Freestyle for Fun

Many people are surprised to learn that you do not need to know how to dance, to dance with your dog. Moving together in a simple routine to music is a great way to put obedience training in action and keep dogs entertained and interested in learning.

Teaching a dog to be able to work on both sides of the handler's body (not just the left side as in standard obedience heeling), is the first step to performing freestyle. Simple moves like teaching the dog to back up as the handler moves forward, to turn in place and to move sideways with the handler are the foundation of any freestyle routine. The trainer selects a short musical piece, a minute or two, that reflects the dog's attitude and pace in doing their moves (some dogs do better with a waltz, others suit rock and roll boogie), and decides what moves would go best with the music.

To begin with, the trainer breaks the routine down into pieces with only two or three linked moves, and as the trainer and dog work together, each part of the routine is built up.

The goal is to have fun; and if a handler or dog becomes stressed, this indicates that it's time to take a break. The most important thing is that dog and human get to spend time together; not merely to show that the dog can do tricks.