Bow Wow Boogie
Jan 2007
By Lisa Jung
Dancing goes to the dogs at a canine freestyle seminar
Nellie steps out with her dance partner,
Sandy Schuman of Pownal.
Pam Brown and Bailey of North Yarmouth step
and sway in perfect harmony.
Timber leaps for joy during his routine with Marcia Welch
Carolyn Zagami and Leo of Marlboro,
Massachusetts, match each other step for step.
More than a few of us would admit to cranking up the stereo and dancing around the living room with our dogs. Little did we know our homegrown frolic could lead to greater things. Canine freestyle is a relatively new sport in which training, teamwork, music and choreographed moves highlight the bond between human and dog, while combining to create an artistic, joyous dance of two feet and four paws.
About 25 people and their dogs stepped out to learn this contagiously fun sport at the Bow Wow Boogie Canine Freestyle Seminar held in November at the Saco Community Center. The event doubled as a benefit for Suzan Morris of Old Orchard Beach and her service dog-in-training Logan, an 18-month-old Golden Retriever. Proceeds went to My Wonderful Dog, a Portland-based nonprofit organization that provides training for assistance dogs for people with disabilities.
Carolyn Scott, a trainer and freestyle performer making her first appearance in Maine, led seminar attendees. Scott and Rookie, her 14-year-old Golden Retriever who recently retired, have shared their passion for canine freestyle by performing nationwide since 1996. They have also led workshops in Japan, Australia and Norway and have appeared on several television shows. Take one look at the Internet clip (www.musicaldogsport.org) of them performing to “You’re the One that I Want” from “Grease” and you’ll be captivated. Nonstop eye contact, feet and paws in step, constant wags and smiles, prancing, twirls, hops, weaves and airborne spins. Most striking is their aura of absolute connection. This couple would impress Astaire and Rogers.
“Canine Freestyle is based on the positive bond and working relationship of dog and handler as a team,” said Scott, who has trained dogs for 30 years and shown in obedience. “It’s designed to celebrate the unique qualities of each individual dog. You choose to emphasize your dog’s strengths and define your choreography based on your dog’s personality. I like to call it obedience with attitude.”
Scott began the seminar by talking about her life with dogs, what led her to freestyle and her philosophy behind the sport. She showed a few performance videos, including one of herself and Rookie—their journey together is a lesson in trust and love. At the age of 4, Scott was diagnosed with polio, which left her with generalized weakness and a shorter right than left leg, as well as low self-esteem and confidence. In adulthood, she wrestled with anxiety and fears of leaving home alone, even though she trained several dogs for obedience. Life took a turn when she got Rookie, a submissive, fearful puppy. Working him through his fears helped Scott realize how much she had limited her life because of her own fears. Canine freestyle was a natural fit for both, and by the time Rookie was 3 in 1996, they had won the first national canine freestyle dance competition in the off-leash division.
Canine freestyle includes core skills, as well as visual and verbal cues. Each skill has a specific description, voice cue, body cue and difficulty rating. Skills are grouped in categories of those done in the heel position, right side heel position and front position. Jumps, aerial and hind leg moves, different types of weaving skills, circling moves, straddle positions and groundwork, such as rollover, crawl and bow, are also a part of the repertoire. According to Scott, a freestyle performance is best when it alternates between precision moves and releases like jumps and spins.
The tricks category includes skills such as retrieve, shake body, speak and Lassie limp, where the dog holds up one front paw while hopping forward. Most dogs learn from visual cues faster and better than verbal cues, but verbal cues allow a handler to use their arms for stylistic moves rather than constantly using hand signals.
A freestyle performance can last up to six minutes, which Scott considers long. Her routines with Rookie last no more than three minutes. Performances are judged on content, accuracy and interpretation. For training, Scott encourages using a “clicker” since it provides immediate positive feedback and reward.
“Let’s introduce our dogs to the music,” Scott said, as dogs and handlers at the seminar headed for the dance floor. To a rhythmic stream of lively music, the teams began to improvise with steps, sways, trots, jumps and wags as they circled the floor. “Get comfortable with the music, but don’t out-dance your dog,” said Scott. “In freestyle, your dog is the star.”
During the next exercise, handlers were instructed to coax their dogs with a treat to walk between their legs, and then to weave in and out between both legs in an “S” formation. “Reward your dogs for their attention on both sides, and don’t be stingy!” Scott called over the music. “Give them at least five treats. If you keep your dog happy, you’ll be a winner no matter what.”
Four-year-old Border Collie Cash weaved between her handler Fran’s legs like a pro. “This is our second freestyle seminar,” said Fran, who is from Woolwich. “Cash has a high drive and loves to be busy. She does herding, agility and dock diving.”
French water dog Lily was also attending her second freestyle seminar, according to her mom, Jenny from Peaks Island. It was the first freestyle seminar for Charlee, a wise-eyed Border Collie-cattle dog mix and her handler, Nancy from Portland. And a 6-year-old Jack Russell Terrier named Buzz was all ears and energy. “This is our third seminar with Carolyn Scott,” said his owner, Robyn from Westbrook. “And he just competed in his first freestyle event in Stamford, Connecticut.”
After some water and a canine treat break followed by a people-food lunch, Scott said it was time to learn about “matching your dog to the music.” Some trainers pick their music, do their choreography and then plug in the dog. Scott believes the dog should be involved in every step of the process. “There’s magic in the match,” said Scott, who describes music as a third partner in canine freestyle. Music and lyrics engage the audience, and they need to fit with the facial expressions and body language of both dog and human.
First, we need to consider our dog’s natural expression. Is his mouth open or closed? Are his ears up or held back? How does he hold his tail? Is it wagging? Next, consider body posture. Is it tight or loose? Are your dog’s movements reserved or broad? We also need to consider our own movements and comfort level with a piece of music. “Because if you don’t like the music, your dog won’t,” Scott said.
Scott asked two dogs and their handlers to improvise on the dance floor to two or three different songs. The idea was to decide which piece of music best fit the dog and handler. “Feel the energy between you and your dog,” she prompted. “Look at your dog with new eyes. Your dog’s body language will tell you what he likes.”
First around the floor was handler Connie and her Boxer Riley, serene and strong. Second was owner Nina and her wagging Yellow Lab Sal, carefree and sweet. It was unanimous as to which music best fit their movements and personalities.
“Dogs should look like free spirits on the dance floor,” Scott said. “It’s not about control and there’s no force involved. It’s about play, praise and food.”
Throughout its development and growth, there have been different philosophies about canine freestyle, according to Scott. Her goals for the sport focus on teamwork, relationship, attention, attitude, connection and happiness. In addition to Rookie, she trained another Golden Retriever, Maverick, who is now 11 years old. Currently, Scott is training her third dog, a 3-year-old standard Poodle named Zita. In 2005, Scott founded the Musical Dog Sport Association (MDSA), with a mission to emphasize the dog as the focus of freestyle performance.
By the end of the first day of the seminar, each team presented a choreographed freestyle dance to the song “Love is in the Air.” Surely, not one dog or person doubted it was.
According to the World Canine Freestyle Organization (WCFO), the sport of freestyle began to develop in Canada and Europe in the late 1980s, and in the United States by the mid-1990s. By 1996, groups in different areas were embracing different styles. Canadian freestyle was more controlled, while in the United States it was moving away from basic obedience movements and focusing on teamwork and creativity. The WCFO was founded in 1999, and in 2000, it began worldwide competitions. Today there are several freestyle regulating organizations including the Musical Dog Sport Association of which Carolyn Scott is president. For more information and videos of Scott and her dog, Rookie, go online to www.MusicalDogSport.org.
