Canine Musical Freestyle

Moves to Choose 

Some basic moves to try

• Heeling- This is the move that is often used to connect behaviors together. Most people are familiar with the normal left-side heeling used in obedience competition. Some variations you might see in freestyle are right-side heeling, heeling while moving sideways (side-passing), the dog at your side but moving backwards, the dog in front of you moving backwards or the dog in back of you moving forward.

• Spin- This is a favorite of many dogs. Often they like to do their own choreography and throw one in the routine. Dogs can be taught to spin to both their right and their left. To add some variation, spins can be thrown in during heeling, during weaving or one fun variation is in the Grease video where Rookie goes out and turns around then backs up across the ring to go through Carolyn's legs.

• Weave- Weaving is just the thing to add some pizazz to your heeling or show how you can move to the beat. Your dog can weave between your legs as you move forward or backward or stand in one spot and let him do figure 8 weaves through your legs. Make it really stylish by teaching your dog to do it backwards.

• Backing up- This is just what it sounds like- your dog backing up. This basic trick can then be used in heeling, weaving, circling around you and to have your dog back up to perform at a distance.

Some Questions about Canine Freestyle 

• I have (fill in your breed or breed mix) breed of dog, can I do canine freestyle with him?
  
  One of the great things about freestyle is that every dog can do it regardless of what their breed or ability is. Some organizations even allow handicapped dogs to participate. You may have to adjust some moves depending on your dog, weaves might be a little awkward for a Great Dane, but everyone can have fun!
  
  

• My dog can get away with having 2 left feet, but what about me? I am not a dancer and only dance at weddings.
  
  Just like freestyle is open to every dog, it is open to every person. You don't have to know how to foxtrot or how to plié. You just have to give the illusion of dancing, something which can be done by matching the moves to the music, moving to the beat and using some hand movements.
  
  So don't be afraid to join in. You'll find people with all different types of dance experience. The main thing is to have fun with your dog.
  

• Do I have to wear a costume? I don't like having to dress up.
  
  Wearing a costume is up to you. Some people love wearing them, they feel it helps create the story that goes with their routine. Someone might feel braver wearing a costume, while another person would rather wear something that doesn't make them stand out. If you are going to freestyle for competition, you will need to check with the organization you will be competing in as each has their own rules on attire.
  
  Remember if you are wearing a costume, be sure it does not affects your dog's performance. Some items like wide leg pants may bother your little dog when heeling or doing weaves.
  
  

• I am interested in finding a class on Canine Musical Freestyle, how can I find one in my area?
  
  As more people see how much fun freestyle is, more classes are becoming available. Check with the national organizations to see if there is a freestyle group local to your area. Even if the group isn't in your immediate area, they may have a member near you or be able to refer you to someone nearby to train with. Checking with your local dog club is another option. Watch for freestyle seminars in your area.
  
  If there doesn't seem to be anything nearby, there is still plenty of information available to help you get started on your own. There are several email lists, websites, books and even an online class at the Karen Pryor Academy to learn from.
• I have made up my mind about a costume for me, but what about one for my dog?
  
  Many freestylers like to add a little bling to their canine partners when they dance a routine. If you are dancing for fun, no problem, just make sure the costume doesn't hinder your dog's movement in any way. If you are dancing for competition, check with the organization you are competing in as each has their own rules about what a dog can wear.