 The first step in choreographing a freestyle presentation is
to decide exactly what you want to show the judges and the spectators.
In other words, what is your motivation. Without motivation it
is next to impossible to choreograph.
There are many possible motivations. You may wish to illustrate
the personality of your dog, show specific movements or combinations
of movements, share your favorite music or display your training
talents. The possibilities are endless. You need to make choices
to narrow down those possibilities to clearly define the reasons
behind your choreographed presentation.
One of the easiest ways to do this is to answer the following
questions. Take the time to write down your answers and be as
specific and honest as possible. Then, after a week or four or
five training sessions with your dog, reread your responses and
make any additions, deletions or changes you deem appropriate.
Then reread the definition of freestyle.
- Describe your dog’s personality. Use descriptive words
such as frolicsome, clownish, sweet, silly, serious.
- Describe your dog’s movement. Use descriptive words
such as powerful, light, quick, slow, graceful, athletic.
- Describe your personality. Use descriptive words such as
vivacious, intense, quiet.
Describe the way you move when walking. Use descriptive words
such as purposeful, meandering, light on feet, bouncy, heavy,
two left feet.
- What kind of music do you like? (pop, smooth jazz, rock,
rap, classical, etc.)
- Do you prefer the sound of certain instruments such as brass,
percussion, piano, strings?
What specific exercises does your dog do best?
- What is your favorite exercise to train?
- What turns your dog on?
- What turns your dog off?
- What specific exercises do you think your dog enjoys the
most?
- What specific exercises do you think your dog enjoys the
least?
- Again using descriptive words describe yourself as a trainer
(patient, detail oriented, good timing, tentative, good reader
of dog etc.)
- What is your dog’s favorite reward (you, food, toy,
etc.)
- How do you communicate with your dog?
- Describe your dog musically (heavy, pompous, light, airy,
waltzy, jazzy, haunting, gypsy, crisp, staccato, bluesy, etc.)
Now start a list of your dog’s movements which you wish
to emphasize and those which you wish to minimize. Check the
requirements for each Level, including the length of the music,
and decide for which Level you want to prepare.
 If you need help determining your dog’s natural rhythm
ask a training friend to help you with a metronome. Heel your
dog in a large circle so he is driving steadily and evenly forward
and using his rear. Set the metronome to fit the beat of the
dog’s feet. This beat, or a few higher or lower, is what
you want to feel and hear in the underlying beat of your musical
choice.
Now start listening to music and doodle and improvise with your
dog as well as doing some heeling. Try spins, circles and serpentines.
Be very aware of any movements your dog may improvise - you will
be surprised at your dog’s creativity. Video these sessions
and then watch them. Go back to your questionnaire again and
make any adjustments brought to your attention. Now highlight
those things which stand out in the video.
When you have selected your music start to train specific movements
and combinations of movements to the music.
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