Canine freestyle

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Canine freestyle is a new sport in the dog world. It is also known as dancing with dogs or canine dressage, it consists of a dog and his handler performing a routine choreographed to music. The two main organizations that promote canine musical freestyle in the U.S. are the Canine Freestyle Federation, Inc. (CFF) and the World Canine Freestyle Organization (WCFO).

Canine freestyle

The CFF offers four increasingly complex levels of competition in individual and multiple dog divisions. The multiple dog division includes competitions for two handlers, each with a single dog; three or more handlers, each with a single dog; and one handler with two dogs. The organization also offers a Creative Interpretation class for exhibition purposes. The WCFO holds both sanctioned competitions for titling purposes and fun meets without titling. There are several proficiency levels recognized.

In many ways, freestyle is a combination of agility, obedience, conformation, and dance. The handler uses her body as the agility equipment, asking the dog to jump over or climb up an outstretched leg. The dog must be able to lie still, come to the handler, or go away from the handler when directed. For a good team, the dog and handle must communicate well.

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