This physical and mental competition plays out in the Lake District, where eight owners and their dogs compete together in a series of challenges, all in a bid to make it to the grand final. Only one pair can win, but experts are on hand to help them all unlock the full potential of their partnerships. Chris Packham hosts and unveils the science behind the incredible bond between human and dog.

Owners hail from all over the UK and the canine competitors come in all shapes and sizes, from an energetic border terrier called Betty to a stoic labrador named Flapjack. The pairs have been split into two groups - the Reds and the Yellows. In the Yellows, Badger and Bodger and Josh and Douglas have seen off the rest of the competition and are through to the grand triathlon final.

It is the final stage of the contest, and the Reds have one last challenge to determine which pairs go through to the final. It all comes down to a fiendishly difficult canine intelligence test which involves Lake Windermere and some dog toys. One pair prove just how far they have come, and Toni is finally convinced that Flapjack is actually quite clever.

Then it is the final - a human-dog triathlon involving a two-kilometre bike race over rugged terrain, a 100-metre open-water swim and a one-and-a-half-kilometre cross-country run. It is a race to the finish and the Me and My Dog champions are unveiled. It is a chance for everyone to reflect on what they have learned, and it is a celebration of a very special species many of us choose to share our lives with. Show less