:34Come on, then, up!
0:30:34 > 0:30:35Very nice.
0:30:35 > 0:30:37That's great!
0:30:37 > 0:30:39Flawless work so far.
0:30:39 > 0:30:41- Up! Up!- Yes!
0:30:41 > 0:30:43- Good girl!- Can they keep it up?
0:30:44 > 0:30:46Up! Stop!
0:30:46 > 0:30:48Wait.
0:30:48 > 0:30:49- Yes!- Come on, then.
0:30:52 > 0:30:55Not only have they made it to the finish line,
0:30:55 > 0:30:58they are the first pair to produce a perfect run.
0:30:58 > 0:31:00CHEERING
0:31:00 > 0:31:02That was superb.
0:31:04 > 0:31:05Absolutely brilliant.
0:31:05 > 0:31:08It was, and having struggled on some of our other challenges,
0:31:08 > 0:31:10it's lovely to see them shine.
0:31:10 > 0:31:12I can't believe how good she was.
0:31:12 > 0:31:14She was amazing.
0:31:15 > 0:31:19It's a clear improvement in the trust between Daisy and Zuri.
0:31:19 > 0:31:22But were they the fastest around the course?
0:31:22 > 0:31:25Coming into the race, Badger and Bodger led the Yellows,
0:31:25 > 0:31:28with Josh and Douglas close behind.
0:31:28 > 0:31:32Now the pairs will be ranked and awarded points based on their time.
0:31:32 > 0:31:35In third place...
0:31:37 > 0:31:38..Badger and Bodger.
0:31:39 > 0:31:4138.69 seconds.
0:31:41 > 0:31:44I know you did it better in training,
0:31:44 > 0:31:47but when you collected her up after a mistake on one of the obstacles...
0:31:47 > 0:31:49The rest of the round was clear,
0:31:49 > 0:31:52and a really nice display of the bond that you've got,
0:31:52 > 0:31:56once she was able to stop being quite so anxious,
0:31:56 > 0:31:59and I think, perhaps, you took a bit of a deep breath on there as well.
0:31:59 > 0:32:02In second place, and a full ten seconds faster,
0:32:02 > 0:32:04Josh and Douglas.
0:32:04 > 0:32:06- Wow!- Well done.- Well done!
0:32:06 > 0:32:10And in first place, therefore, Daisy and Zuri.
0:32:10 > 0:32:12Well done!
0:32:12 > 0:32:1424.97.
0:32:14 > 0:32:16Isn't this a turnaround?
0:32:16 > 0:32:18What was so impressive about you today was
0:32:18 > 0:32:22you were enabling her to realise that this was going to be fun,
0:32:22 > 0:32:24and to get rewards for you,
0:32:24 > 0:32:27rather than you trying to get her to do things
0:32:27 > 0:32:29and, sort of, not succeeding.
0:32:29 > 0:32:31So, really, well done.
0:32:31 > 0:32:33So, Badger and Bodger, you had seven,
0:32:33 > 0:32:34you picked up two there,
0:32:34 > 0:32:38which gives you a total of nine points.
0:32:38 > 0:32:41Josh and Douglas, you've got three here for coming second,
0:32:41 > 0:32:44which means you are on nine points, too.
0:32:44 > 0:32:48Jake and Monty didn't compete, sadly, today,
0:32:48 > 0:32:51so let's put three points back up there.
0:32:51 > 0:32:54And Daisy and Zuri, you started with two points, but now you've got four,
0:32:54 > 0:32:56which brings you up to six.
0:32:56 > 0:32:59- Yeah!- Well done, everybody.
0:32:59 > 0:33:01You're back in the running!
0:33:02 > 0:33:06That was absolutely amazing. She just did it beautifully.
0:33:06 > 0:33:09It takes time, you know, for me and her to communicate
0:33:09 > 0:33:10a little bit better
0:33:10 > 0:33:13and to trust each other more, you know?
0:33:13 > 0:33:17We just need to work together and build on that trust.
0:33:18 > 0:33:21Daisy and Zuri are making good progress.
0:33:22 > 0:33:25But one pair are frustrated with their performance.
0:33:25 > 0:33:28She's very focused on me
0:33:28 > 0:33:30and she still gets a little bit agitated
0:33:30 > 0:33:32when she's not sure what I want her do.
0:33:32 > 0:33:35So she gets a bit, sort of, mouthy and...
0:33:35 > 0:33:37Yeah, I think she's definitely finding her inner collie.
0:33:38 > 0:33:4136-year-old web designer Badger
0:33:41 > 0:33:45has had collie/cocker spaniel cross Bodger for two years.
0:33:45 > 0:33:48They share a strong emotional connection.
0:33:48 > 0:33:52I suppose I hadn't realised that, just like with a person, I suppose,
0:33:52 > 0:33:55you have to build that relationship together.
0:33:55 > 0:33:57And now, we're, like, so close.
0:34:00 > 0:34:02But at times in the contest so far,
0:34:02 > 0:34:06their closeness has actually worked against them.
