Canine freestyle
Canine freestyle is a new sport in the
dog world. It is also known as dancing with
dogs or canine dressage, it consists of a
dog and his handler performing a routine choreographed to music. The two main organizations that promote canine musical freestyle in the U.S. are the Canine Freestyle Federation, Inc. (CFF) and the World Canine Freestyle Organization (WCFO).
The CFF offers four increasingly complex levels of competition in individual and multiple
dog divisions. The multiple
dog division includes competitions for two handlers, each with a single
dog; three or more handlers, each with a single
dog; and one handler with two
dogs. The organization also offers a Creative Interpretation class for exhibition purposes. The WCFO holds both sanctioned competitions for titling purposes and fun meets without titling. There are several proficiency levels recognized.
In many ways, freestyle is a combination of agility, obedience, conformation, and dance. The handler uses her body as the agility equipment, asking the
dog to jump over or climb up an outstretched leg. The
dog must be able to lie still, come to the handler, or go away from the handler when directed. For a good team, the
dog and handle must communicate well.
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