Dancing Cocker Spaniel Near La Rochelle
- ANGLIERS, France – every Tuesday evening, the village hall in Angliers, near La Rochelle, transforms into a dance floor for an unusual set of performers: dogs.
- “It’s a discipline where we invest a lot of ourselves,” says nathalie Tanvet, the Dog Dancing manager for the Rochelais work dog club, the only one in the...
- During competitions, judges consider the animal's well-being, ensuring handlers avoid shouting and adapt to the dog's fatigue, according to competition guidelines.
Dog Dancing Takes Center stage in French Village
ANGLIERS, France – every Tuesday evening, the village hall in Angliers, near La Rochelle, transforms into a dance floor for an unusual set of performers: dogs. This is “Dog dancing,” a canine discipline that arrived in France in 2005, where handlers and their dogs blend rhythm, obedience, and technique in carefully choreographed routines.
“It’s a discipline where we invest a lot of ourselves,” says nathalie Tanvet, the Dog Dancing manager for the Rochelais work dog club, the only one in the Charente-Maritime region to offer the activity. “For each choreography, we choose a theme, a costume for the handler, music, a message…” tanvet, who has been involved in Dog dancing for 20 years, trains weekly with her miniature American shepherd, Riyadh, aiming for regional and national competitions.
During competitions, judges consider the animal’s well-being, ensuring handlers avoid shouting and adapt to the dog’s fatigue, according to competition guidelines.
On a recent Tuesday, Pïa, a Bernese Mountain Dog, seemed less then enthusiastic about cooperating with her handler, Virginie. As relative newcomers to the club, channeling Pïa’s energy proved challenging. “I started Dog Dancing a year ago,” Virginie said. “The main idea was to dedicate time each week to Pïa and share an activity with her.”
Maximum Concentration Required
In contrast, Neptune, Véronique’s American Cocker Spaniel, is a model student.”With Neptune, it’s easy; I’m the only one who matters to her,” Véronique said. She added she has been doing Dog Dancing since 2012, inspired by an online video of an American handler and her dog. Neptune performs a two-minute routine with intense focus, revolving around Véronique, weaving through her legs, and moving back and forth, all in time with the music and without treats.
“In competition, handlers cannot reward their dogs during the choreography, so thay must gradually acclimate them,” Véronique explained. “Initially,we give a reward after each figure,then we try to link two figures before rewarding,and then we space the rewards out more and more.” Nathalie added, “It’s easier when you have a dog motivated by food,” suggesting Pïa might have a luminous future in the discipline.
“Dog Dancing really strengthens the bond between handler and dog. It’s a discipline that respects the dog because we only utilize the natural skills of each breed. We wouldn’t force a dachshund to jump on two legs, for example; it’s not suitable for their body type,” Nathalie reassured.
After an hour of practice, the dogs yawn contentedly, signaling the end of the session. It’s time to vacuum the village hall, roll up the carpet used for practice, and head home. “Generally, they sleep well on Tuesday evenings,” Nathalie joked.
Dog Dancing: A Canine Discipline Taking Centre Stage
Dog dancing, also known as canine freestyle, is a fun and engaging activity for both dogs and handlers. This article unpacks the exciting world of dog dancing, answering common questions and highlighting its appeal.
What is Dog Dancing?
Q: What exactly is “Dog Dancing”?
Dog dancing is a canine discipline where handlers and their dogs perform choreographed routines that blend rhythm, obedience, and technique.It’s a fun and creative way to strengthen the bond between a dog and their owner. This activity first started in France in 2005.
Q: How is Dog Dancing different from other dog sports?
Dog dancing distinguishes itself through its emphasis on creativity, music, and the handler-dog relationship. Unlike sports that focus on specific obedience tasks or speed, dog dancing allows for artistic expression. It incorporates elements of obedience, but the focus is on a flowing, entertaining performance.
Getting Started with Dog Dancing
Q: Where can I participate in Dog Dancing?
Dog Dancing clubs are available in some areas.The article references the Rochelais work dog club in the Charente-Maritime region of France. Check local dog clubs or training facilities in your area to see if Dog Dancing classes are offered.
Q: What are the main styles of Dog Dancing?
Dog Dancing encompasses two main styles:
Freestyle: Choreographies are open and allow for creative freedom in routines. Theme,costumes,and music all contribute to the performance.
Heelwork to Music: This involves ten pre-set figures that the dog and handler perform in time with music.
Inside a Dog Dancing Routine
Q: What goes into creating a Dog Dancing routine?
According to the article, the process involves the following:
- Choosing a Theme: The handler selects a theme to base the routine on.
- Handler Costume: The handler will often dress up in a costume that complements the theme.
- Music Selection: Music is carefully chosen to set the tone and rhythm of the dance.
- choreography: The handler develops a routine taking into account the dog’s abilities.
- message: A unique message can be included to add more fun to the routine.
Q: What does a typical Dog Dancing practise session look like?
A typical practice session involves handlers working with their dogs, perfecting their choreographed routines. This includes rehearsing the figures,timing with the music,and building the dog’s focus and motivation.The article showed a dog named Neptune performing a routine with intense focus, revolving around Véronique (the handler), weaving through her legs, and moving back and forth, all in time with the music.
Dog Dancing Competitions and Training
Q: What are the rules and judging criteria in Dog Dancing competitions?
Judges consider the animal’s well-being a primary factor, so handlers must avoid shouting. The handler must adapt to the dog’s fatigue. During competitions, the dogs are not rewarded during the performance. Rather, the handler acclaims the dogs gradually.Initially, a reward is given after each figure, and then the handler links two figures before rewarding.
Q: How do handlers train their dogs for dog Dancing, especially concerning rewards?
Gradually acclimating the dog is the key. The handler cannot reward their dogs during the choreography in competition. Training involves:
Initially, give a reward after each figure.
Then,try to link two figures before rewarding.
Space the rewards out more and more.
Q: What breeds are best suited for Dog Dancing?
The article emphasizes respecting each breed’s natural skills. While the article does not state the best breed to use, it is said that it is crucial not* to force a dog to do movements that are not suitable for its body type.
Benefits and Considerations
Q: What are the benefits of Dog Dancing for dogs and handlers?
Dog Dancing strengthens the bond between handler and dog. It is a discipline that respects the dog by utilizing each breed’s natural skills.
Q: Are there any challenges in Dog Dancing?
As seen with Pïa, a Bernese Mountain Dog, “channeling Pïa’s energy proved challenging”. Some dogs may be less enthusiastic than others, requiring patience and different training approaches.
Note: Images and specific regional details like “ANGLIERS,France” are from the linked article.