About the Canine Freestyle Federation, Inc.

- CFF Competition Levels

CFF offers four levels of competition plus two non-regular classes. The four levels are offered in Individual Dog and Multiple Dog Divisions. The Multiple Dog Division includes Team, (two or more handlers each with a single dog), and Brace (one handler with two dogs).

Level I	Level II A / B	Level III	Level IV
Develop interesting combinations of required movements with directional changes and full use of performance space.		Develop increasingly complex combinations of movements with greater emphasis on the choreography and training of the dog.	Develop a well organized artistic presentation of the fully trained, balanced and supple canine athlete.
On-lead (no dropped lead work)	Off-lead	Off-lead	Off-lead
Level I & Level I A Time: 1:30 - 2:30 min. Level II B Time 1:30 - 3:00 min,		Time: 2:00 - 3:00 minutes	Time: 2:30 - 3:45 minutes
Level II B is for handlers who have previously competed and titled at Level II or higher.
Required Elements: Right and/or left side heelwork Frontwork P ace changes Turns and/or pivots Circles, serpentines or spirals		Required Elements: Right and left side heelwork Frontwork P ace changes Turns and/or pivots Circles, serpentines or spirals Backing Lateral work right and/or left	Required Elements: Right and left side heelwork Frontwork P aces (slow, normal, fast) Turns and pivots Circles, serpentines or spirals Backing Lateral work right and left Distance work
Optional Elements: Optional movements may be added at any Level. Optional movements must be clear and distinct, and start and finish in the defined heel or front positions.

- Veterans

This class is for dogs 7 years or older on the date of the show. The focus of the choreography is to show the dog to his best advantage, maximizing his strengths and minimizing his weaknesses. Judges award placements only.

Time: 1:30 – 3:00 minutes

- For Exhibition Only

This division is a free exploration of the possibilities. The choreography is the primary component, but technical ability and artistry remain important elements.  Safety should remain an important consideration.  Small props such as canes are allowed. Handler attire and dog's neckwear may be more elaborate than in regular classes. The spirit of a Canine Freestyle Performance shall be maintained in this class. An exhibitor in this class must have previously competed at a CFF competition.

Time: 1:30 - 3:45 minutes

- Eligibility

Freestyle is open to all dogs over one (1) year of age, purebred or mixed heritage. Bitches in season may not compete.  Exhibitors may enter any level for which they feel qualified, except in Level IV.  To compete in Level IV a handler and dog must have previously competed in a CFF competition at Level I, IIA, IIB, or III.  Once a dog has placed in a particular level it may continue to compete only in that level or higher levels.  Once a dog has titled in a particular level it must move up to the next level or be shown in a non-regular class.  Level IV dogs may continue to be shown in Level IV. 

- Definitions

These definitions are goals and the structure within which Freestyle is defined. These definitions describe perfection. To achieve perfection is a rare achievement.

Heel Position

Heel position, whether the dog is sitting, standing, lying down or in motion, means that the dog shall be straight in line with the direction the handler is facing, at the handler's left or right side, and as close as practicable to the handler's leg without crowding, permitting the handler freedom of motion at all times. The area from the tip of the dog's nose to the dog's withers shall be in line with the handler's hip. A single steady position is ideal, but changes (shifts forward and back) may be necessary for movements such as the side pass and diagonal pass to avoid interference between the dog's and handler's feet.

Turns

There are a wide variety of turns depending on the direction in which the dog and handler turn relative to each other. Heel position should be maintained throughout if the maneuver allows.

Pivots

A pivot is a turn in place with the dog in heel position (right or left). Either the handler turns in place or the dog turns in place, pivoting on the fore or hind quarters.

Frontwork

THe dog whether stationary or in motion, should be facing the handler, body straight and centered on the handler. The dog should not interfere with the handler and may be any distance from the handler.

Lateral Work

The direction of the movement (right or left) is judged relative to the dog.

Side Pass

Dog in heel position (right or left) or in front. Dog and handler move together directly to the right or left. Dog's body should remain straight, with the hindquarters directly behind the forequarters. Neither handler nor dog should interfere with the other.

Diagonal Pass

Dog in heel position (right or left) or in front. Dog and handler together move at an angle distinct from the direction the handler is facing and distinctly different from a Side Pass. Dog's body should remain straight, with the hindquarters directly behind the forequarters. Neither handler nor dog should interfere with the other.

Distance Work

Dog and handler separated by a minimum of six (6) feet.

Pace Changes

Pace changes may be exhibited by the dog during any type of movement. Each pace must be distinct and identifiable. The three paces are slow, normal and fast.

Optional Movements

Optional movements are of limitless variety. Some possibilities are:

• Stepping in place
• Weaving
• Rollover
• Crawl
• Jump
• Spin

Optional movements must be clear and distinct, and start and finish in the defined heel or front positions.