We’d heard about it, read about it, and watched it on YouTube. One Saturday, we finally had a chance to try it. The verdict? We loved it! The “we” in question is me and my dog Vinnie, a two-year old Kelpie mix, and the “it” is Canine Freestyle, also known as doggy dancing.
This unique dog sport combines basic obedience skills, tricks, and heeling to music. Unlike more traditional dog sports such as Rally Obedience and Agility, Freestyle is less about precision and more about fun. Any age or breed of dog can do Freestyle once he’s completed a basic obedience or puppy class.
When I first heard about doggy dancing, I was skeptical. Dogs dancing? With humans? It didn’t sound possible. Then I saw a video of expert freestyle team Carolyn Scott and Rookie, a Golden Retriever, dancing to the song from Grease, “You’re The One That I Want.” (You can see it for yourself at www.youtube.com/watch?v=HqbVbPvlDoM.)
I’ve watched Carolyn and Rookie perform their routine many times and it always gives me chills. They’re so clearly dancing with each other, responding to the music and to each other’s cues. And they’re so clearly having a blast.
Doggy Dance Classes
- Ruthanna Levy is currently teaching Canine Freestyle classes at SF Puppy Prep, 251 Sixth St., San Francisco. Classes are an hour long and run for six weeks. Register atwww.sfpuppyprep.com/classes.html or email the Puppy Prep team at info@sfpuppyprep.com.
- There are many other trainers in the Bay Area who teach Canine Freestyle. Do a Google search or check the websites of local humane organizations for classes. Visit The Musical Dog Sport Association (www.musicaldogsport.org) and The World Canine Freestyle Association (www.worldcaninefreestyle.org) for further information and links.
Vinnie’s and my talented instructor that Saturday, Ruthanna Levy, has been a professional dog trainer since 2000. Before that, she danced professionally for 15 years. She offers a variety of dog training classes, but only Freestyle allows her to combine her dual passions – dog training and dancing. She explained to us students that Freestyle is about discovering what movements your dog enjoys most, and then choreographing a short, flowing routine to your choice of music. Lest you have memories of strict ballet mistresses, never fear – Freestyle, as the name implies, isn’t regimented. You and your dog can create your own moves. Doggy dancing is at its finest when the routine emphasizes the tricks and moves your dog really delights in doing.
Ruthanna’s love of Freestyle was contagious. Her face lit up as she gracefully demonstrated different moves and various ways of combining them into a routine. In no time she had Vinnie and me moving together around the dance floor – spinning, weaving, and turning to the music. And true to Ruthanna’s example, Vinnie and I were both having a whole lot of fun. The hour flew by and felt far more like playtime than a training class. A huge dog smile was plastered on Vin’s face, and when it was time to quit he trotted back and forth between me and Ruthanna, eager to dance some more.
Freestyle will improve your skills as a trainer for your dog, polish your dog’s obedience skills, sharpen his focus on you, and teach him new tricks. Because Ruthanna is a positive methods trainer, her Freestyle classes are designed to enhance your communication and deepen your bond with your dog. You needn’t aspire to do freestyle at the competitive level. You can do it simply to have fun with your dog . . . and unlock his and your inner “Lord of the Dance.”
To see more Freestyle videos and learn more about Ruthanna Levy, visit her website at www.dgydance.com/movies.html.
Lisa-Anne Manolius, CTC, an honors graduate of the SF SPCA’s Academy for Dog Trainers, is the owner/trainer of Oh Behave! (www.ohbehave-dogtraining.com). She’s available for a variety of group classes and private sessions. Lisa, who continues to dance with Vinnie, can be reached at lisaohbehave@gmail.com.
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