0:34:06 > 0:34:09Bodger, go on, go on. Run, run, run! Run, run, run!
0:34:09 > 0:34:12Bodger is so tuned in to Badger on an emotional level
0:34:12 > 0:34:15that if Badger's anxious, Bodger picks up on that,
0:34:15 > 0:34:17and that impacts on what she can do,
0:34:17 > 0:34:20because her focus is on what Badger is doing
0:34:20 > 0:34:22rather than on the task in hand.
0:34:25 > 0:34:26Dr Emily Blackwell thinks
0:34:26 > 0:34:30she can help Badger understand what is going on.
0:34:30 > 0:34:32She's going to use a simple test
0:34:32 > 0:34:36to show her just how much Bodger tunes in to her emotions.
0:34:37 > 0:34:40So, Emily, what are we going to be testing with Badger and Bodger here?
0:34:40 > 0:34:42We're going to look at how when Badger shows
0:34:42 > 0:34:46a different response to an object, Bodger picks up on that.
0:34:46 > 0:34:48So we are going to get Badger to artificially show
0:34:48 > 0:34:50a different emotional response to two objects.
0:34:50 > 0:34:54To one of them, Badger's going to show complete disgust,
0:34:54 > 0:34:56and to the other one, she's going to show joy.
0:34:56 > 0:34:58We know that dogs can read our facial expressions.
0:34:58 > 0:35:00Absolutely, they're masters at it.
0:35:00 > 0:35:03There is a biological explanation. If you are a social species
0:35:03 > 0:35:06and another member of your group looks as if
0:35:06 > 0:35:09they are throwing up over something that they are eating,
0:35:09 > 0:35:11you don't really want to go and eat that.
0:35:11 > 0:35:15So, if Bodger really is in tune with her owner's feelings,
0:35:15 > 0:35:17she should go for the positive ball
0:35:17 > 0:35:19more often than the one associated with disgust.
0:35:19 > 0:35:23Hannah, do you want to show us how to express disgust and joy?
0:35:23 > 0:35:25Ugh!
0:35:25 > 0:35:26Yay!
0:35:26 > 0:35:28As you see, there's the tone of voice
0:35:28 > 0:35:29and the expression on her face, OK?
0:35:29 > 0:35:32I think, really camp it up.
0:35:32 > 0:35:34Think you're in Carry On Badger And Bodger.
0:35:34 > 0:35:39We really want to see, sort of, theatrical disgust and joy.
0:35:39 > 0:35:40Happy first.
0:35:40 > 0:35:41Yay!
0:35:41 > 0:35:43They'll perform the test 12 times...
0:35:43 > 0:35:44Ugh!
0:35:44 > 0:35:46..swapping the emotions left and right,
0:35:46 > 0:35:50to counteract any side preference the dog might have.
0:35:50 > 0:35:52Good girl, Bodger.
0:35:52 > 0:35:54Yay! Woo-hoo!
0:35:54 > 0:35:55Ugh!
0:35:58 > 0:36:02What Bodger is demonstrating is called social referencing,
0:36:02 > 0:36:04and it suggests that dogs have evolved
0:36:04 > 0:36:06not only to read our emotions,
0:36:06 > 0:36:09but to change their behaviour in response.
0:36:09 > 0:36:11Yay! Yes!
0:36:11 > 0:36:15One study suggests that it goes even further than that.
0:36:15 > 0:36:17I could really see her looking at me, then.
0:36:17 > 0:36:19Scientists tested dogs' saliva
0:36:19 > 0:36:23both before and after playing it the sound of a human baby crying.
0:36:23 > 0:36:27You see, humans respond to that crying by releasing cortisol,
0:36:27 > 0:36:33a stress hormone, and remarkably, dogs do the same.
0:36:33 > 0:36:36Some scientists believe this is evidence of emotional contagion -
0:36:36 > 0:36:39that dogs don't just read our emotions,
0:36:39 > 0:36:41they replicate them.
0:36:41 > 0:36:43- Happy, on your left.- Happy left.
0:36:43 > 0:36:46It seems that generations spent living alongside us
0:36:46 > 0:36:49has carved a unique bond between us and our dogs.
0:36:49 > 0:36:50Yes!
0:36:50 > 0:36:54They have evolved to understand us so well,
0:36:54 > 0:36:56they are actually affected by how we feel.
0:36:56 > 0:36:59I think she's picking up on signals.
0:36:59 > 0:37:01Good girl, you're very clever!
0:37:04 > 0:37:06Now, there were only 12 trials.
0:37:06 > 0:37:08Under normal circumstances, you would conduct many more.
0:37:08 > 0:37:10We'd do a lot more, yes. This is just a snapshot.
0:37:10 > 0:37:14So, we did an equal number of each on either side,
0:37:14 > 0:37:17and it does appear that twice as many times,
0:37:17 > 0:37:18she went for the happy ball.
0:37:18 > 0:37:21Do you know what I like most about this experiment?
0:37:21 > 0:37:23It's something that anyone can try.
0:37:23 > 0:37:26- Absolutely. - In their living room or back garden.
