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DogDance

(alias Canine Freestyle, Heelwork to Music)

Like people, many dogs like music and get excited when they hear a rhythmic or passionate song.

Or maybe their owners’ joy delight's them and they join in?

This question remains open to your interpretation.

man lying on the ground and border collie dog jumping through his legs at a dog show

Through DogDance, Dr Attila Szkukalek delivers high value workshops and seminars in a number of topics related to the wonderful sport of Heelwork to music and Canine Freestyle.

Aiming to provide you with innovative and creative ways to train both you and your dog, to go further than ever, in your favourite hobby or competitive career.

 

Origins

Originally, the canine musical displays were obedience heelwork, spiced with spins, circles and weaves. Alternatively, some owners were dancing and their dogs were mostly passive observers in the routines.

However, Sandra Davis and Caroline Scott, in the USA, Donelda Guy, Mary Ray, and Dr Attila Szkukalek in the UK, revolutionised K9-freestyle. They did this by introducing popular “tricks” such as high ten, roll over, break dance, etc.

The major influence on developing the different styles in dog dance were Sandra Davis’, Caroline Scott’s, Donelda Guy’s and Ray Underwood’s dance style routines. This big influence led Attila Szkukalek to present his most famous Chaplin and Gladiator routines. As other competitors, like Thierry Thomas in France, followed the trend. This caused for “Dog Dance” to be split into 2 divisions: Heelwork to Music and Canine Freestyle (or K9 Freestyle).

Heelwork to Music

On the one hand, HTM (heelwork to music) is restricted mostly to heelwork in different positions around the handler (left, right, in front, etc.). During these routines, the dog either faces the same or the opposite direction as the handler. On the other hand, The K9 freestyle programmes have no restrictions and give plenty of opportunity for both the dog and handler to express themselves.

Why do people and dogs like “Dog Dance / Canine Freestyle / heelwork to Music”?

  • Unlike many other dog sports, it is open to any type (including crossbreeds) and size of dog and owner to enjoy;
  • It incorporates different disciplines, such as obedience, agility, handling, musicality;
  • Anyone who likes music and moving to music can do this with his/her dog and it's easy to practice even at home;
  • Choreographing and practicing Dog Dance stimulates the owner’s and dog’s creativity. This makes dog training enjoyable and fun for both the owner and the dog;
  • Since the artistic impression is judged, handlers teach their dog partners using positive reinforcement training. In consequence the dogs enjoy performing with their human partner;
  • It’s real man–dog teamwork;
  • There are several divisions for heelwork, freestyle, juniors, adults and senior competitors as well as for group teams;
  • Dog Dance promotes team spirit, especially for junior competitors;
  • Finally, as Patie Ventre, founder of WCFO, sees it: “Canine Freestyle is a showcase that truly demonstrates the joys and fun of bonding with your pet”.

I hope that you and your dog will enjoy practising Dog Dance.

Copyright: Attila Szkukalek, 2007