Toronto - The City of Toronto’s Todmorden Mills Heritage Museum and Arts Centre will host Dog Days of Summer on Sunday, August 26, a free, fun afternoon for dogs and their owners. Dog owners can enter their pets in the Pup Idol contest or Best Trick contest, and take part in the trick-training session where they will teach their dogs to ring a bell. Winners receive prizes.

The event will feature booths from various dog organizations, a canine chiropractor, shops, and crafters. Visitors and their dogs can also have their photo taken in period costume ($5 fee applies).

Toronto Animal Services will be on hand to register and license cats and dogs, as well as to provide information about animal-related City bylaws.

For $25, dog owners and their dogs can take the Canadian Kennel Club’s Good Neighbour Test, a 12-step, non-competitive drill. Pre-registration is required by calling 416-396-2819. The test allows dog and handler the chance to demonstrate confidence and control through a series of challenges. Dogs are evaluated on their ability to perform basic exercises as well as their demonstration of good manners in everyday situations. The Canadian Kennel Club encourages all dog owners to participate in the program, ensuring that dogs are welcome and respected members of the community. All graduates receive a certificate. For more information about the Canadian Kennel Club, visit www.ckc.ca.

Dog Days of Summer runs from noon to 4 p.m. and parking is free. Dogs must be on six-foot leashes (no retractable-leads please) and owners are asked to stoop and scoop.

City of Toronto Culture, Museums and Heritage Services, operates 10 historic museums offering public, education and special event programming. Nestled in the Don Valley at 67 Pottery Rd., the Todmorden Mills site features historic homes, the Brewery Gallery, the Papermill Theatre & Gallery, a historic train station and a 9.2 hectare wild flower preserve.