If you love dogs and music, this is the sport for you!

Heelwork To Music is the collective name for two Kennel-Club-recognised dog disciplines: Heelwork to Music and Canine Freestyle.  It is also more widely known as “Dog Dancing”.

Heelwork To Music largely consists of the dog working in a close position to your body.  In Canine Freestyle you and your dog are allowed more freedom of expression, i.e. more varied moves, positions and distance work.

There are no compulsory moves or positions in this sport which makes it easily accessible to any breed of dog, regardless of ability and age.  The same applies to the handlers.  Kids as young as 6 have been known to work next to over 80 years old!  The sport allows you to choreograph your chosen piece of music to best show off your dogs’ ability, fitness and conformation.  A dog will offer moves which it enjoys best, and clever owners will use these in their routines.  The sheer number of possible moves and positions ensure that the dog is both physically exercised and mentally challenged.  This adds up to a great time to be had by all. Heelwork To Music helps to build a great bond and working relationship between you and your dog.

At its basic level it can be trained in your kitchen, garden or local park, just for you and your dog’s enjoyment.  If you are thinking of taking it to the next level and compete, as with any sport, an experienced trainer is a great bonus, as are good facilities.

I can offer you the benefit of my 9 years experience in this sport, not only as a KC Heelwork To Music judge, but also as an advanced handler.   I trained my husband (!) to compete with his dog, Mae, in Advanced Freestyle.  They even competed in the first ever International Freestyle competition at Crufts in 2007! Unfortunately, Mae has had to retire from competition due to a shoulder injury in 2009. After a two year break, he was deparate to work a dog again, so he is now working my old girl, Jessie, in Advanced Heelwork To Music. This left me the concentrate on my young lad, Indi, who is now working the advanced level in both disciplines.

For more information on Heelwork To Music and Canine Freestyle training please contact me direct or for competition information visit www.caninefreestylegb.com.