Canine Musical Freestyle Trivia Quiz

Answer: A fun choreographed obedience routine performed to music with a dog and handler.

The definition of freestyle is a choreographed obedience routine performed to music, with a dog and handler. But it is oh so much more. It is a chance to bond with your dog beyond your wildest expectations; it is a chance to challenge all you ever knew about dog training; it is a chance to bring out that showman deep inside your and your dog's souls.

Answer: Association of Musical Dogs

While there are other organizations developing at this time, only three are recognized in 2006. There are also many regional and state level clubs forming which are members of the organizations listed above or even are their own organization.

Answer: None - all moves are acceptable as long as the dog is not injured.

One of the wonderful features of World Canine Freestyle Organization is that there are no required moves, and you get to train your dog moves that are natural for your dog. If your dog doesn't do well with backing, you don't have to teach backing; if your dog is extra good at leaping over your back or jumping through a hoop, you can do this.

The sky is the limit when it comes to choreographing and choosing the moves for you and your dog's performance.

Answer: The dog doesn't actually dance, but responds to commands of different moves and tricks.

The entire concept of Canine Musical Freestyle is for the handler to choreograph the routine, giving the impression of dance. While dogs can't really create a routine for the handler, often the dog will add additional moves unexpectedly. Frequently these additional moves match the routine, if not necessarily the music.

Answer: To develop and encourage a stronger bond between human and dog which includes training, music and teamwork.

The primary purpose of Canine Musical Freestyle is the development and encouragement of the dog/human bond. This can only be done through training and teamwork, and with the added joy of music, the human relaxes even more, giving his or her canine partner the opportunity to truly enjoy this bond.

Answer: Yes, but only if the music is chosen to match the dog's step.

In most cases the choice of music is what makes or breaks a routine. Music should be chosen to match the personality of the *team*, as well as the dog's natural rhythm. While all dogs are perfectly able to change their pace to match our own, each dog has a natural rhythm that shows them at their best.

The challenge is finding that perfect piece of music that shows that rhythm at its very best.

Answer: All of these.

Multiple arenas enjoy and even encourage canine freestyle performances at their events. This include, but are not limited to, adopt-a-thon's, nursing homes, schools, state or county fairs, training centers, and even in one unusual situation, a manufactured home dealership.

Answer: All of these.

One of the joys of freestyle is you are able to choreograph the routine as you see fit - you and only you are able to determine the very best way to show you and your dog's bond at its best possible angle. Each team is different in how they perform. Two teams performing to the same piece of music will create two totally different routines.

This is because each dog is an individual, and that is respected highly by all freestyle organizations.

Answer: Any music can be used that is not offensive. The audience must always be considered when selecting music.

Music must match the style of the team. Any style of music is appropriate, but must be chosen to compliment the team. In dogs who do not like to turn quickly or do not like to use rounded motion, music that is considered more sharp (like rock music) may be more appropriate. Song choices have been as varied as classics such as Patsy Cline's "Walkin' After Midnight" all the way to more current pieces such as "Accidentally in Love" by Counting Crows.

Answer: Because of the variety of music and styles of performances vary, every single breed can perform freestyle and enjoy it.

One special feature of all freestyle organizations is they support the canine/human bond - regardless of breed. *All* dogs can perform and compete in all organizations. The organizations do, however obey the rules set by any organization that invites them to compete at their show.

For example, if a Golden Retriever specialty asks an organization to have a competition at their show, then that would mean only Golden Retrievers could perform.