History and Competitions

Canine Freestyle is a fairly new sport in comparison to many of the dogs sports available these days. In 1989 at a dog related seminar in Vancouver, BC the first demo of canine freestyle was performed.

In 1990 a top UK obedience competitor by the name of Mary Ray, performed an obedience routine to music at the Crufts Dog Show. The routine was dubbed “heeling to music”.

In 1991 the first canine freestyle competition was offered in Vancouver, BC. From there the sport of Canine Freestyle really started to grow. However, despite it’s beginnings here in Canada, it is in the US and the UK , where the sport has had the most following.               (left: Jackie McGowan and Tally - Routine "Seagulls")

In 1994 the CFF - Canine Freestyle Federation Inc. was formed and in 1999 the WCFO - World Canine Freestyle Organization was formed. Currently these are still the main organizations for Canine Freestyle in North America.  

Titles can be earned through the World Canine Freestyle Organization in the Junior and Adult divisions. Judging can be done with a live Judge or through video submission.

 
What is Canine Freestyle

Canine Freestyle is a choreographed musical routine that is performed individually (one dog and owner team), or as a group (more than one team). For competitive purposes the routines that can be performed have been divided in to two different categories – Musical Freestyle and Heelwork to Music.

Heelwork to Music is based on the traditional obedience moves and positioning and includes such moves as right side heeling, circles, twists and side-stepping.

Musical Freestyle (Freestyle) basically any move that does not endanger the dog is allowed. Heel work is still the basis of  a freestyle routines as it connects one move to the other. Freestyle is creative and fun and only limited by your imagination. Props and costumes can also be used to enhance the routine.

As a non-competitive sport Canine Freestyle is not restricted to specific moves. Routines should be creative, and are only inhibited by creative or physical ability. The most important key to performing a freestyle routine is to have fun!!

Canine Freestyle is probably the most welcome sport to people and dogs of any age. People and dogs, from the young and flexible to the older and slower can take part in dancing with their dogs, as the music and routines, are molded and choreographed toward the ability of the person and dogs who are doing it.