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Heel Work to Music, is an activity for dog and handler, that has become a competitive sport. It consists of a highly choreographed routine, set to music that demonstrates dog and handler understanding, also dog training and obedience.
Popularity
Heel Work To Music has seen an explosion in popularity, since its introduction in the 1990s. Due to TV exposure, that caught the public imagination, as to the possibilities for both handler and dog to be gained from this exciting new sport.
Location
Although much of the basic work can be practised at home, the display or routine needs a large area, normally found in a public hall. eg, community centre, village or church hall etc.
Age
There are no age restrictions to this activity, but it is not an activity suitable for children. As a maturity and experience to train is essential, as is a long term commitment and dedication to the dog.
Ability
Qualities associated with this activity include; An ear for music. The ability and temperament to train a dog. Some sort of ability to choreograph a routine.
Description
In the UK version of Heelwork to Music where handlers have to work with dogs at heel for 65% of the routine, unlike freestyle (Doggy Dancing) where 65% of a routine is freestyle and only 35% can be heel-work. There are eight official heel-work positions. Heel-work routines emphasis the partnership of handler and dog walking and moving at heel and choreographing the heel-work to the music.
Dedication
To achieve any reasonable competition standard within Heel Work to Music, demands regular and dedicated practise. The first stages of training always seem the most unrewarding, Do not be disheartened, Once the routine starts coming together the whole sport gathers momentum, becoming a daily event looked forward to by both dog and handler. This is not a casual activity to be entered into lightly, it is one that can become a life dominating sport.
Potential
There are competitions and exhibitions, that can be entered! The overwhelming potential is however sharing your life with a well trained dog. And getting the very best out of that dog in way that is enjoyable and highly satisfying to you both.
Closely
Related Activities
Doggy Dancing, or as more correctly known Freestyle Heel Work to Music 804, Dog Obedience 211, Dog Agility 206,
Cost
The cost of keeping a well trained dog is no more than any pet dog, of comparable breed. It is necessary to belong to a club where the facilities to train and gain instruction are readily available, these costs can vary widely depending on the standard you are aspiring to achieve.
Level of Demand
The table below shows the maximum levels of demand that this activity requires. NOTE: These are not entry levels or levels of requirement and has nothing to do with ability.
Energy |
Arms
|
Legs
|
Sight
|
Hearing
|
Speech |
Learning |
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