Auditions for a new CBBC programme about dogs and their owners was filmed at a pet rehoming charity near Rickmansworth this weekend.

Harefield Dogs Trust offered its training barn for screen tests for an upcoming television programme called “Who Let the Dogs Out”.

The dog talent show, which will be filmed later this year, will feature children teaching their dog a trick, such as skateboarding or catching a frisbee.

Nine year old Alexandra from Harpenden, brought her two-year-old cream labradoodle Perdey.

Gina Rogers, mother, said: “She loves to do tricks and Alex loves training her, but they've never done anything like this.

“She does lots of tricks, she's got a whole repertoire. We've taken her to dog shows before and she's been dreadfully behaved, so we're hoping she'll behave today.”

The nine to 12-year-old hopefuls applied for a chance to take part in the auditions, and if successful will get through to the second stage of selection.

Kathryn Heaphy, from the Dogs Trust, said: “CBBC got in touch and asked if we could help, we offered them our guidance on animal welfare and the use of our rehoming centres to film the auditions.”

The successful contestants will be schooled by American dog-trainer Zak George.

Ms Heaphy added: “He uses training techniques that we approve of, positive reinforcement, which is about rewarding good behaviour and not punishing bad behaviour.”

This weekend's auditions will be attended by more than 80 children and their dogs.

Richard Moore, Manager of Dogs Trust Harefield, said: “At Dogs Trust we do lots of work with young people, helping them to become responsible, caring dog owners.

“This show will reinforce that message in a fun way and hopefully encourage viewers to train their dogs.”