Dances With Dogs NSW

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Dogs NSW Obedience & Tracking Committee - Mission Statement

  • Promote the joy and fun of canine ownership through Dances With Dogs both as a sport and as entertainment.
  • Promote the sport of Dances With Dogs as a choreographed routine performed to music.
  • Encourage dog and handler teamwork in a creative dance routine using innovative movements
  • Provide training workshops for interested Dogs NSW members
  • Conduct community demonstrations whilst promoting responsible dog ownership through Dogs NSW
  • Develop rules, regulations and standards for participation in competition.
  • Develop judging criteria for Dances With Dogs competition.
  • Encourage handlers to execute all dance routines in a manner that does not endanger their dog's safety and well being.
  • Manage all issues relating to Dances With Dogs through the Obedience and Tracking Committee of Dogs NSW

    • Judging Criteria

    • Judges will compile their scores independently on individual score cards.
    • All scores from each judge will be made available to competitors at the conclusion of the event.
    • Competitors final score will be the total of all scores from each judge.

      • Dances With Dogs judging will be judged in two (2) sections:-

    1. Technical Merit
    2. . Artistic Impression

    1. Technical Merit:

    • Judges will be looking for accuracy in the way the movements are executed without concern for extra commands or signals.
    • Smooth flow from one movement to the other by both handler and dog is to be desired.
    • The dog's "willingness to work is to be desired" (DNSW Obedience & Tracking Rulebook).
    • Whilst the handler may be expressive, it is the dog's movement in relation to the handler that is of greater importance.
    • Traditional Heelwork may be part of the routine, however, emphasis should be on additional movements.
    • Program content will be judged on the number of different moves performed, the degree of difficulty of moves, the degree of training required to teach the moves, innovative moves, quality and creativity of the choreography and entertainment value (spectator appeal).
    • Handlers should construct a routine that has as varied a content as possible and whilst repetition of any movements is valid, continual repetition should be avoided.
    • Deportment of the handler will be taken into account.
    • There are no compulsory moves or paces.
    • The dog may work close to or at any distance from the handler and in any position relative to the handler (ie. in front, behind, on either side, or at any angle to the handler.
    • Handlers may make expressive gestures with their hands, feet or body.
    • Handlers may use all or part of the ring provided.

      • 2. Artistic Impression

      • Good musical interpretation is a requirement, however, it may not be appropriate for the handler to move in time to the music at all times.
      • Interpretation of the music should elicit exciting spectator appeal.
      • Movements of the handler and dog should reflect the mood and style of the music.
      • The routine must obviously be choreographed, it should not be improvised.

        • Competition / Demonstration Rules

        • Dances With Dogs has its foundation in traditional obedience Heelwork, however, the inclusion of innovative and creative moves is encouraged, as is movement in time to and interpretation of music.
        • Dances With Dogs is a choreographed routine performed to music by handlers and their dogs.
        • The handler and dog execute innovative and skilful movements in a manner that interprets the chosen music.
        • Routines may be performed solo, in pairs or in groups.
        • A "Dances With Dogs" competition/demonstration creates an entertaining and enjoyable event for both participants and spectators.
        • Handlers should be appropriately dressed for the occasion or complementary to the presentation without distracting from it.
        • Handlers should not be outrageously dressed.
        • Dog collars only may be dressed.
        • Handlers and dogs may cover any portion, part or all of the ring (approx 12m # 15m)
        • Food or a silent small toy maybe used in Starters, Novice and under 18 year old categories only.
        • Praise, verbal commands, body language and signals are encouraged and will not be penalised.
        • Handlers may make contact with the dog.
        • Music must be on CD or tape (CD preferred). CD's must have the chosen track clearly marked, tapes must begin with chosen music.
        • Music must be handed in at least 20 minutes prior to commencement of event.
        • Puppies must be over 6 months of age as per Dogs NSW rules.
        • Handlers must ensure dance routines do not endanger their dog's safety and well being.
        • A certificate of participation will be awarded
Dances With Dogs