Heelwork to Music

You will probably have heard the name Mary Ray mentioned in the same sentence as heelwork to music.  Below are a couple of videos of Mary Ray and her dogs performing heelwork to music with spectacular style.

Crufts 2007

The Underdog Show

Heelwork to music and Freestyle competitions are based on a 4 minute piece of music, which is judged on the following sections:

1. Programme Content

2. Accuracy and Execution of Movement

3. Musical Interpretation.

There are 4 levels, Starters, Novice, Intermediate and Advance. 

Heelwork to Music - a minimum of two thirds of the routine should include heelwork, where the dog's shoulder is level with the handler's leg.  The dog can be on the left or right side facing either forward or back going in any direction at any speed. 

Freestyle - a maximum of one third of the routine should include heelwork, the remaining time the dog can be in any position.

Most people who are successful in this sport are also successful Obedience competitors as a high level of training is required in order to suceed.

Paws to Dance and Heelwork to Music are great websites for anyone looking to learn more about heelwork to music. 

If you would like to have a go for fun then the following book by Mary Ray and Andrea McHugh will get you started.

The following book by Richard Curtis is also well worth a read, and you can visit his website K9 Freestyle.