DOG DANCING Heelwork To Music

Class 1:
· The music/routine may not be longer than 2 ½ minutes.
· The dog must stay within 2 metres of the handler at all times.
· At least 75% of the routine must consist of heelwork.
· There is no requirement of the number of moves.

Class 2:
· The music/routine may not be longer than 3 ½ minutes.
· The dog must stay within 2 metres of the handler at all times.
· At least 75% of the routine must consist of heelwork.
· There is no requirement of the number of moves.

Class 3:
· The music/routine may not be longer than 4 minutes.
· The dog must stay within 2 metres of the handler at all times.
· At least 75% of the routine must consist of heelwork.
· There is no requirement of the number of moves.

Heelwork
The following positions are considered as heelwork in HTM:
· The dog has his right shoulder parallel with the handler's left leg.
· The dog has his left shoulder paralled with the handler's right leg.
· The dog has his right shoulder parallel with the handler's right leg facing opposite the handler.
· The dog has his left shoulder paralled with the handler's left leg facing opposite the handler.
· Between the handler's legs with both shoulders parallel to the handler's legs.
· In front of, with his side to the handler facing both directions.
· Behind, with his side to the handler facing both directions.

These positions must be kept the same in movement - the dog must not jump/bounce or "crab" to keep the position by the handler.
The dog must not move in 2 tracks during heelwork - except during sideways movements .
The dog must keep the same distance in relation to the handler in all positions (example: if the dog is 5 cm. from the handlers leg at heelwork on the left side, the dog should not have a greater distance from the handler's leg at any other position).
The dog must move in the same direction as the handler.
The dog must follow the handler's pace.

 

Points are given according to the following:

Presentation (Technical Merit) - 10 points

Co-operation and co-ordination between dog and handler That the dog and the handler are attentive to each other and sensitive to each other's signals in a way that makes the partnership in the routine fluent. Signals The signals between dog/handler are discreet or they are put into the choreography so they do not distract from the routine. Presentation of the routine The routine is presented as a flowing routine without "pauses". The dog and handler are confident in their performance and know their routine. Focus on the dog The routine is performed so the focus is on the dog. It is not the handler who should attract attention. Show quality The team has appeal and performs an excellent routine that appeals to the judges and the audience. The handler's performance is appropriate. Anything else that has to do with presentation og the routine.

 

Degree of Difficulty - 10 points

Degree of difficulty annd amount, moves The more difficult the moves, the higher the points. The routine is created so the moves are naturally flowing without abrupt breaks/stops and so they are suited to the dog and its pattern of movement. The handler/dog makes the performing of the moves seem easy. The number of moves is appropriate - not too many in a short period of time, or too few to "fill" the time. Quality and degree of difficulty, heelwork The more precise, difficult and better the quality, the higher the points. Choreography The choreography is designed so the heelwork and moves have no abrupt stops but are integrated smoothly and the routine is made to suit the dog and its movement. The choreography varies so the routine is interesting. Use of available ring space Routines should make good use of the available ring space. Anything else that has to do with Degree of Difficulty

Music and Interpretation - 10 points

Interpretation of the music The music is interpreted. Steady/emotional presentation to emotional music - enthusiastic/powerful presentation to music with more power. If the music tells a story, it should be incorporated in the routine. Is the routine suited to the music? The routine is in harmony with the music. All the moves are based on the music and the inspiration from the music. The routine is created and presented so the dog's movement, the handler's movement and music become one. Is the music suited to the dog? The music is suited to the dog's speed, movement and enthusiasm. Anything else that has to do with Music and Interpretation

More information on the KC website!