0:37:26 > 0:37:28I've tried it on numerous occasions, I've got to say,
0:37:28 > 0:37:32and they go for the happy face, they go for the joy, the high pitch,
0:37:32 > 0:37:34- that sort of thing.- Yes, absolutely.
0:37:36 > 0:37:39In the future, to help Bodger keep calm,
0:37:39 > 0:37:41Badger will need to manage her own feelings
0:37:41 > 0:37:45so she doesn't pass on stress or anxiety to her dog.
0:37:45 > 0:37:47I'm not surprised that she went for the good one,
0:37:47 > 0:37:50because she does always want to please me.
0:37:50 > 0:37:54Everything we do, she's always looking at me for direction.
0:37:54 > 0:37:56The fact that she did go for the nice one
0:37:56 > 0:37:58twice as many times is really interesting.
0:37:58 > 0:38:00So she does know when I'm happy.
0:38:05 > 0:38:07At the end of a busy day,
0:38:07 > 0:38:09there's a chance for the pairs to reflect.
0:38:09 > 0:38:11Get off, no!
0:38:12 > 0:38:14No!
0:38:14 > 0:38:16Why me?
0:38:18 > 0:38:20What's great here is we've got a chance to try things
0:38:20 > 0:38:23that we never normally would get to try.
0:38:24 > 0:38:28Something's sunk in between the two of us, and, you know,
0:38:28 > 0:38:32it looks like we can enjoy more things together, which is fantastic.
0:38:32 > 0:38:36So, something is sinking in. Not just crashing around everywhere!
0:38:37 > 0:38:39All the dogs that did the agility this morning,
0:38:39 > 0:38:41or the parkour, whatever, I was surprised
0:38:41 > 0:38:43how quick they picked it up,
0:38:43 > 0:38:47and it shows you that maybe they've got a bit more than you think!
0:38:48 > 0:38:49I think I have learnt a lot.
0:38:49 > 0:38:53It's been interesting at every turn seeing what Douglas can do.
0:38:53 > 0:38:56Having a dog makes you realise that kind of click that you do have,
0:38:56 > 0:38:57and when it says man's best friend,
0:38:57 > 0:39:00you realise how much of a bond you can build up.
0:39:00 > 0:39:02So, yeah, it's really interesting, I've learned loads.
0:39:02 > 0:39:06Because of where we were, I would never, ever let Zuri off lead
0:39:06 > 0:39:08in an environment like that,
0:39:08 > 0:39:10because I did it once and she disappeared for hours.
0:39:10 > 0:39:12She was off doing parkour!
0:39:13 > 0:39:15She was practising!
0:39:22 > 0:39:24It's a new day in the Lake District.
0:39:27 > 0:39:31And our pairs are about to face the ultimate challenge,
0:39:31 > 0:39:34designed to test the all-important trust between them.
0:39:37 > 0:39:39As things stand, in the Yellows,
0:39:39 > 0:39:43Badger and Bodger and Josh and Doug are edging ahead.
0:39:43 > 0:39:46Whilst in the Reds, there's little to separate all four pairs.
0:39:49 > 0:39:53They've all been summoned to the summit of Loughrigg Fell.
0:39:56 > 0:39:57Standing at over 1,000 feet,
0:39:57 > 0:40:00its rocky outcrops and rough terrain
0:40:00 > 0:40:03make it the perfect setting for today's challenge.
0:40:05 > 0:40:07We've certainly got a challenge for them today
0:40:07 > 0:40:09and it's designed to enhance,
0:40:09 > 0:40:13to explore and to seal the bonds that they've got with their dog.
0:40:13 > 0:40:15But it's going to be really tough physically,
0:40:15 > 0:40:17on the humans and on the dogs.
0:40:17 > 0:40:19They're going to be battling their capabilities,
0:40:19 > 0:40:21there's no doubt about that whatsoever,
0:40:21 > 0:40:23and looking over there, looks like they're going to be
0:40:23 > 0:40:25battling the forces of nature, too.
0:40:33 > 0:40:36- Hello! ALL:- Hello!
0:40:36 > 0:40:39You are at the sub-summit of Loughrigg Fell.
0:40:39 > 0:40:41Today is all about running.
0:40:41 > 0:40:44Absolutely. Now, running with your dog is a great way
0:40:44 > 0:40:45of building that bond, and remember,
0:40:45 > 0:40:48it's all about that partnership, it's all about that communication,
0:40:48 > 0:40:51and we are going to see what progress you've made.
0:40:51 > 0:40:55But we also want to see you joined to your dogs mentally as well.
0:40:55 > 0:40:59This is about enhancing that bond, exploring it and expanding it.
0:41:01 > 0:41:05Now, this challenge is no ordinary cross-country run.
0:41:05 > 0:41:07Our pairs will race 2.5km
0:41:07 > 0:41:12across a rocky mountaintop track that takes in treacherous bog,
0:41:12 > 0:41:14sharp inclines and steep descents,
0:41:14 > 0:41:18and they'll do the whole thing tethered together.
