Heelwork to Music
Heelwork to Music (HTM) is a relatively recent competitive sport in which participants devise routines of up to four minutes, set to music, and perform the routines with their dog. HTM is divided into two categories - Heelwork to Music and Freestyle - and most shows stage official classes in both categories.
Heelwork to Music derived originally from the set exercises forming the heelwork component of competitive Obedience, with a musical backing, but it quickly grew into a much more demanding and creative discipline. The introduction of Freestyle - routines interpreting the music in which predefined heelwork movements form only a third or less of the total - added still further to the growing appeal of the sport.
Heelwork to Music has a wide range of facets, from a creative 'play' environment where pet owners develop a bond with their dogs, to opportunities for more competitive training and competition, to an enthralling and moving spectator event. At its best an HTM routine can be quite breathtaking - as anyone who has witnessed the 'Best in Show' evening at Crufts in recent years must be aware.
Starting Heelwork to Music
Training for this discipline is entirely by motivation and reward and the dogs just love performing - some to the extent that when they hear their music they become quite excited. It requires many dog training skills and those taking part usually have a background in other dog training events. Experience in at least a lower level of Obedience competition will help to provide a basis although it is by no means essential. (For more on getting started in HTM, see the links at the top right of this page).
If you are aged between 6 and 17, the Young Kennel Club (YKC) runs its own series of Heelwork to Music and Freestyle events and training for YKC members (see the links at the top right of this page).
For further information and details of training clubs please contact the Kennel Club on 0870 606 6750, extension 212 or 226 or email clubsandtraining@thekennelclub.org.uk
