Freestyle is probably the fastest growing sport in the world; however, it's not a dog sport. According to Patie Ventre, president and founder of the World Canine Freestyle Organization (WCFO), it's a dance sport, but one of the partners happens to be canine.
Freestyle - a choreographed dance routine set to music - started more than a dozen years ago, pretty much simultaneously in Canada, the U.K. and the U.S. Much of the early freestyle done in the U.S. was based on what had been created in Canada. It's a safe activity for all dogs since there's no risk of falling off equipment. Because the dog must dance on all four sides of the owner, veterinarians have noticed that freestyle dogs are better balanced than other dogs.
Canada is quickly becoming a hotbed of freestyle, especially in Toronto and Quebec City, and on the east and west coasts. Linda Le Houillier of St. Basile, Que., is a long-time dog fancier and trainer. She first got interested in freestyle nine years ago when her friend Nathalie Lussier, also a dog trainer, told her she had an outstanding videotape to show her. She watched the wonderful Sandra Davis dance with "Pepper" and was impressed. "From that moment on I told Nathalie that one day I would be competing in freestyle with one of our dogs. We entered our first WCFO competition in Michigan last year. I obtained my Heelwork to Music title, the first Quebec resident ever to do so," says Linda with justifiable pride.
For Linda and her husband Michel Boulianne, who have been trainers for 15 and 30 years respectively, dogs are a family affair. A Belgian Shepherd Dog breeder since 1979, he teaches obedience and tracking under CKC rules, and Schutzhund. After studying ethology at the International Alliance for Behavioral Animal Consultants he is also a behaviour consultant.
This couple is passionate about dogs and each has found their niche. Because he studied music at Laval University, Linda's husband is helpful in her freestyle endeavours. Last year they organized a freestyle workshop at St. Basile; Linda took care of logistics and Michel acted as translator and music consultant. They brought in two top freestyle trainers from the U.S., Anna Schloff and Nancy vonKoehnan.
Linda is a familiar sight to Canadian exhibitors. "I am a Canadian Association of Rally Obedience judge. My dogs are trained in obedience, agility, Rally-O and freestyle. I also organize Rally-O seminars and competitions." Her Belgian Tervuren "Gabbro" competes in Rally-O, agility and freestyle. Linda is so enthusiastic about freestyle that she's now in training to become a certified WCFO judge.
Like all freestylers, Linda loves that WCFO has divisions for everyone, from Juniors to Sassy Seniors (senior dog and/or senior owner), and Handi Dandi Dancers for handicapped dogs and/or owners. Rescue dogs are also among those dancing, and many dogs start once they've finished their conformation titles. There are also proficiency tests, K9 dressage, singles, pairs and teams.
Freestyle is fun for both dog and owner and increases the human-animal bond. In fact, WCFO is all about the bond. Routines are judged on both technical and artistic merit. There are two divisions: Heelwork to Music (HTM) and Musical Freestyle (MF). In the former, the dog must always be within four feet of the owner and while they can do spins, they can't do the weaves, send-outs and other creative moves that are allowed in HTM. All moves, however, must be safe for the dog, and the owners usually capture their dog's natural movement.
While the handler (owner) wears a costume in keeping with the musical theme, the dog is allowed to wear only a decorated collar and may wear anklets. Many freestylers enjoy doing demos at nursing homes, schools, etc., bringing smiles and happiness wherever they go.
WCFO has literally united the world. Video competitions allow those who can't get to a live event a chance to compete and be judged by the same rules and judges as if they were there in person. Live competitions are held not only in Canada, the U.K. and U.S., but around the globe. In fact, freestylers in Japan learned the sport by watching videos ordered from WCFO. The web site also has some sample video routines to watch, for a better idea of this wonderful sport.
The dogs enjoy it so much that they almost invariably choose the music. When they hear something they like, their head and tail go up - they're happy! In freestyle, everyone is smiling and the dogs are smiling at both ends.
Patie Ventre's dream is to see canine freestyle become an Olympic sport. And she would love to see freestyle at CKC events. Could it happen? Why not?!
For more information, visit www.worldcaninefreestyle.org.
