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Canine Freestyle Magic of the Match
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Frequently Asked Questions

What do you feed Rookie?

Flint River Ranch Dog Food

How long do you train?

I train very short sessions filled with lots of games
Do you always have perfect performances?

Rookie thinks so.
Since our first demonstration in 1996 I have yet to have a perfect performance.   Rookie takes a very active part in every performance. He always loves to perform a few extra of his favorite moves.  So you might ask who is leading when we perform?  The answer would be both of us do.

Do you get nervous when you perform?

Yes, in fact at times I have been so nervous I can't seem to hear the music.  Performing in front of a audience has always been the most difficult element of freestyle for me.

What is the thing you fear most will go wrong when you perform?

Falling down.  Due to having polio when I was a child I have problems with my balance.  I have fallen several times in practice. There are several movements I rarely perform due to the weakness I have on my right side.

How old does my dog have be to train for freestyle?  Is my dog to old to enjoy this sport?

All dogs no matter what breed or age enjoy freestyle.  Since we are using very positive training techniques even very young puppies can learn to perform freestyle behaviors.  This sport is great fun for older dogs.   There are no required movements. Handlers choreograph the behaviors that their dog feels comfortable,happy and confident performing. Our older dogs enjoy time spent with us and learning new things.

Do you have to know how to dance to enjoy the sport of Canine Freestyle?

No!

Who do you want the audiance watching when you perform?

Our dog!!  Isn't that great news!
How do I get started in this fun and creative sport?
  • Try to attend a Canine Freestyle Seminar.  This will give you a great jump start into the sport.
  • Visit the Musical Dog Sport Association Web site.  MDSA has some wonderful freestyle training videos available. Be sure to check on the On Line Workshop when you visit the the site.  This page has a list of freestyle moves that are very helpful in getting started http://www.musicaldogsport.org/
  • Join a canine freestyle discussion list.  You will find beginner to advanced freestylers on the list. We all enjoy sharing this sport with others.  You can ask questions, join discussions or start a discussion of your own.

What training do you recommend for freestyle?
  • Clicker
  • Motivational
  • Attention
  • Pack and prey drive

What books and videos do you recommend?

Books:

  • Advance Your Freestyle With Donelda Guy (book)

Videos

  • The Moves with Richard Curtis
  • More Moves and Music with Richard Curtis
  • Rhythmic Paws with Attila Szkukalek
  • Rhythmic Paws 2 "The Gladiator"
  • Heel work To Music/ Freestyle Mary's Way / The Sorcerer & Her
    Apprentice
  • Heel work To Music/ Freestyle Mary's Way / The Advanced Freestyle
    Moves
  • Heel work To Music/ Freestyle Mary's Way / A Canine Cabaret
  • Obedience Mary's Way: From Novice To Crufts
  • Obedience Mary's Way: From Puppy To Novice

These wonderful videos and book can be found at the Musical Dog Sport Association. 
http://www.musicaldogsport.org/   (Click on PRODUCTS)

Dancing With Your Dog Training Videos By Sandra Davis
www.CanineFreestyle.com
How long should a performance last?

I recommend a short performance for beginners.  One to one and a half minute is a good time limit to start with.

Where can I perform demonstrations?

For family and friends, Schools, Church, Assisted Living Homes, Nursing Homes, Dog Shows, and Your National or Specialty shows.

What freestylers and teams have inspired you?

Here are a few of my favorite:

  • Richard Curtis: .Creative, talented and a wonderful instructor
  • Brigitte Sclabas: She has arrived and now in her own right a very talented and creative freestyler.
  • Mary Ray: Lovely handler and very talented dog trainer. I admire her style and grace in the ring.
  • Tina Humphries: One of the most creative freestylers I have ever seen.
  • Sandra Davis & Pepper: The greatest in any venue.
  • Attila & Fly: This team is spectacular in their theatrical style performances such as Charlie Chaplin!
  • Pam Martin & Pilot & Spy: Full of fun, energy ,attitude and what a crowd pleaser this team is!
  • Mary Jo Sminkey & Taz: Excellent team and I miss seeing them perform in freestyle.
  • Susan Colledge & Misha: Beautiful teamwork and performance.  I never tire of watching.
  • Nancy & Shyannn: I will always give this beginner team's first performance (Footloose Event)  a score of 10.
What breeds of dogs do you recommend for freestyle?

All breeds of dogs enjoy this fun sport

How do you feel about costumes?

Costumes can be fun and compliment the theme of our performances. However I feel when over done, inappropriate, infringing on the dogs performance the costume itself can take attention and focus away from our dog. Any time the dogs is not being highlighted in our performance they can begin to appear to audience as a prop.  Our dog should always be the "star".

What type costume can the dog wear?

I like to see the dogs wearing either a nice collar or scarf that compliments what the handler is wearing.

What type music do I choose for performances?

I enjoy both songs with lyrics and instrumental.
What canine freestyle organizations do you belong to?

In 2003 I became one of the founders and president of the Musical Dog Sport Association.
http://www.musicaldogsport.org/