All photgraphs
on this page courtesy of Allan Brown
Karen
with Kes
Canine
Freestyle, sometimes known as Heelwork To Music, is
a sport for those who love dogs and music. The dog and
handler team choreograph their performances to
a variety of music, illustrating their training
and joyful relationship. Watch for the dog moving
to the beat of the music, you will see graceful and
intricate manoeuvres performed with precision and artistry.
Every movement is accomplished through the subtle use
of verbal cues and body language.
Freestyle is also an excellent discipline to illustrate
the conformation and movement of the dog. The reach,
drive and beauty of an athletic, trained dog moving
to music can take one's breath away.
Follow
this link for a short insight into Heelwork To Music
Lesley
with Angus
Kath
with Tipp
Karen
with Fly
Lesley
with Robbie
Quote
from ISDS Magazine regarding Bala World Championship
Sheepdog Trial 2002
"There were numerous demonstrations, but
perhaps the most entrancing,
certainly it captured the attention
of large crowds, was the Heelwork To Music Demonstrations
by those who "danced" with their dogs".
To sum up, the dog and handler work in unison to their chosen
piece of music,
with the dogs performing some incredibly intricate
manoeuvres.
The result of this fabulous new sport is a
balanced partnership
between dog and handler and a rapport
that many dog owners would love to achieve.
As
a spectator sport, there is no comparison anywhere else in
the sporting dog world.
Canine
Freestyle is fast becoming the most popular spectator sport in
the dog world.
Karen
and Kes
The
combination of dogs, dance & music is absolutely magical
when joined
together by those with a passion for this sport
Each
dog and handler team choreograph their performance to
a variety of music, so each routine is unique. The
beauty of this sport is that it is truly open to all breeds of
dog as the handler is responsible for choreographing the piece
to show that individual dog's strengths and is not expected to
perform any compulsory moves. This is an absolute joy for
those who are bored with watching an endless stream of collies
in the working rings.
Lesley
and Angus
Freestyle
is also an excellent discipline to illustrate the conformation
and movement of the dog.
The reach, drive
and beauty of an athletic, trained dog moving to music can take
one's breath away.
The result of this
fabulous new sport is a balanced partnership between
dog and handler with a rapport that many dog owners would
love to achieve and there is no better reason to get your dancing
shoes on!
