Canine Freestyle

[kjd]

Go for it, MaxHollyNoah!

I think one of the members of my club was one of the founders of canine freestyle. I remember seeing it years ago. Unfortunately, I am totally inept when it comes to music, so it isn't for me.

Daisy is probably more confused than you. She was taught to stay on the left; now you want her on your right -- can't humans ever decide what they want?!

Since English isn't your native language, you might try using the same word, but in your 1st language, for doing something in another direction. Don't ever limit yourself to one language. As far as Daisy is concerned, it is all the same. You could also try using signals, rather than spoken words. Then the signals could be incorporated in your routine.

You and Daisy will both enjoy it. It gives the dog much more to do and think about. (Obedience, OTOH, has only a few commands.) Freestyle lets the two of you adapt to one another. When you have your routine, you'll have to have it taped and let us see it. It will be beautiful.



As for Dundee, I know you will be picky about his new owner. He has taught you a lot. I doubt you'll ever forget him. Personally, I agree with Dundee -- I wish you'd keep him permanently. But I know that means you'd lose a space for another rescue dog. So I'll just pray the right person gives him his forever home.

kjd

[MaxHollyNoah]

Hi kjd,

Daisy and I finished 3 out of the total of 6 classes and we really enjoy it!

At this point, all the moves are directed with treats so I am not using much of verbal commands!

>Daisy is probably more confused than you. She was taught to stay on the left; now you want her on your right -- can't humans ever decide what they want?!

This is a good point but fortunately Daisy doesn't have hard time heeling on my right side, since she has been walked both on my left and right. This is a good thing about having multiple dogs! I usually walk Holly, Noah and Daisy together and she can be either side of me Dundee needs to be walked by himself since he still gets really out of control when he sees squirrels.... I am starting to think we would never get rid of his obsession, it is unreal. All my dogs were and still are obsessed with them to a certain extent but not like Dundee. He might have eaten some squirrels, or he used to entertain himself by chasing them around...when he was living all by himself.

Anyway, talking about Freestyle --- We danced to a song called "Stop! In the name of love" by the Supremes. We walked along and made our dogs "sit" by our side when it said "Stop" then kept walking until it said "Before you break my heart" where we made our dogs spin on our side. Doesn't it sound like fun? Just walking your dog at heel position to the rythm looks like dancing. You should try it with Sunna.

Here are a couple of recent pictures of Dundee. He is a very sweet and well-mannered dog, as long as he is inside

[kjd]

Dundee has lovely facial markings, MaxHollyNoah! He looks so cute. Then you say "He is a very sweet and well-mannered dog, as long as he is inside"! Wasn't it just yesterday that this was the dog that couldn't be touched, wouldn't come inside? You, and he, have done wonders!

It sounds as if freestyle is perfect for you and Daisy. Sunna might like it, but there is no stereo in the house. Since I am tone-deaf and really don't "get" music, I've never bothered to buy one. Even when watching freestyle, I don't understand how the moves fit with the music. Your stopping, when the song says "Stop," I get, but most freestyle is done merely to music.

Daisy must be so happy that she gets this private time with you! In a multiple-dog household, it must be hard to do this with every dog. And the foster animals must take up extra time.

kjd