Heelwork to Music Training

Heelwork to music (HTM) is a quite new competitive activity in which owner/trainer and dog teams train for a routine of up to four minutes, which is set to music, and they perform the routines with their dog. There are two categories, the first is heelwork to music and the second is the freestyle. Heelwork to music competitions will often stage official classes in both categories.

You’ll need to prepare your dog to successfully compete in this through extensive training and it will take a lot of time and huge dedication to this. It is essential that your dog is really well socialised and that you must have good control of your dog at all times, especially as your dog will be competing off lead. If you’re thinking of taking part then there’s a list of things you need to know.

Heelwork to music originally came from dog obedience and then added heelwork elements of that discipline. The dog is required to walk/trot at heel with its owner/handler in the eight prescribed heelwork positions and the owner/handler will then choreograph that heelwork to a piece of music. During the routine the dog must be in a heelwork position for at least two thirds and then the remaining third can be heelwork or freestyle if desired.
Freestyle is sometimes abbreviated to FS, which simply means that the owner/handler is not restricted to working a dog at heel. Two thirds of the routine is put together with a series of moves in what they call free positions and this should reflect the timing, rhythm and phrasing of the music. Your heelwork to music routine should have a theme, it tells a story or one can interpret the lyrics. Up to one third may be heelwork as previously stated.

Any dog breed can take part in heelwork to music, however to compete your dog must be registered on The Kennel Club Breed Register or the Activity Register
Competitors taking part in any event licensed by The Kennel Club must familiarise themselves with The Kennel Club rules and regulations beforehand. The Heelwork to Music Regulations booklet is available from The Kennel Club's publications department
Dogs can start competing in heelwork to music from 12 months of age and freestyle from 18 months of age
No previous experience is necessary, so request a list of heelwork to music clubs today!

Start by preparing your dog to compete and to be successful will take a little longer than just the formal requirements. It is important that your dog is completely socialised and that you have 100% control of your dog at all times, more so as your dog will be competing off lead. Specialised training clubs are the best way to confirm when your dog is ready to start training.

Training involves teaching your dog a series of different moves and poses. As you both as a team grow in confidence and the partnership with your dog develops. These moves can be stringed together which then formulates sequences of moves. When you are happy with your trained moves you may like to select a piece of music that works for you and then adapt the sequences to match the rhythm and pace of your chosen piece.

There are a number of training clubs across the country that are able to support you in this, many of which can be located via Find a Club on the Crufts website.