If you are quite creative, love music and enjoy dancing, you might like to try the relatively new sport of heel work to music. This is now extremely popular all over the world and has evolved into many different divisions including musical dressage, heel work and freestyle.
Handlers may wear costumes and use some props, while dogs can wear fancy collars. Most dogs really enjoy dancing to music and it’s fun trying to find a composition that suits your dog’s personality and the way he moves.
Can any dog do this?
Yes: A dog of any breed or size, pedigree or crossbreed, can have fun with heel work to music. If you don’t want to compete, you can entertain your family and friends. Some people get pleasure from taking doge to perform for senior citizens or at a children’s home.
Enthusiasm and confidence are much more important elements of the performance than the degree of difficulty in your routine. You can make the work as energetic or as elegant as you wish, and develop moves that specifically suit your dog’s abilities.
| Happy Dog TipRegardless of whether you want to train your dog in a heel work routine, you can still put on some music, start dancing around the room and invite your dog to join you – he’ll think it’s great fun! Marching music has a great beat for beginners. |
What training is involved?
Your dog must have some basic obedience training. He must be able to:
- Walk off the lead in the heel work position without becoming distracted by lights, music and other dogs.
- Sit
- Stay
- Down
- Wait
- Recall
All the right moves
Freestyle routines (whether the dog doesn’t have to be in the heel work position throughout) are very popular, as they allow for more creativity. Fun moves you will see include:
- Walking on back legs
- Creeping
- Jumping through hoops or outstretched arms
- Weaving through handler’s legs
- Rollovers
- High fives (where the dog reaches up with his paw to touch the handler’s hand)
- Playing dead
- Reversing around handler
Getting started
If your local dog training club does not offer classes in heel work to music, they may be able to recommend a trainer who specializes in this sport. If not contact one of the many associated organizations – the internet is an excellent source of information on national and international heel work to music organizations. Attend an event or training workshop to find out what’s involved. There are also books and videos available to help you get started.
What will I need?
- Portable CD player
- Comfortable non-slip shoes
- Most handlers train in trousers, as this is easier for the dog if he is learning some of the more complex moves such as leg weaving
- A sense of humor
Competitions
Competitive classes are available for all abilities, from beginners to advanced. They are judged on degree of technical difficulty, the dog’s willingness to work, the partnership between dog and handler, and how well the music is interpreted. some experienced handlers are able to compete with up to six dogs in a single routine, which can last for several minutes.
fun and happy music…
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