Introduction
Doggie Dancing, also known as Canine Freestyle, is a fun and creative activity that builds a stronger bond between dogs and their owners. It involves choreographing a dance routine with your pooch to music, incorporating various moves and tricks. This article serves as a step-by-step guide to doggie dancing, outlining its benefits, offering tips and tricks on music selection, teaching your dog the steps, and even preparing for a doggie dance competition.
Step-by-Step Guide
The basic moves of doggie dancing include spins, turns, weaves, and jumps. For instance, a simple side-step with your dog would involve standing side-by-side, stepping to the side with your left foot, tapping your right foot, and repeating the same process in the opposite direction. Another move to try is the weave. In this simple move, you step forwards, cross your left leg behind your right leg, step forwards with the right foot, and cross your left leg in front of your right leg.
It’s important to break down the moves into a step-by-step guide that is easy to follow for both you and your dog. For example, for the weave, you should first teach your dog to weave around your legs, using high-value treats as a reward. You can progress to having the dog weave through your legs from the front, then from side to side. It’s essential to take your time, be patient and make sure the dog is comfortable with each movement.
To practice and improve, start with simple movements, gradually building up to more complex routines. Consistency is key, so aim for a few minutes of practice every day.
Benefits of Doggie Dancing
Doggie Dancing has numerous benefits, both physical and mental, for both the dog and the owner. It’s an excellent way to keep your furry friend fit and healthy since it involves exercise. Dancing is also mentally engaging and stimulating for dogs, which promotes healthy brain activity and helps relieve stress.
Real-life success stories of dogs benefiting from Canine Freestyle abound. For example, a Dalmatian from Oklahoma named Jazzy was rescued from an abusive situation and used dancing to recover from trauma. Her owner, Heather Smith, trained her to dance to cheerful music as a form of therapy. The training helped Jazzy’s confidence grow, and she was able to make many public appearances and even compete in the US Doggie Freestyle Federation competition.
Music Selection
Choosing the right music is crucial when it comes to teaching your dog to dance, as music can either distract the dog from learning or keep them engaged. The music should be upbeat, cheerful, and, most importantly, suitable for both you and your dog’s taste. If you have a skittish dog, consider a genre like classical music, which has a softer beat.
Some good artists and genres to consider are pop, rock, reggae, classical, and Motown. Avoid anything too loud or with aggressive lyrics. Once you have found the perfect music, you can start by playing the song and moving around more, then start teaching your dog the basic steps.
Tips on Teaching
To teach your dog the steps, you need to start with the basics and progress gradually. Positive reinforcement is key, so reward your pooch with treats when they do something you like and give them vocal praise. If you’re going to use treats, make sure they’re high-value treats to keep your dog’s attention. Break each move into a few steps, and make sure your dog has mastered one move before moving on to the next one.
You should also adjust your training methods to match your dog’s learning style. For example, if your dog is more motivated by touch or play, use those actions to encourage good behaviour. Always try to end training on a positive note with your dog.
Event Planning
If you want to take your doggie dancing to the next level, there are several doggie dance competitions you can enter. The largest and most popular event is the US Doggie Freestyle Federation competition, which is held annually in various locations across the country. In these competitions, handlers and dogs compete in various categories to win a variety of titles and prizes.
To prepare your dog for a competition, you should start by teaching them the basic moves and gradually working up to more complex moves. Make sure your dog is comfortable performing in front of strangers, and practice with them to improve their showmanship skills. Remember to register early, ensure you have the appropriate attire, and be prepared for long hours of training and practice.
Conclusion
Doggie dancing is a fun and creative way to strengthen the bond between you and your pooch. With a little patience and some helpful tips, you and your dog can learn the basic moves, select appropriate music, and get ready to compete in competitions.