0:41:19 > 0:41:23The official name for running whilst harnessed to your dog is canicross,
0:41:23 > 0:41:27and national champion Cushla Lamen will be getting our pairs set up.
0:41:27 > 0:41:31Make sure it's not sliding round the body too much that way.
0:41:32 > 0:41:35First step is to securely fit the harness.
0:41:35 > 0:41:38A straightforward task for most.
0:41:38 > 0:41:39Sit.
0:41:39 > 0:41:42Not so simple for Andrew and Betty.
0:41:42 > 0:41:44Though they run together regularly,
0:41:44 > 0:41:47the prospect of this challenge is bringing back some painful memories.
0:41:47 > 0:41:50I'm still having to teach Betty about the harness,
0:41:50 > 0:41:52cos she does have a phobia of the harness.
0:41:52 > 0:41:54So it takes me a while to get it on her,
0:41:54 > 0:41:55so she feels comfortable.
0:41:55 > 0:41:56Betty!
0:41:58 > 0:42:00When Betty was very young, we had a bit of an accident.
0:42:00 > 0:42:02Well, it was more my accident.
0:42:02 > 0:42:04It was one of the first times we had properly gone out,
0:42:04 > 0:42:07the first time she was in a harness,
0:42:07 > 0:42:10and I stepped back and trod on her and broke her leg.
0:42:10 > 0:42:14It was the most horrendous howl I've ever heard.
0:42:15 > 0:42:17It just...
0:42:17 > 0:42:21Just picking her up and she's just crying, crying in your arms.
0:42:21 > 0:42:24She still reminds me that she doesn't like the harness,
0:42:24 > 0:42:27and I think she still associates it with the accident.
0:42:27 > 0:42:30But luckily, she's all mended and she's forgiven me.
0:42:30 > 0:42:33And it's great, you've got a running buddy that's actually al...
0:42:34 > 0:42:35..always up for it!
0:42:37 > 0:42:39Boo! Wake up!
0:42:39 > 0:42:41Betty! Yeah?
0:42:46 > 0:42:48- Good girl!- So next time, when you present it,
0:42:48 > 0:42:51- if you present it so that it's facing her...- The right way.
0:42:51 > 0:42:54..so that she's going to stick her head through there.
0:42:54 > 0:42:57Using a technique borrowed from human psychology,
0:42:57 > 0:42:58called counter-conditioning...
0:42:58 > 0:43:00- Nice.- Good girl!- Nicely done.
0:43:00 > 0:43:04..Betty can unlearn her fear of the harness.
0:43:04 > 0:43:07That's what you want. If I were you, the next one,
0:43:07 > 0:43:09I would just slip it over her head, and then we'll get it done up.
0:43:09 > 0:43:12- Good girl!- Well done, Andrew. That's lovely.
0:43:14 > 0:43:17Tethered together, next up for the pairs
0:43:17 > 0:43:18is a practice lap of the lake.
0:43:18 > 0:43:20Go! Zuri, left!
0:43:20 > 0:43:22Oh, this is boggy!
0:43:23 > 0:43:26With canicross, we can see the connection between them,
0:43:26 > 0:43:28we can see that they have the level of trust,
0:43:28 > 0:43:30they are physically joined together.
0:43:30 > 0:43:32The dogs have to trust the humans enough
0:43:32 > 0:43:34to be able to run out in front confidently,
0:43:34 > 0:43:38not looking back to see what their owners are doing,
0:43:38 > 0:43:41listening to verbal cues, if they're needed, to give them direction.
0:43:41 > 0:43:44The Reds are separated by just one point,
0:43:44 > 0:43:46so it's all to play for,
0:43:46 > 0:43:49and which dog takes best to running in front will be key.
0:43:49 > 0:43:51Easy. Whoops!
0:43:53 > 0:43:56Flapjack finds it hard, the concept of running ahead.
0:43:56 > 0:43:59What I really, really need, actually, is the smell of a rabbit,
0:43:59 > 0:44:00he'll go for that.
0:44:00 > 0:44:02Tow me along!
0:44:02 > 0:44:03Come on, go, go, go!
0:44:03 > 0:44:06In the Yellows, it's a chance for Daisy and Zuri
0:44:06 > 0:44:09to build on their success in the parkour.
0:44:09 > 0:44:13With Zuri pulling me, I feel like I'm actually running,
0:44:13 > 0:44:15because my definition of running
0:44:15 > 0:44:18is just slightly faster than power walk.
0:44:18 > 0:44:20I was actually running!
0:44:20 > 0:44:21Zuri, go!
0:44:21 > 0:44:23I'm feeling quite excited, actually.
0:44:24 > 0:44:26Keep pushing, Doug, good boy!
0:44:26 > 0:44:28Joint Yellow leaders
0:44:28 > 0:44:30Badger and Bodger and Josh and Douglas
0:44:30 > 0:44:32will be vying for maximum points.
0:44:32 > 0:44:34I'm feeling ready. It's good for Doug,
0:44:34 > 0:44:37cos it's the pace he wants to go at, I think, so, um, yeah,
0:44:37 > 0:44:40we're up here and this is just exactly what we're here for.
