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Training Dates Training classes are held every other Tuesday Evenings |
About Heelwork to Music
Introduction
"Heelwork to Music” is the generic name for the whole sport but there are 2 divisions within this which are Heelwork to music and Freestyle, a fairly recent innovation it started in 1990 when one of the worlds best known dog trainers performed a demonstration of obedience heelwork with music playing at a “ Canine Cabaret Night “ in Bedford, many of the 200 audience went away and said they had seen Heelwork to Music and that’s how the name came about !!.
The famous trainer who started it all was Mary Ray, yes one of our own trainers and when she is not flying round the world to countries as far away as Australia, Russia, USA and thoughout Europe she still trains and teaches at the club on a weekly basis.
After Cabaret Nights in 1990 & 1992 Mary was invited to demonstrate at Crufts and she has done so every year since then. In 1996 Rugby Dog Training Club held the first ever Kennel Club licensed HTM show at the Sports Connexions at Ryton, this has been the UK’s leading show since then and has now moved to the new Kennel Club building at Stoneleigh Park, Kenilworth, Warwickshire.
There are now many competitive HTM shows throughout the UK and following in the steps of the other British invention Agility the sport has spread throughout the world, competitions and training now happen in USA, Australia, NZ, Japan, Brazil, South Africa, all Europe to name just a few countries. 
The main event for us Brits is the finals in the main arena at Crufts.
It’s a great sport and you can train for fun or work towards entering a show and perhaps even qualifying for the big finals at Crufts !!!
The Classes at Shows.
The classes at shows are split into two categories.
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Heelwork to Music where the routine must be made up of a minimum of 2/3 heelwork and 1/3 freestyle
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Freestyle classes which are made up of a minimum 2/3 freestyle and 1/3 heelwork
Some shows are run over a weekend and include special fun classes. These give young dogs and beginner handlers new to the activity, a chance to go into the ring, using food and toys to encourage the dogs.
There are many training workshops which are very helpful to learn the moves which are required for Heelwork to Music and Freestyle.
Rugby now has several members competing ( some of them pictured below)at all levels from Starters through to Advanced some of which are competing and demonstrating at DFS Crufts 2010.
Training Class at the Club.
The Beginners Class 7- 8pm:
For those, handler and/or dog, who are new to Heelwork to Music. This class is an opportunity to teach your dogs some moves, behaviours and learn foundation skills in the popular canine activity of Heelwork to Music.
All dogs attending must be level 3 at Club.
The Progressors Class 8- 9pm:
For those with prior skills and knowledge of HTM. Dancing teams will have some moves & behaviours and want to strengthen the moves in a routine.
Have the music but not sure where to start?
The Progressors class will expand you skills in putting routines together, teaching new moves and behaviours.
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