Training by LowchensAustralia.com

 

Freestyle

Freestyle is a new canine sport with roots in obedience, but requiring many more movements from the dog and handler, in a routine set to music. There are several styles of freestyle in the US. CFF is more oriented towards showcasing the dog and their movements, with the handler being as inconspicuous as possible, similar to equine dressage. WCFO and MCSI are more flamboyant, with more emphasis on handler costuming and movement and a variety of moves from the dog. Both types have many supporters and are great fun for you and your dog!

Introductions to Freestyle

If you're new to freestyle, here's information to get you started.

• Canine Freestyle
  Here's an introduction to the sport from Dog-Play, specifically on MCSI Freestyle, so a bit out of date.
• History of Freestyle
  A little bit of history on the evolution of this new canine sport, from WFDF.
• Getting Started With Freestyle
  Article from CFF on how to get started in Freestyle.

 

Freestyle Training

Links to articles on training your dog to do musical freestyle.

• Music, Rhythm and Freestyle
  A nice article from CFF on choosing music.
• Elements of Freestyle Music
  An excellent, comprehensive article on choosing music from Caroline Levin.
• Choreography: How to Begin
  How to start putting your routine together.
• Kur Design Tips
  A monthly column on designing a musical kur routine (equine freestyle).
• Direction
  Direction and movement's effect on your routine.
• Creative Development of Movement
  CFF's movement-oriented approach.
• Scandinavian Freestyle
  Articles on freestyle training translated to Finnish and Swedish. Also some wonderful photos of dogs performing.

 

Freestyle News and Photos

Links to online news articles or photos on freestyle.

• Freestyle!
  Article on Laurel Rabschutz and Gus from the Show Dog Super Site.
• Woofing it!
  Article featuring Diane Battis and Cassi. Also visit Diane's homepage.
• Kathleen and Acer
  Photos and a slide show.
• The Canine Freestyle Federation, Inc.

 

Freestyle Videos

Like to see dogs performing freestyle? Here are some online videos.

• Cha cha cha with your Chihuahua
  Link to the CNN video on Freestyle. Requires the Microsoft video plugin for your browser.

Freestyle Discussion Forums

Need more interactive help for your freestyle training? Here are ways to get help.

• WorldFreestyle List Archives
  Here are the archives and subscription information for the WorldFreestyle email list.
• Dancing with Dogs List
  A new list specifically for UK Heelwork to Music.

 

Freestyle Organizations

Pages online for the various freestyle groups.

• Canine Freestyle Federation
  The home page for CFF features articles from their newsletter, upcoming and past events, etc.
• World Canine Freestyle Organization
  Newest organization, they incorporate classes for both Heelwork to Music and Musical Freestyle.
• IN-Style
  A canine freestyle organization serving Iowa and Nebraska.
• Paws-N-Music
  Info and pictures from this UK club.
• Musical Dog Sport Association
  Information on the British version of Freestyle.

Freestyle Events

Information on upcoming events.

• CFF Events Calendar
  Upcoming events, classes and seminars.

 

Freestyle Products

Where to order books and videos on training freestyle.

• Dancing Dogs Video
  Don't miss Sandra Davis' new website with information on her training videos and new book!

 

MP3 Resources

MP3 sites have full-length music you can download and enjoy, and CDs to order that are half the price of regular music CDs.

• MP3.com
  Probably the most popular MP3 site, you can listen to the music over streaming Real Audio before downloading the full CD-quality MP3.
• MP3.com Search
  Use the box at the top center of this page to search for artists similar to your popular favorites.
• Epitonic.com
  Another good MP3 site.
• Tucows Music
  And more MPs (as well as other formats).
• MP3 Players
  Thinking of getting a portable MP3 player? Check here for lowest prices, reviews, tips, etc.

Minidisc Resources

I'm a big fan of the Minidisc format, and feel it offers a lot to freestyle enthusiasts.

• Why should I buy a MiniDisc recorder/player?
  Introduction to Minidiscs and why you should even bother with them.
• Minidisc Page
  The minidisc format was created by Sony and they are still leaders in the technology.
• The MiniDisc Community Page
  HUGE site will all kinds of information on minidiscs.

Online CD Stores

These are places you can go online to listen to clips of music and order CDs.

• CDNow
  About 30 second Real Audio clips on many albums.
• Amazon.com
  Amazon is now a great source for music as well, and features lots of sound clips.

 

Costume Sites

Sources on the web to help you get that perfect freestyle costume.

• The Costume Site
  More costume links.
• Display and Costume
  Wonderful online source for costumes. Lots of photos, and good selection and prices.
• Rubie's Costume Co.
  Wide variety of halloween costumes and accessories.
• Discount Dance Supply
  Dance supplies, shoes, dresses, etc.
• NY Dancewear Company
  More dance supplies.
• Just For Kix
  The usual dance stuff, plus videos on various dance styles.
• Pumpers
  Lots of dance costumes, separates, etc.
• Decorative Novelty
  Good for props and mylar decorations.
• Dancer Online
  Visit the Mall for more dance costumes.