0:44:40 > 0:44:42We'd love to win. We'll try our very best.
0:44:45 > 0:44:47Reds and Yellows will run together,
0:44:47 > 0:44:50with four points on offer for the fastest in each group.
0:44:50 > 0:44:53It will test everything they've learnt so far
0:44:53 > 0:44:55about clear communication
0:44:55 > 0:44:58and the trust it takes to run in sync at speed.
0:44:58 > 0:45:01Guys, the weather's closed in,
0:45:01 > 0:45:03I'm actually rather envious of you, now,
0:45:03 > 0:45:05because you're going to be able to run to stay warm.
0:45:05 > 0:45:07Do come with us!
0:45:07 > 0:45:10Everyone, go out there, have fun.
0:45:10 > 0:45:12Remember that partnership,
0:45:12 > 0:45:15but also that communication and that bond with each other.
0:45:15 > 0:45:17- So, are you ready to go? ALL:- Yes!
0:45:17 > 0:45:18Excellent.
0:45:20 > 0:45:23On your marks, get set...
0:45:23 > 0:45:24Go!
0:45:24 > 0:45:26- Come on, Zuri, go!- Good luck, guys.
0:45:26 > 0:45:29XXX Oh, my - hellfire! Don't trip anyone!
0:45:29 > 0:45:31Let's go, Doug! Let's go, Doug!
0:45:32 > 0:45:35- Look at Josh and Douglas at the front there.- Out in front.
0:45:35 > 0:45:37Andrew and Betty as well, of course,
0:45:37 > 0:45:40but they run together all the time, don't they, really?
0:45:40 > 0:45:41We're miles ahead, Josh.
0:45:43 > 0:45:46Easy, Doug, easy, Doug! Come round, mate.
0:45:47 > 0:45:50Yellow pair Josh and Doug looked very in sync
0:45:50 > 0:45:54during the practice lap, and they are off to a flying start.
0:45:54 > 0:45:55Dougie, good boy, mate!
0:45:55 > 0:45:57Now, they are seasoned running partners,
0:45:57 > 0:46:00but how well Red pair Andrew and Betty do here
0:46:00 > 0:46:03depends on how successfully they handle the harness.
0:46:03 > 0:46:05Good girl, Betty. Good girl, Betty.
0:46:05 > 0:46:08Good girl, Betty. Good girl!
0:46:08 > 0:46:10Andrew likes to chase, so I have a feeling
0:46:10 > 0:46:12he's going to be drafting off Josh and Douglas,
0:46:12 > 0:46:16then he's going to go for a final sprint at the finish, I reckon.
0:46:16 > 0:46:18Bodger's the next one behind.
0:46:18 > 0:46:19I thought that would happen.
0:46:19 > 0:46:21Whoa, whoa, whoa!
0:46:21 > 0:46:23Second Yellow behind Josh and Doug,
0:46:23 > 0:46:27this will be a real test of whether Badger can keep her nerves in check,
0:46:27 > 0:46:30so that Bodger is secure enough to run in front.
0:46:30 > 0:46:32That's it, go, go!
0:46:33 > 0:46:37Having always run to heel, Mitch struggled in the bike race,
0:46:37 > 0:46:41but paddleboarding proved they're building a new level of trust,
0:46:41 > 0:46:44and he's getting the hang of running in front of Colin.
0:46:44 > 0:46:47Also demonstrating their growing confidence in each other...
0:46:47 > 0:46:48Come on, then!
0:46:48 > 0:46:51..Daisy and Zuri have made a strong start.
0:46:54 > 0:46:56Bodger, Bodger! Steady, steady, steady!
0:46:56 > 0:46:57The steep descents are tricky.
0:46:57 > 0:46:59The dogs will need too slow down
0:46:59 > 0:47:02to avoid pulling over their less nimble two-legged companions.
0:47:02 > 0:47:04Good girl, go, go!
0:47:07 > 0:47:08Easy.
0:47:08 > 0:47:10We often let our dogs off the lead
0:47:10 > 0:47:13because they can run faster than we do,
0:47:13 > 0:47:15but the rewards of running
0:47:15 > 0:47:17are biologically hard-wired into us both.
0:47:17 > 0:47:19Come on, then!
0:47:19 > 0:47:20Ohh!
0:47:20 > 0:47:23A study from the University of Arizona found
0:47:23 > 0:47:27that canines and humans alike experience a runner's high,
0:47:27 > 0:47:32a neurobiological buzz that means, despite the high calorific cost,
0:47:32 > 0:47:35both species run because it feels good.
0:47:35 > 0:47:37Good girl, that's it!
0:47:37 > 0:47:40Badger and Bodger are holding on to a good lead
0:47:40 > 0:47:42over fellow Yellows Daisy and Zuri.
0:47:42 > 0:47:45Colin and Mitch are slipping down the field...
0:47:45 > 0:47:47- Whoa!- Are you all right, Colin?
