Dances with dogs

Understanding the activity

Choose movements the dog can perform comfortably before combining them into a routine. Confirm the distinction between competition streams in the current rules.

Before attending or entering

Read the host’s schedule alongside the governing rulebook. Confirm the venue, entry deadline, registration requirements and whether spectators or non-competing dogs are permitted. Ask the trial secretary about anything the schedule leaves unclear.

Reading the record

Attach the routine’s class and competition stream to the score. A performance invitation is different from a qualifying trial result.

Record the performance stream

A routine’s stream, class and edition belong beside the score. A short clip may omit required elements or include movements that were not assessed. When sharing a complete routine, check music and filming permissions as well as the organiser’s publication policy, and credit the handler and dog accurately.

Two performance divisions

Dogs Australia distinguishes Freestyle from Heelwork to Music. The latter places a defined emphasis on heelwork positions, while Freestyle permits a broader safe movement vocabulary. The current rules determine the detailed proportions and class requirements. Routine design should begin with comfortable learned behaviours rather than forcing movements to fit a dramatic piece of music. Record the division alongside the class, music and official score where publication is permitted. Two routines from different divisions should not be compared as if they were entries in the same class.

Sources & further reading

References for this guide. Rules and services can change; check the responsible organisation for current details.

• Dogs Australia — Dances with dogs (opens in a new tab)
• Dogs Australia — rules and regulations (opens in a new tab)

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