Dog sports and breed clubs

[Michael Romanos]

I wrote an article on "Dog sports outpacing breed clubs" about six months ago. The article mentions most of the dog sports available, makes comparisons between breed clubs in the USA and those in NZ, and has a little bit of Pembroke Corgi focus.

If anyone would like to be emailed a copy of the text of this article (minus the photo), contact me by email vis mjromanos@hotmail.com

[Chip's Mom]

Michael:

What are your thoughts on dancing with your furbaby? Chip loves to run around & between my feet and I thought it might be fun but don't know anything about it.

[Michael Romanos]

I know little about dancing sports for dogs. I have only seen glimpses of it. I know there are a few different versions and one of these has caught on in NZ to some extent. I could very easily find out more info from the people who have leadership roles in the sport here. But I would hazard a guess that the version of the sport I have seen, Corgis may not be the best type of breed to use for dancing with due to their leg size and body weight. Really the best exponents I would assume are leggy dogs, flexible dogs and not heavy-set dogs. But that may not prevent anyone and any dog going through the training procedures which as you say, must be a lot of fun for the handler - if not the dog. Dogs enjoy some types of music and are excited by many types of movement - so put these two together and you have, dog dancing.

[glencorgi]

One of the first people/pioneers of Freestyle in the US that I know of was a lady with her Cardigan. There is a lady in CA who has been very active in it with her Pembrokes. She's out of the country just now, but if you are really interested I can get in touch with her when she returns and she can give you some advice.

Debbie

[Michael Romanos]

Chip's Mom - In NZ the sport of dog dancing is called Paws n' Music. NZ models its dog dancing on the UK and there are several dfifferent versions in the USA. - probably more flamboyant versions mostly. Paws n' Music are moves, tricks and routines done to music. If the dog is smart enough then a lot of moves can be learnt to suit the breed attributes. The top requirements is flexibility and balance. Obviously, the leggy, slim and flexible dogs are not Corgis but they can be good dancers in their own right. Like with agility, Border Collies would be the ideal dog for dog dancing. There is a Dachshund in NZ that's good at Paws n' Music And again like agility, a lot depends on the rapport between handler and dog. You wouldn't expect a Corgi to be able to do everything a lean, leggy and flexible dog could do - though I have often danced around confined distances in the kitchen or in the lounge to a catchy bit of music with my Corgis, holding their front legs up with my hands and them stretching up on their back legs. And they seem to enjoy being part of it.

[Chip's Mom]

Michael & Debbie - that would be great, but don't go to a lot of trouble as I don't plan on competing or anything like that, but I think it would be fun just to fool around with and great exercise for Chip and myself. Chip is infatuated with my feet and he will circle around & in between sometimes when I am walking. I wouldn't expect Chip to walk on his hind legs with his long back. It's just something I have been thinking about.

Thanks,
Bonnie

[glencorgi]

Bonnie,

Actually there used to be some doggie dance classes in your area - seriously! It was just a for fun kind of thing and they even had "dance" partners and an end of class "ball" or recital. I don't know if they are still offered, but remind me about it this weekend and I'll point you in the direction of whom to ask. There might be some other fun things going on you might be interested in checking out and you could get on the mailing list and maybe try some of them.

Debbie

[Chip's Mom]

That would be perfect. We are planning on coming Sunday unless we are delayed coming back from vacation. We are going to Pensacola Beach.

[glencorgi]

The links to the websites I've posted on agility and rally obedience were both from up in your area Bonnie. There are some fun opportunities for you up there.

Debbie

[Michael Romanos]

I don''t think that in Paws n' Music that a Corgi would be expected to dance around on his back legs. There are tons of other moves with all four feet on the floor.

[Michael Romanos]

Bonnie and Debbie both were emailed a copy ofr my article called " Dog sports outpacing breed clubs." Debbie said she had enjoyed reading the article. If anyone else wants a peek, send me a request.