[rosemaryninja]

Do any of you participate in Canine Freestyle? I don't, but I just heard about it today and looked up some videos on Youtube. It's pretty incredible! The amount of training that must go into it is just astounding.

Any interesting experiences? Does anyone train their dog to freestyle or has anyone been to any shows? What do you guys think of it? I've read some stuff that feels freestyling is anthropomorphizing dogs and shouldn't be done.

If anyone is wondering what freestyle is, you can check out a video here:

http://youtube.com/watch?v=HqbVbPvlDoM

[skelaki]

First of all those that say it antropomorphizes the dog are way off base. They are probably the same people who want to end all pet ownership. Think about it. Feeding your dog is "unnatural" in a sense, as is walking on a leash, obedience training, playing ball or frisbe (or most other activities we do with our dogs).

I think freestyle looks like a lot of fun for both owner and dog. I have a friend who's just starting to do that with one of her dogs and, if my pup has the coordination to do it, I want to try it also. It's probably like most activities some dogs love it and do very well and others have no real interest.

[Chicalen1]

Personally I think it would be fun for dog and owner a like.

Amanda

[rosemaryninja]

It looks like a huge amount of work. It's like... another form of agility, or something.

[Shaina]

I don't do sports that require tight clothing :-P

In all seriousness, though, that video clip was pretty amazing...I really love how you could just tell that dog was having the time of it's life the whole performance

[sparkybeagle]

What a hoot! I've never heard of it but the dog in the video looks like its having a great time. It looks like it takes alot of training and discipline but, like chicalen said, fun for both owner & dog.

[Dogstar]

I don't yet, but I'm hoping to start taking a class after christmas in order to improve Mal's hind-end awareness- he's just not ready, coordination-wise, for other sports (ie, agility) where he needs to know where his butt is. :P It looks like SO much fun- very silly, upbeat, and lots of reinforcement and treats.

[rosemaryninja]

Would you need to shape the whole thing?

[poodleholic]

Maddy and I do freestyle dance, and give perfomances for the kids at the shelter, and for patients at the adult daycare center not far from where we live. Training is not as difficult as you might think. I used target and bridge while training, and chose the music based on my dog's natural movement. I taught her left spins, right spins, back up, forward, tap paw to my hands, and to my toe after a spin and back through my legs, to place paws on my hips while behind me. Then set the routine to the music. It's really fun, and Maddy loves it! We do a sort've line dance to "Achey Breaky Heart" during which she wears her cowboy hat, I wear mine, and my boots. It's always a big hit with our audience, but man, I'm getting real sick of that song! LOL I'm working on a new routine to Boogie Woogie Bugle Boy of Company B.