Musical Freestyle and Heel Work to Music Links

For different twist on obedience, take a look at musical freestyle, a combination of obedience and dance. Musical freestyle started out as "Heel work to music" which is simply putting a little spin on traditional heeling exercises by setting it to music and adding some variations to add interest and challenge. Musical Freestyle takes the concept further and adds moves and routines that do not maintain the traditional heel position. There are different styles of this activity and everyone has their favorite. The activity can be sport focused, precision focused, or performance focused. There is no "best" focus. What is right for you and your dog depends upon your personalities, goals and teamwork. For a real picture of what this activity in is in teamwork and fun, forget the flash and look at this "K9 Freestyle Dancing No Limitation" video on YouTube.

Musical Freestyle
http://www.dogplay.com/Activities/musical.html

A quick overview to the sport, and some contacts.

Canine Freestyle Federation
http://www.canine-freestyle.org

Overview of the sport, the history, organizations, rules and regulations, how to get started. Distinguishes the style of the Canine Freestyle Federation with that of the MCSI. They state they welcome mixed breeds. They do participate in AKC events and mixed breeds would ordinarily be excluded from such show grounds but can participate with American Kennel Club Approval.

 

Musical Dog Sport Association.
http://www.musicaldogsport.org/

A relatively new addition to competitive venues for dancing with your dog.

DogDance
http://www.dogdance.net/english_version/definition/definition.html

A basic introduction to canine freestyle and a link to the main site with more information. Some really wonderful videos are on this site.

Doggie Dance K9 Freestylers
http://www.k9-freestylers.com/

This Dutch site requires a high speed connection. Be prepared to turn down or off the sound if music will disturb those nearby.

 

World Canine Freestyle Organization
http://www.worldcaninefreestyle.org/about/definition.html

An overview to the sport, great videos and some contacts.

Online Training: Dancing With Dogs
http://www.e-trainingfordogs.com/Dancing_with_dogs.html

This class is designed for the enjoyment of handler and dog. Using positive training techniques, you will teach your dog a series of well orchestrated tricks that can be put to music and turned into a dance! In this class you will learn the side-pass, crawl, spin, turn, bow, back and more fun dance moves.

Dogs Can Dance
http://www.DogsCanDance.com

Offers DVDs and articles on Musical Canine Freestyle.

Musical Freestyle at the Lower Mainland Dog Fanciers of BC
http://www.lowermainlanddogfanciersofbc.com/fall/special/

 

DANCING WITH DOGS
http://www.caninehorizons.com/Dancing_with_Dogs.html

While this article is over ten years old it is quite detailed and gives a great amount of detail and information. It should give a good feel for the development and diverse directions of the activity.

 

History of Heelwork to Music
http://www.maryray.co.uk/freestyle.html

A very detailed and reasonably complete discussion of the history and development of the various forms of competitions involving dogs, movement and music. I put it that way because there is quite a bit of variation. There are various degrees of formality with which routines are expressed. Find the one that suites your personality, there is room for all. Site maintained and authored by Mary Ray

Paws2Dance
http://bcfirst.com/paws/

 

Dancing With Dogs
http://www.lazy-pup.com/dancing.html

Article by Cris Anderson

Dancing With Dogs Discussion Group
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/dancingwithdogs/

Mighty Mite Small Dog Sports Forum
http://www.mightymitedoggear.com/forum/index.php?showforum=36

There is no reason a small dog can't be structurally sound, fit and athletic. I encourage people to enjoy dog sports with their small dogs. Might Mite Small Dog sports Forum is a message board for all dog sports open to handlers of dogs 16 inches at the shoulder or smaller. International focus, all breeds welcome.

Dogwise store with Canine Freestyle Books and Videos

Books  
Paws to Dance
More Paws To Dance

Videos     
A Canine Cabaret Mary's Way
Heelwork to Music Mary's Way - The Advanced Freestyle Moves
Heelwork To Music Mary's Way - The Sorcerer and her Apprentice
Clicker Training Mary's Way
Rhythmic Paws
Suitable for dogs of all ages, sizes and breeds and owners of all abilities, this video shows a variety of heel and circle moves, and different tricks for dancing with your dog

Rhythmic Paws 2
A continuation and refinement of the skills learned in Rhythmic Paws 1.

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Copyright © 1997-2003, Diane Blackman     Created: January 17, 1997     Updated November 12, 2007