Canine Musical Freestyle, or canine freestyle - as it is sometimes called, is a choreographed set of moves performed to music by dog and handler.  Divisions range from pre-novice, novice, intermediate, advanced and  masters. It is a world-wide sport - and hence the name - World Canine Musical Freestyle Sport. Both the dog and handler share the spotlight and are judged equally.  The dog and handler may perform moves that are at any distance from each other. The nice thing about doing canine musical freestyle is that, even while competing, you can talk and encourage your dog throughout the entire program.  This really helps relieve stress on the part of the dog and handler. The bond between handler and dog grows and most importantly it is enjoyable to both. Canine Dressage is a fairly new division in the Paws 2 Dance organization. It differs from canine musical freestyle in that the main focus is on heeling. Tricks may be included but they will mainly be used for transition purposes with 90% of the routine done in heeling position. When heeling, whether it is forward, backward, parallel etc. the dog must be in heeling position.  If the dog is out of position the team will not get any credit for that particular portion of the routine.  Heeling done at different tempos is also a move the judge will be looking for. The music will be your cue to where the various types of heeling will occur.  Heeling executed with high leg kicks will be a bonus to the team. Precise heeling and good use of the music tempo to make the routine interesting will be the key to a well executed routine.  For more specific information, see the Competition Guide on the Divisions page Copyright (c) 2009 Site Design - AlterX Media Group Menu Never seen dancing dogs?   This is your chance. The next Paws2Dance competition will be hosted by the Lower Mainland Club on April 28, 2012, in Surrey, BC. More information is available on the competitions page.