How to Learn Canine Freestyle

By Deana Case

Instructions

Step 1:
Train your dog to do basic obedience. He must know his name, make eye contact and obey the commands sit, down, stay and come.
Step 2:
Once your dog can perform basic obedience behaviors with distractions, move on to more advanced obedience cues. Fronts, finishes, heeling on both sides, recalls, go outs, backing up and intense attention to the handler are all things that are needed for canine freestyle.
Step 3:
Train your dog to do some maneuvers such as backing up from the front position, weaving your legs, spinning, pivoting in place and sidestepping, if you wish. These tricks add panache to a routine.
Step 4:
Select music to set your routine to. Pick music that will fit your dog's movement speed and natural behavior. The song you select should last 1 1/2 to 4 minutes.
Step 5:
Plan the routine in your mind. Learn your part first so that you can give your dog consistent cues. If you are confused, your dog will be also.
Step 6:
Get your dog ready for the routine by playing with him and getting him excited about working with you.
Step 7:
Try a few of the moves that he knows, experiment a little and then build the routine with your dog. Take the song in sections, and train for short periods.
Step 8:
Seek out canine freestyle groups and classes in your area. If there aren't any, you may wish to start one. Having other skilled and observant handlers to work with can improve your ability and add fun to this activity. It also augments competitions, which are enjoyed by many dog and handler teams.

Resources

Photo/Video Credit

Photo by Stefan Wogrin, http://www.sxc.hu/photo/858526

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