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HEELWORK TO MUSIC |
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Come Dancing with Ann & Corren by Ann DeRizzio
HTM as it is commonly called is going to be the best spectator sport as far as working with dogs is concerned. I can see that in a few years time the Kennel Club will not run the Inter Regional Obedience Team events but will hold HTM displays. The agility classes better watch out also!
Ann & Corren Why, because not only is it fun to train for both dog and handler (well it should be), it is also a wonderful thing to watch. Dog and handlers moving in time to music. You will be tapping your feet, singing the song. The daylong event in Coventry each year is great, I really enjoy the whole day. I have watched the video numerous times (no, not just myself). I have admired so many of the handlers for their skill and timing. Pretty soon we will have HTM champions and if we follow the perhaps rocky road of the Americans, professional dancers could become involved. Yes folks, in the States it's commonly called free styling. There is less actual heelwork involved and more complicated intricate dance routines which involve the dog learning lots of tricky patterns:
What! I can hear you say, I thought it was just working at heel with your dog in time to a tune. Well it is in one way, but not quite. The History The sport really has only just been officially recognised by the K.C as a sport and in the past events had to be called displays. So far there have been at least 6 national events run by Peter Lewis and Coventry Dog Training Club. Dave and Mary Ray have been at the forefront of bringing it to not just our eyes but also the general public, Mary has appeared on British national TV in 'Richard and Judy' and the 'Generation Game', not to mention the worldwide television coverage of her demonstrations just before the judging of Best in Show at Crufts. It was Mary who first demonstrated heelwork to music at Crufts and her routines are a joy to behold. If you get the chance of seeing Mary doing a demo then jump at it, she also does a few courses. Who first thought of the idea I do not know. Was it the UK, Canada or USA? They all lay claim to it. However I can remember and I am sure most of you can, doing a version of HTM at the dog club Christmas party and everyone laughing and enjoying it. I have a wonderful video of one of my London club members working her Goldie to an Elvis Presley song and that was nearly 10 years ago. So although it was never officially recognised I believe it has been around for decades. The Videos Take my advice, invest in the videos not only are they hugely entertaining but they give you an insight into what is required. I did not see a video until after my first event which was a mistake as I would have been much more relaxed if I had known what to expect. The Training You have to enjoy music and your dog needs to enjoy being with you. You should preferably have a sense of rhythm or good timing. You should be prepared to be inventive and teach your dog things that you would not normally do like weaving in and out of your leg or walking to heel on the right. The Attitude Should always be one of fun. (c) Ann DeRizzio 2002
No material on this website may be copied or published elsewhere without permission. (c) Heelwork To Music 2002-2005
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