0:47:47 > 0:47:48Yeah, I'm fine.
0:47:48 > 0:47:51..and are passed by Red pair Ellie and Benny.
0:47:52 > 0:47:55And at the moment, we've got Toni and Flapjack at the back.
0:47:55 > 0:47:56But this could be tortoise and hare!
0:47:56 > 0:47:58Go on!
0:47:58 > 0:48:00Stamina is important. It's not a sprint.
0:48:00 > 0:48:03It is, and I think some people set off just that little bit too fast.
0:48:03 > 0:48:05They're not going to be able to keep it going.
0:48:05 > 0:48:08DAISY PANTS
0:48:08 > 0:48:09Come on!
0:48:12 > 0:48:13After their strong start,
0:48:13 > 0:48:16Daisy and Zuri are struggling to keep up the pace...
0:48:19 > 0:48:20Zuri, slow!
0:48:20 > 0:48:23..and slow to a power walk.
0:48:24 > 0:48:27I can't run any more.
0:48:27 > 0:48:31Daisy and Zuri aren't the only ones who haven't paced themselves.
0:48:31 > 0:48:32Oh, Benny!
0:48:32 > 0:48:35Come on, Mitch. Good lad!
0:48:35 > 0:48:39Ellie and Benny slip back behind Red rivals Colin and Mitch.
0:48:39 > 0:48:42Come on! Hey, Toni, you all right?
0:48:42 > 0:48:46And Toni and Flapjack push them even further down the field.
0:48:46 > 0:48:49Josh and Douglas are on their way back round already.
0:48:49 > 0:48:52- Oh, my goodness, look! So they are. - They really are out in front.
0:48:52 > 0:48:54They're well ahead of the others already.
0:48:54 > 0:48:55Three minutes for that first lap.
0:48:55 > 0:48:58Leading the Red pack, and having learned from the paddleboarding,
0:48:58 > 0:49:00Andrew's doing a great job
0:49:00 > 0:49:02of keeping Betty reassured in the harness.
0:49:02 > 0:49:04Good girl, Betty! Good girl!
0:49:04 > 0:49:06Here they come, here they come.
0:49:06 > 0:49:09They are giving Yellow leaders Josh and Doug a run for their money.
0:49:09 > 0:49:11I can't keep this up for long!
0:49:13 > 0:49:15Second place Yellows Badger and Bodger
0:49:15 > 0:49:17are looking calm and comfortable.
0:49:17 > 0:49:20Steady...steady!
0:49:20 > 0:49:22Jack, this way.
0:49:22 > 0:49:26Behind them, Colin and Toni are battling for second place
0:49:26 > 0:49:29in the Red group and a valuable three points.
0:49:29 > 0:49:30Hang on a minute, Jackie.
0:49:30 > 0:49:32Go on, go on!
0:49:32 > 0:49:35But Mitch is up to his old tricks.
0:49:35 > 0:49:37Colin can't seem to get him to push out in front.
0:49:37 > 0:49:42He's reverted to his more normal position of being alongside.
0:49:42 > 0:49:45Come on, lad! You're making things really difficult.
0:49:47 > 0:49:50Toni seizes her chance and pushes past Colin.
0:49:50 > 0:49:54Come on, Mitch! Come on, then!
0:49:54 > 0:49:55Push on!
0:49:55 > 0:49:58Come on, Doug. Come on, mate. Dougie!
0:49:58 > 0:50:01Josh and Doug and Andrew and Betty are both on course
0:50:01 > 0:50:03to win maximum points in their groups.
0:50:03 > 0:50:05But it's a matter of pride.
0:50:06 > 0:50:09He hasn't got that bit of the route, has he?
0:50:10 > 0:50:13- God!- Josh and Douglas are out front, and really close.
0:50:16 > 0:50:19It's the final climb to the finish line,
0:50:19 > 0:50:21and it looks like Josh and Doug are holding on.
0:50:22 > 0:50:23Ah!
0:50:23 > 0:50:25No!
0:50:25 > 0:50:26Come on!
0:50:26 > 0:50:28Come on, Doug! Dougie, let's go!
0:50:28 > 0:50:31Oh, I don't believe that!
0:50:31 > 0:50:33Come on, good girl!
0:50:33 > 0:50:34Go on, Betty, good girl!
0:50:34 > 0:50:36- Here he comes.- Well done!
0:50:36 > 0:50:39- Well done.- Oh! Boo, come here...
0:50:39 > 0:50:41And first for the Yellows!
0:50:41 > 0:50:43Keep going through.
0:50:44 > 0:50:47- Well done, mate. - Sorry about that. Oh, man!
0:50:47 > 0:50:49- Doug, come here, mate. You're so clever.- What happened?
0:50:49 > 0:50:52He was leading the whole way until the last 20 metres.
0:50:52 > 0:50:54- I know!- I'm so sorry, you slipped at the end!
0:50:54 > 0:50:57- Doug just got caught up. - Boy, those boys were fast!
0:50:57 > 0:51:00- That was a great performance. - If you look at them now,
0:51:00 > 0:51:03there's exhaustion on all four faces, I think.
