Heelwork to Music Explained

The sport evolved in the early 1990s when Mary Ray, an obedience handler and competitor, was asked to put on a demonstration of her skills.  As these demonstrations proved popular it was suggested to her that she demonstrated the obedience moves with music in the background.  The idea of dog movements to music became popular and was officially recognised by the UK Kennel Club.  In 1996 Rugby Dog Club held the first  competition show.  Mary was also the first person to demonstrate Heelwork to Music at Crufts.

In 2005 competitors were invited to participate in the first Crufts competition.  Competitors now have to compete to get to the finals which is held at Crufts every year.  Because the sport has become popular across the World, there is also not only the Heelwork and Freestyle finals for UK competitors, there is an International Freestyle competition for representatives of other countries.

There are two categories to the Sport: Heelwork and Freestyle.  Each have their rules.  In Heelwork there are eight positions to choose from and two-thirds of the routine must include any of these positions in a variety of ways.  One third may be freestyle moves.  In Freestyle the dog positions are more free and can be performed at any distance from the handler and two-thirds of the routine include freestyle moves.  One third may include heelwork moves.

Here at Dog Dancing (BMC Academy) we teach both Heelwork and Freestyle to Music, either just for fun or competition.  The choice is yours!

Kathleen has knowledge and practised Heelwork to music since 2003 with her, then dog Jake: Bordertown Shades of Blue.  She was a Crufts finalist in 2009.  Here's the routine - hope you enjoy it!
















Our classes are on Wednesday morning, 10:30-11:30, and Tuesday evening, 7-8 pm.  We welcome beginners through to advance students.  Contact us if you are interested!