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Doggy Dancing (also known as Canine Dancing and Freestyle Heel Work to Music), is an activity for dog and handler, that is a highly choreographed routine, set to music that demonstrates dog and handler understanding, also dog training and obedience.
Popularity
Doggy dancing has seen an explosion in popularity, in the last three years. Due to exposure on the television, that caught the public imagination, as to the possibilities for both handler and dog to be gained from this exciting new sport.
Location
Although much of the basic work can be practised at home, the display or routine needs a large area, normally found in a public hall. eg, community centre, village or church hall etc.
Age
There are no age restrictions to this activity, but it is not an activity suitable for children. As a maturity and experiance to train is essential, as is a long term commitment and dedication to the dog.
Ability
Qualities associated with this activity include; An ear for music. The ability and temperament to train a dog. Some sort of ability to choreograph a routine.
Description
Doggy dancing not only encompasses all of the close heel work found in the obedience activity of Heel Work to Music, the activity from which doggy dancing evolved, but allows free style expression, and moves that allow the dog to move away from the handler, often standing on two legs and mirroring the handlers movements. Even appearing to lead the handler. Doggy Dancing is a partnership between dog and human, rather than dog and handler, allowing the dogs individuality to be exposed.
Dedication
To achieve any reasonable standard in Doggy dancing, demands regular and dedicated practise. The first stages of training always seem the most unrewarding, Do not be disheartened, Once the routine starts coming together the whole sport gathers momentum, becoming a daily event looked forward to by both dog and handler. This is not a casual activity to be entered into lightly, it is one that can become a life dominating sport.
Potential
There are competitions and exhibitions, that can be entered! The overwhelming potential is however sharing your life with a well trained dog. And getting the very best out of that dog in way that is enjoyable and highly satisfying to you both.
Closely
Related Activities
Heel Work to Music (H.W.M.) 811, Dog Obedience 211, Dog Agility 206,
Cost
The cost of keeping a dancing dog is no more than any pet dog, of comparable breed. It is necessary to belong to a club where the facilities to train and gain instruction are readily available, these costs can vary widely depending on the standard you are aspiring to achieve.
Level of Demand
The table below shows the maximum levels of demand that this activity requires. NOTE: These are not entry levels or levels of requirement and has nothing to do with ability.
Energy |
Arms
|
Legs
|
Sight
|
Hearing
|
Speech |
Learning |
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