0:51:03 > 0:51:06- Bodger, steady, steady, steady! - Come on, Bodger!
0:51:06 > 0:51:08Badger and Bodger stay the course...
0:51:08 > 0:51:09Pull me up there, Bodger.
0:51:09 > 0:51:11..and take second place in the Yellows.
0:51:11 > 0:51:14- Yes!- Well done!- Well done!
0:51:14 > 0:51:16Hold on!
0:51:17 > 0:51:20Come on, Mitch, push!
0:51:20 > 0:51:21Where are we going? Come this way!
0:51:21 > 0:51:24Having fought back valiantly all the way from last place,
0:51:24 > 0:51:26it looks like Red pair Toni and Flapjack
0:51:26 > 0:51:29will also have three points in the bag.
0:51:29 > 0:51:33- Well done!- Well done. - Impressive overtaking!
0:51:34 > 0:51:37- Good lad.- Here come Colin and Mitch, though, not far behind.
0:51:37 > 0:51:40Mitch leads Colin up the final climb.
0:51:40 > 0:51:44- Go on, Mitch!- A few more metres.
0:51:44 > 0:51:46- Good lad!- Well done.
0:51:46 > 0:51:48- Well done.- Well done.- Top work.
0:51:48 > 0:51:51Toni and Flapjack, they are such champs.
0:51:51 > 0:51:54You overtook me, I didn't think you were going to get me!
0:51:54 > 0:51:57- I really didn't.- It was our time to get you, after the paddleboarding.
0:51:57 > 0:52:01Some of the time, I was actually pulling Mitch ahead,
0:52:01 > 0:52:05so that synergy and communication didn't work.
0:52:05 > 0:52:07Come on!
0:52:07 > 0:52:11Ellie and Benny push themselves all the way to the finish.
0:52:11 > 0:52:14- Well done, Ellie!- Thank you.
0:52:14 > 0:52:15Come on, Zuri, come on, Daisy!
0:52:15 > 0:52:18- Come on, Zuri!- A few more metres.
0:52:18 > 0:52:22Daisy and Zuri cross the line - exhausted, but still together.
0:52:22 > 0:52:24- Well done, guys. - Well done, well done.
0:52:24 > 0:52:27Fantastic. Fantastic.
0:52:27 > 0:52:29All our pairs have finished the race,
0:52:29 > 0:52:33and it's a testament to the strength of the trust between them.
0:52:33 > 0:52:36Yeah, I think she's appreciating that I'm actually spending
0:52:36 > 0:52:39a bit more time looking after her psychologically,
0:52:39 > 0:52:42having to get her into the harness and get her calm and collected,
0:52:42 > 0:52:44because she is still very nervous.
0:52:44 > 0:52:46And it sort of paid off today,
0:52:46 > 0:52:49she properly put a storming little run in.
0:52:49 > 0:52:52The most difficult part was me being not as fit as I should be.
0:52:52 > 0:52:54But he kind of paced himself to me, which is quite impressive.
0:52:54 > 0:52:57I just had to say, "Hang on a bit," and he'd just give it a bit less,
0:52:57 > 0:53:00and down the hills, I'd say, "Wait, cos you'll pull me over,"
0:53:00 > 0:53:02and he was really good, I'm really proud.
0:53:02 > 0:53:04I didn't set off too fast at all,
0:53:04 > 0:53:07I absolutely know that you have to start off slowly,
0:53:07 > 0:53:08and I stayed right at the back,
0:53:08 > 0:53:11I didn't want to get caught up in all the testosterone at the front,
0:53:11 > 0:53:16so I let that go on ahead, and then started overtaking quietly.
0:53:16 > 0:53:19Bodger was so perfect, so perfect.
0:53:19 > 0:53:22She was out the front the whole way.
0:53:22 > 0:53:24I think we communicate on another level.
0:53:24 > 0:53:27I'm actually a very proud dog owner today. Very proud.
0:53:27 > 0:53:29You did so well, Bodger.
0:53:36 > 0:53:41This final test has clearly brought all our pairs closer together.
0:53:41 > 0:53:43But what does it mean for the scores?
0:53:45 > 0:53:50Here we are, then, drier and warmer, no longer panting and sweating!
0:53:50 > 0:53:53But it was great fun. No human or dog shamed themselves.
0:53:53 > 0:53:55Absolutely not - in fact,
0:53:55 > 0:53:59there were some really great examples of how far you've all come.
0:53:59 > 0:54:00Picking up with Josh and Douglas,
0:54:00 > 0:54:02I think you were desperately unlucky,
0:54:02 > 0:54:06and the thing for me is that neither of you have ever done this before,
0:54:06 > 0:54:08and Douglas really took to that,
0:54:08 > 0:54:10and the pair of you were working together.
0:54:10 > 0:54:12Colin and Mitch, you know,
0:54:12 > 0:54:15we know that this is a real challenge for you two.
0:54:15 > 0:54:16We're asking him to do something
0:54:16 > 0:54:18which goes against years of his training.
