In episode one the challenges are all designed to test their human/canine communication skills. The eight pairs are split into two groups - the Reds and the Yellows - and it's the Reds who have the first chance to score points. Owners must encourage dogs through a series of gates using three key modes of communication - verbal, body language and eye contact. For the Yellows it's a Ghyll Scramble through fast flowing water where dogs need to collect tennis balls along the way but some don't want to get their feet wet.
The ultimate test of communication is a tethered biking challenge. The final scores are revealed - but who has triumphed in the first stage of the contest?