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Here is something some of you might not know about me ... ever thought of dancing with your dog? Starting yoga with your dog? Well, I do both!! I have been doing Canine Freestyle for eleven years now and am part of a Houston based freestyle group called the Texas Six Steppers. I am writing about this because the Houston World Series of Dog Shows is this weekend in Houston. July 22-24. At the dog show you will find many different activities that dogs engage in, and I wanted to tell you how it has enhanced my relationship with my dogs and benefited my well-being.
Dog Dancing
What could be better than spending the day with your dog, and getting in shape at the same time! What is dancing with your dog? Well, it is called canine freestyle. The dog is the focus of the routines and all dances are performed with respect to the dog, thus displaying the beautiful bond between the handler and the dog as a team. This is achieved by creating a choreographed dance routine to music that has been carefully selected to match the dog's natural personality and gait through movement, music, artfulness and positive training.
Training is a major component of freestyle as it is key to get the dog's complete attention. It has been a wonderful experience watching how much we have grown as a team and to see how much fun my dogs have doing it. I was interviewed this week and the reporter asked me, "what is his favorite treat?" You know what, I realized - it was the crowd, the audience!! He just LOVES to perform and Bob's smile is a clear acknowledgement of the audience's applause. You can just see the smile on Bob's face. When we are not performing, practice is just as much fun. I do not have a yard to play in, but we don't miss it because when I put the music on my dogs' tails start wagging and they are so excited to "play the dancing game". It is a beautiful opportunity to spend one on one time with each dog.
So many times we talk to animals that want more interaction, more one on one time with their pet parent or a dog or cat feels left out. Just 5-10 minutes a day doing some trick training and heel work is all you need to deepen your bond with each one of your animals and make them feel like a super star!
My proudest m oment was 3 years ago when my second dog, Petey made his debut on the dance floor (I get teary-eyed writing this.) I never thought I would be able to dance with him publicly because he had so many issues with other dogs, people and not to mention he would run away. He was my little Houdini, constantly searching for an escape. I started working with him doing basic exercises to release his fears, and I put him in classes for nose work, which really brought him out of his shell - it was a 180 degree turn. I could not believe it, he was almost a normal dog that finally realized how to be a dog. So, I put him in dance class (canine freestyle at Head Over Tails Training) and he was as cute as a button dancing. He had his routine ready and we performed that summer at the Houston World Series of Dog Shows. To see him with his focus on me even with hundreds of people and dogs surrounding him - WOW!! Proud mom. Do not ever under estimate your babies. Never give up, but do the work and always go the holistic, positive route. You will see success.
Dog Yoga
How does
a dog do yoga? Just like you. Dog yoga has been around for many years, actually, and there are even "Doga" studios in New York. Strengthen the bond between you and your dog by creating a nirvana of peace and serenity by practicing yoga moves together. It is important not to push your dog into ANY position that is not comfortable to the dog or unnatural, and to practice your prana or breathing. What dancing and yoga with your dog should be first and foremost is relaxing and FUN for BOTH of you. If you are happy and positive, your dog will be too.
Dancing or doing yoga with your dog can create an unconditional bond of love between you and your dog that is so special and forever growing in many directions.
- First, it is an excellent way to stimulate and exercise your dog no matter what the weather is because you can do it anywhere - living room, garage, park, or backyard.
- It is an entire workout for your dog, not only physically, but you are working his brain, as well and that is more exhausting than being physical sometimes.
- No major equipment required, just a mat for yoga and an ipod for dancing!
- These activities will help calm an anxious dog or give a hyper dog focus and constructive use of energy.
- It is very therapeutic to do dancing demos or perform for charities, children and the elderly. They are great, non-critical audiences that LOVE to see dogs perform. People come every year to watch us perform at the Houston World Series of Dog Shows. This year we are performing 2 solos and a really fun group routine. I promise to put the video link on our facebook page! Stay tuned.
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