IT’S A dog eat dog world out there, but performance artist David Capra and his faithful dachshund Teena are about to make it just a little bit happier for Canberrans and their four-legged friends.

In a venture which is bound to bring out the worst in canine puns and jokes, the dogged artist and his “publicity hound” (that’s what he calls her) companion Teena will be in town for the opening weekend of the new sculpture festival, “Contour 556: Interventions in the Landscape”.

“We would love to gather an audience for a free make-over session for Canberra’s dogs—a blow dry and comb, thanks to the dog grooming team at Blue Wheelers (bluewheelers.com.au),” Capra tells “Citynews” as the pair prepare for therein journey to the nation’s capital. Oh yes, there’ll be doggie treats too for well-behaved pooches.

But just in case you thought this was gesture of pure love and art, there’s an ulterior motive for the visit. Capra, you see, has recently unleashed his newest creation, the exclusive perfume “Eau de Wet Dogge.”

Faithfully reproduced by Jonathon Midgley in the finest laboratories of Brisbane’s Damask Perfumery, the scent, Capra assures us, conjures up the irresistible odour of a dog at bath time.

“Moist fur, soap suds and soil unite at the base to give this fragrance a uniquely musky charm,” Capra rhapsodises, “Sour top notes of slobber and dog breath add alluring nuance…’Eau De Wet Dogge’ is a fragrance with a difference.”

“Eau de Wet Dogge” is an extension of “Teena’s Bathtime”, a project commissioned by the Museum of Contemporary Art Australia. In 2013 at the Museum Capra also invited the public to dance alongside Teena in a throne room inspired by the 1939 film “The Wizard of Oz.”

Inviting physical and sensory engagement, the project is informed by Capra’s interest in animal-assisted therapies. Describing himself as an ‘intercessory artist’, Capra looks at ways of prompting healing experiences for individuals and community.

Enthusiasts will be able to purchase Teena’s Bathtime ‘Eau De Wet Dogge’ perfume and Teena’s Bathtime ‘Eau De Wet Dogge’ car refresher.

You can image that any canine visitors who miss out on a free blow-dry will be going home with tail between legs.

“Teena’s Bathtime: Eau de wet dogge,” 2.30-4pm, Sat October 22, Commonwealth Place East (outdoor in the loading bay) on Queen Elizabeth Terrace.

“Contour 556: Interventions in the Landscape”, Lake Burley Griffin Foreshore from the National Library to Kingston Arts Precinct, October 21-November 13, details at contour556.com.au