Now for something completely different!

[CaroleBoaz]

All you working dog folks are going to roll your eyes and look the other way, but I've started training my boys in Canine Freestyle!

It's been on my mind for a while, especially for my two older dogs, one who has bad hips, and the other a bad elbow. During the winter, and on rainy days, the dogs get so bored. Yesterday it was raining and my Laeken looked like his best friend died. So, I started training.

This is a video I found recently of the Gladiator Dog. I wonder how long they trained for that!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=crmD_B8ERzk

But I'm starting with Heelwork to Music, more like this video. (You can see the girl has a toy in her hand, though.)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Sg6Zfmu_CYY

Anyway, I started last night. Balto (Laeken) is great at obedience, but always wants to go the my left side. Boaz, who forgot his heeling training, was happily doing spins in both directions in front of me. I think he's going to enjoy this as much as the other two. Ciana (Malinois) only goes clockwise, so that is going to be a problem.

Dutch Shepherd going Canine Freestyle.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-0ZxHIzIMMc

I have to figure out how to train that back-up through the legs behavior.

[Christie M]

Anyway, I started last night. Balto (Laeken) is great at obedience, but always wants to go the my left side. Boaz, who forgot his heeling training, was happily doing spins in both directions in front of me. I think he's going to enjoy this as much as the other two. Ciana (Malinois) only goes clockwise, so that is going to be a problem.

One of the first agility exercises that I teach is to spin in both directions. Most dogs go naturally one way, and don't like to bend in the other.

Your kids are so lucky! I think freestyle is awesome. Talk about complicated behaviors under intense distraction!!

[CaroleBoaz]

One of the first agility exercises that I teach is to spin in both directions. Most dogs go naturally one way, and don't like to bend in the other.

Boaz is in currently training for agility, but this last class didn't work much on jumping, so I got two jumps and went and worked on some directional jumping with him. We will start the next level of training, so I'm sure we will be working on more of that stuff. We did some small courses and he moved through the obstacles easily. I'm very impressed with him!

Balto is a wonderful obedience dog, but just doesn't want to jump for agility. (He does have bad hips, poor baby.) If agility was all tunnels and a-frames he'd be all set. LOL!

And you've seen Ciana. When we were training with sheep, I was able to get her to reverse direction. LOL! It wasn't easy, though.

I think the dogs will have a fun winter just because they like working and getting paid for it.

[leih merigian]

I think canine freestyle is a blast. Geyser and I are taking a class in it this winter. Can't wait!

[Sugars Mom]

That looks soo fun! Can't wait to see your videos!

[kchristy]

Thats so awesome and sounds like so much fun

[Dutchringgirl]

Thats fantastic!!! I need to do something with my girls.

[felixone123]

those videos were awesome. Those dogs have way more rhythm than I.