History Heelwork to music and canine freestyle started as a demonstration event, within obedience competitions, to show the creativity and skills of handlers and their dogs. It is a mix of obedience, tricks, agility and dance, where a routine is created and set to music. Musical freestyle started in many places almost simultaneously, and though it can safely be placed as beginning around 1989, demonstrations of the talent of heeling to music were shown in Canada, England, the United States, and the Netherlands within three years of each other. The main unifying element among the groups was an interest in allowing more creative obedience demonstrations and training, a love of music, and in many cases, inspiration from an equine sport called musical freestyle, which was a more creative and dynamic form of dressage. Categories The main difference is that heel work to music focuses on a dog's ability to stay in variations of the heel position while the handler moves to music, whereas freestyle demands that the dog perform a variety of tricks and other obedience talents, and places a greater focus on the trainer's dance abilities and creativity. Groups and Associations In the UK heelwork to music is an official sport, recognized by the kennel club. Currently in New Zealand there is talk of forming an official association, and currently there are competitions as part of the National and NDTA events. Competition Competition rules vary from group to group, and from country to country, but most are based on a variety of technical and artistic merit points. Regardless of the style of routine to be performed, all routines are done free of training aids or leashes (except in some beginner categories). At the moment in New Zealand you can compete in Elementary (Beginner dogs, you are allowed a treat or toy in the ring), starters (have had several Elementary wins, and you are no longer allowed treats / toys in the ring), Novice, Open, of Group grades. Many competitions also offer a busking competition, that is entered on the day. You have no pre-prepared routine, just have a go putting something together on the spot with a random selection of music. In all competitions, the choice of music and the way the routine reflects the music is important. Routines that don't seem to follow the pattern of music, no matter how well executed, do not score well. Exhibition freestyle is a no-holds-barred routine designed to demonstrate the full extent of creativity and excitement that musical freestyle can offer. Though highly entertaining and representing what most people see on television or at events, it allows for moves, props, cues, and costumes that would not always be allowed on the competition circuit. |
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