What is Heelwork to Music?
Heelwork to Music is a dog sport in which dog and handler perform a choreographed routine to music they have chosen.
The two disciplines
The sport has two main disciplines. Both are choreographed to music and in both, the handler may choose to build the routine around a theme, tell a story, or dance, but the emphasis must always be on the dog. The handler’s movements should complement rather than overshadow the dog. Props can help bring the theme to life and are allowed in both disciplines.
Heelwork to Music (HTM)
In Heelwork to Music, the dog works off lead and spends at least two-thirds of the routine in one of the eight recognised heelwork positions. The dog can be on the handler's left or right side, facing forward or backward, or across the front or back of the handler, and can move in any direction and at any pace. In every position the dog's shoulder should be roughly level with, and reasonably close to, the handler's leg. The rest of the routine can include any other moves or can be purely heelwork.
Freestyle
In Freestyle, the dog also works off lead but can move in any position, with heelwork limited to no more than a third of the routine. The choreography can use a wide range of moves, including working at a distance from the handler, weaving between the handler's legs, spins, bows, reverses and jumps. Many routines are built around a story or character.
Classes and levels
Competitors start in Starters and progress through Novice and Intermediate to Advanced by earning places and points. At Advanced level, teams can enter Crufts qualifying events held throughout the year. The top teams go through to the semi-finals and the best of those compete in the Heelwork to Music and Freestyle finals at Crufts, held each March at the National Exhibition Centre (NEC) in Birmingham.
Routines last up to 2½ minutes at Starters increasing up to 4 minutes at Advanced.
How judging and scoring work
Each routine is marked by two or three judges. Each judge scores three areas out of 10, giving a total out of 30: Content and Flow, Accuracy and Team Performance, and Musical Interpretation. A routine must score at least 60% (18 out of 30) for its result to count towards progressing to the next level.
Food and toys are widely used in training but, handlers may not carry them in the ring whilst competing.
Getting started
Almost any dog can do this. It suits dogs of any size and breed, although moves should always suit the dog's breed, build and fitness. Dogs must be at least 12 months old to compete in Heelwork to Music, or 18 months for Freestyle. To get started:
- Find a local class or trainer.
- Go and watch a show. It is the fastest way to understand what the class levels look like.
Common questions
Rules differ between shows and change from time to time, so treat these as a starting point. Always check the show's schedule and the governing body's current rules.
What is an ATC number, or the Activity Register?
To compete at shows licensed by the Kennel Club (KC, now officially the Royal Kennel Club), your dog needs to be registered with them. Most pedigree dogs are on the Breed Register. Crossbreeds, and pedigree dogs without registration papers, can be added to the Activity Register instead. A dog registered with a kennel club in another country needs an Authority to Compete (ATC) number. You put the registration or ATC number on your entry. Training and fun shows often don't ask for one. The Kennel Club website explains how to apply.
What does "Name Applied For" (NAF) mean?
NAF goes after your dog's name on an entry when you have applied to register the dog, or to change its registered name, but the paperwork hasn't come through yet. It lets you enter while you wait. There are usually conditions, such as having applied before entries close, so check the show's schedule and the Kennel Club's current rules.
What does "Not For Competition" (NFC) mean?
An NFC dog is at the show but isn't competing for places or awards. Some shows take NFC entries so a young or inexperienced dog can get used to the venue, the noise and the ring. Whether a show accepts NFC entries, and what an NFC dog may do there, depends on the show, so check its schedule.
What is the infectious disease declaration?
When you enter a show you are normally asked to confirm that your dog has not had, or been in contact with, an infectious or contagious disease in the 21 days before the show. It protects every dog at the venue. If you can't honestly confirm it when the day comes, don't bring your dog, and let the organiser know.
How long can my music be?
It depends on the class and on the rules the show runs under. Routines usually get longer as you move up the levels. The organiser's schedule gives the limits for each class, so check it before you edit your track, and ask the organiser if anything isn't clear.
Which class should a new team enter?
Start at the lowest level, which is usually called Starters. You move up as you win places or points under the rules the show uses. Some shows also run extra classes, for example for beginners or older dogs, and the schedule explains who can enter each one.
What is the difference between training shows, fun shows, HTMA shows and KC shows?
Training shows are a relaxed way to practise a routine in a show setting, and the rules are often looser. Fun shows are informal events, often for charity, where anyone can have a go. HTMA shows run under the rules of the Heelwork to Music Association. KC shows are licensed by the Kennel Club and run under its regulations, and results there count towards moving up the KC levels. Training and fun show results don't usually count towards progression. The event page and schedule say which kind of show it is.
What should I bring on the day?
Water and a bowl for your dog, poo bags, a lead, a crate or bed, and treats or toys for warming up outside the ring. Bring any props for your routine, a copy of your music in case of problems, and your entry details. For yourself, a folding chair, food, drinks and layers for a cold hall or a wet field are all worth packing.
Can I go and watch?
Usually, yes. Most shows welcome spectators, and watching is a great way to see what each level looks like. Keep quiet while a team is performing and don't distract dogs that are working. If you want to bring a dog that isn't entered, check with the organiser first.
Can I use food or toys in the ring?
That depends on the show's rules. At Kennel Club licensed shows, handlers can't carry food or toys in the ring while competing, though you can use them to warm up outside. Training shows are often more relaxed about it. Check the show's schedule and the governing body's current rules.
Find a Heelwork to Music competition
Dog Events lists HTM, freestyle and other dog sports shows across the UK. You can browse what is coming up, enter with your dog, upload your music and pay online in one go. Organisers can run their whole show from the same place.