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Heelwork to Music
Section written by Margaret Booth
What is Heelwork to Music?Heelwork to Music (HTM) is a dog sport ideally suited to the Belgian. It uses their intelligence, athleticism and gracefulness to the maximum and (this is a personal, biased opinion) they can look stunning in the ring. It really is quite amazing that there are not more Belgians working at a competitive level. However this is not a sport for the faint hearted as it requires considerable time, energy and preparation in terms of training the dog. It also needs the handler to be creative and understand dance and choreography principles, certainly at the higher levels. There seem to be quite a few handlers who disappear off the scene when they discover that it is not as easy as it might first appear. However once hooked it gets into your blood and for musically minded dog owners looking to do something slightly different it’s ideal.
Where did it all start?It is reported to have started in this country when Mary Ray was asked to do a heelwork demonstration by John Gilbert, as part of a seminar entitled ‘An Evening with Mary Ray’ in 1990. It was suggested that it be accompanied by music which Mary did with her collie – Red Hot Toddy, to ‘Eye of the Tiger’ and her Tervueren – Roxy, to ‘Take Your Breath Away’. This was received so well that Mary continued to develop this method of demonstrating heelwork resulting in the first demonstration at Crufts in 1992. Mary’s Crufts demonstration has now become a regular feature each year before the Best in Show judging. The very first Show, which was actually called a demonstration event, was instigated by Peter Lewis and organised by Rugby Dog Training Club in 1996 at Coventry and they have held this show annually ever since. The numbers entering have increased steadily to the extent now that this Show only puts on Novice classes and above and also has to restrict entries. For those interested in more detail about the sport’s development this can be found at www.maryray.co.uk
The increasing interest in the sport led to Kay Laurence, with a group of friends, establishing the Paws n Music Association (PnM) in 1999. This is a national group devoted to promoting the sport with members spread right across the country. It currently (2006) runs a number of Shows each year and became the first Kennel Club (KC) registered club solely devoted to HTM. The other main club connected with the sport in this country is Canine Freestyle GB (CFGB) which also runs a variety of Shows each year. Other clubs are now starting to put on their own Shows and from the single Rugby DTC one in 1996 there are now approximately a dozen spread throughout the year. 2005 saw the first, by invitation, HTM competition at Crufts. This was an overwhelming success held in a packed Special Events Ring, showing clearly the essence of the sport - that it should have audience appeal. It is now to become a regular Crufts event and the first qualifier for 2006 will be held at the Rugby DTC’s Show. For subsequent years various qualifiers will be held around the country leading up to a semi-final at the Rugby Show.
The early Shows were all titled as demonstration events but once the sport was recognised by the KC in 2002 official competitions became possible. As with all emerging activities, people and groups have developed in slightly different ways with the result that there are variations in, for instance, judging schemes (there are at present at least three different schemes being used) and interpretations of the meaning of ‘heelwork’. A KC Working Party, made up of active participants in the sport, is currently addressing these issues and it is hoped that a unified system will be operational by July 2006. Once this is completed there may also be a points system for progressing through the classes and letters to go after the dog’s name denoting the level it has achieved.
Divisions ...
The two main KC divisions in the sport are:
- Heelwork to Music where the principle element is the dog working off lead on the right or left side of the handler or in other close positions.
There is currently debate about what constitutes ‘other close positions’ but it looks like a final definition will focus on the dog working with its
shoulder close to the left or right leg of the handler.
- Freestyle where movements in any positions can be included, but heelwork is expected to be a minimal part of the routine.
PnM also regularly provides the following additional divisions:
- Musical Dressage where the dog is required to show a continuous natural rhythmic movement reflecting the timing of the music.
- Dances with Dogs where the routine must be recognisable as a dance on the part of the handler.
Other non KC classes are often scheduled at Shows and these may be e.g. pairs routines or special themes which may be incorporated as part of
‘Fun Days’. These ‘Fun Days’ are a valuable opportunity for handlers new to the sport, or experienced handlers with new dogs, to try out their routines
in a non- competitive environment.
The different divisions are also divided into levels namely:
Starters, which is for dogs and handlers which have not gained a third place or above in an official class at a licensed HTM competition.
Once a handler has won out of Starters with any dog he/she cannot enter Starters again with a new dog, they would need to commence in Novice.
Novice, which is open to dogs or handlers who are not eligible for Intermediate or Advanced.
Intermediate, which is for dogs that have not won a first prize in a Novice class but are not eligible for Advanced.
Advanced, which is for dogs that have won Intermediate.
Simply explained this means that the handler moves from Starters to Novice on winning a first, second or third place; from Novice to Intermediate on
winning a first place; and from Intermediate to Advanced on winning a first place. This progression system will probably be changing soon as indicated above.
Progression through each division is separate so, for instance, a handler could be working in Advanced Freestyle and Starters Heelwork to Music simultaneously.
It is proposed that the lengths of routines be standardised to that used currently by PnM namely up to for Starters 2:30; Novice 3:30; Intermediate and
Advanced 4 minutes.
Promoting the Sport To promote the sport and encourage development regular training days / weekends are organised by both the Clubs and individuals and details of these are posted
on their websites, the various email groups and Club Newsletters. PnM has a Progress Award Scheme to encourage personal development in a non-competitive atmosphere.
Handlers are assessed on an individual basis against set criteria at three different levels in each of the four divisions. The Awards are given as a pass, credit
or distinction and handlers can move up the levels once they have achieved a credit or above in a specific division. Badges are awarded for achievements across
and within the divisions. They also have a Move Development Scheme which can be used within local clubs alongside, prior to or instead of the Progress Award Scheme.
CFGB has a different scheme namely their Passport of Achievement. Handlers collect points based on places gained in competitions, participation in
competitions / fun days / demonstrations / Progress Awards. The points accumulate and handlers are awarded visas in the form of coloured ribbons that they
attach to the lead which is provided when they join the scheme.
How do I find out more The best way to find out about the sport is to go along to one of the Shows and chat to people who are already competing – you will find that everyone is really
friendly and keen to help you out. You can join one or both of the main Clubs, join in the email discussions (or lurk in the corner), go along to a training event,
buy one of the many videos available and start planning your first routine.
Watch this space for an update once the KC Working Party has completed its work.
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