0:54:18 > 0:54:22I think it's a real indicator of how far your relationship has come.
0:54:22 > 0:54:25OK, time to put some scores on the board.
0:54:25 > 0:54:27Let's go with the Red team first.
0:54:27 > 0:54:29Ellie and Benny, you started off with eight points,
0:54:29 > 0:54:31you scored one today, which brings you up to
0:54:31 > 0:54:34a very respectable nine points.
0:54:34 > 0:54:37Andrew and Betty, you were on seven, but of course,
0:54:37 > 0:54:40you are our winners today, four points for you,
0:54:40 > 0:54:43which brings you up to 11 points here.
0:54:43 > 0:54:45Then we've got Colin and Mitch.
0:54:45 > 0:54:47Started on seven, picked up two,
0:54:47 > 0:54:51which means that you two are in nine point position.
0:54:51 > 0:54:53And lastly, Toni and Flapjack,
0:54:53 > 0:54:55you had eight points, you picked up three,
0:54:55 > 0:54:57which puts you on 11, too.
0:54:57 > 0:54:59- ALL:- Oooh!
0:54:59 > 0:55:00Yes, yes, yes!
0:55:00 > 0:55:02Moving over to the Yellows here.
0:55:02 > 0:55:06Now, Badger and Bodger, you were on nine points,
0:55:06 > 0:55:08you picked up three today,
0:55:08 > 0:55:11which means you have a total of 12 points.
0:55:11 > 0:55:15Josh and Douglas, on nine, picked up four today,
0:55:15 > 0:55:18which means you are on 13 points.
0:55:18 > 0:55:23Jake and Monty, they were standing out again today, unfortunately,
0:55:23 > 0:55:26so they remain on their three points here.
0:55:26 > 0:55:29And Daisy and Zuri, you picked up two points today,
0:55:29 > 0:55:33which means you've got eight points on the board.
0:55:34 > 0:55:36It's still all to play for.
0:55:36 > 0:55:39It's going to be interesting to see who gets through.
0:55:42 > 0:55:43As things stand,
0:55:43 > 0:55:46Josh and Douglas and Badger and Bodger
0:55:46 > 0:55:47are in pole position,
0:55:47 > 0:55:50with strong contenders Toni and Flapjack
0:55:50 > 0:55:52and Andrew and Betty close behind.
0:55:52 > 0:55:54Daisy and Zuri, Ellie and Benny
0:55:54 > 0:55:55and Colin and Mitch
0:55:55 > 0:55:57may be bringing up the rear,
0:55:57 > 0:55:59but the fight is not over
0:55:59 > 0:56:01for a place in the final.
0:56:01 > 0:56:02We're halfway through now.
0:56:02 > 0:56:04It is really competitive.
0:56:04 > 0:56:05I'm desperate to do better,
0:56:05 > 0:56:08and I hope, for the sake of this competition,
0:56:08 > 0:56:10for the sake of me and Mitch,
0:56:10 > 0:56:12that we can prove ourselves as a team.
0:56:13 > 0:56:14Yeah, I'm really pleased.
0:56:14 > 0:56:17There's things I never thought he would be able to do, ever,
0:56:17 > 0:56:19but he's just picked stuff up so quickly,
0:56:19 > 0:56:21I can't believe how bright he is, I'm amazed.
0:56:21 > 0:56:24I think I am developing a good bond with my dog.
0:56:24 > 0:56:26He's very loyal, he's there for me.
0:56:26 > 0:56:28He looked over his shoulder today and went,
0:56:28 > 0:56:31"Am I going a bit fast, love? All right, I'll slow down."
0:56:31 > 0:56:33And he stayed with me. Very nice of him!
0:56:33 > 0:56:35BARKING
0:56:37 > 0:56:39Don't be rude!
0:56:39 > 0:56:40Next time...
0:56:40 > 0:56:42Come on, Doug, let's go, mate.
0:56:42 > 0:56:45..our pairs will take their relationships to the next level,
0:56:45 > 0:56:49as our owners explore the world from their dogs' point of view.
0:56:49 > 0:56:51Oh, my God, Doug!
0:56:51 > 0:56:55Half will follow their noses in scent-based orienteering...
0:56:55 > 0:56:56Is it there? Clever girl!
0:56:58 > 0:57:03..and the rest will get down and dirty in a canine obstacle course...
0:57:03 > 0:57:05If crawling through a ditch and a bog
0:57:05 > 0:57:08doesn't show how much you love your dog at this stage,
0:57:08 > 0:57:09I do not know what does!
0:57:09 > 0:57:11Very good!
0:57:11 > 0:57:13- BARKING - Yes, I agree, I agree!
0:57:13 > 0:57:15Yes, I agree!
0:57:15 > 0:57:18..before an open water swim will help decide
0:57:18 > 0:57:21which pairs win a place in the final...
0:57:21 > 0:57:23She's on his shoulders!
0:57:23 > 0:57:26..and who is out of their depth.
0:57:27 > 0:57:29- Ohh!- Oh, dear!