I have heard people refer to CFF freestyle as “ ‘just’ heeling set to music.” In contrast to some
of the other freestyle groups which require costuming
for the handler and encourage and
strongly reward a density of optional and challenging
moves, CFF freestyle is less flashy and
“trick”-oriented. Although I do not know how
other freestyle organizations score interactive
attention (sustained visual contact and engagement
between both handler and dog), for CFF, it
is integral to a successful performance. Perhaps because a dog heeling with superior interactive
attention is such a compelling sight, it might be
why some people think heeling is most of what
we do in our CFF routines. This is far from the
truth.
Freestyle “technique” is rooted in traditional
AKC sport obedience. Foundation positions in
CFF-style routines are dog in front and dog at
heel. Successful routines are based on formal
training of the dog and usually include--in addition
to heeling--elements of obedience trial exercises
such as downs, recalls, finishes and go-outs.
A common precept of CFF choreography is “there is no artistry without technical precision.”
The dog is expected to be under control and obedient
at all times, perform close to as well as
apart from the handler, fulfill certain core requirements
at each level of competition, and be
judged by two judges each time in the ring. As
in obedience competition, a dog is judged on
whether or not he completes standard criteria for
a title and also in how he does so. (Willingly?
Slowly? Flawlessly or with some faults?). CFF
also awards scores, titles and placements--even a
championship! Unlike AKC judging, CFF uses
positive scoring, meaning that the team starts
with a score of zero and accrues points, whereas
AKC starts the team with a perfect score of 200
and subtracts points for faults.
The major difference between canine freestyle
and competition obedience as sports is freedom,
in many forms. With competition obedience,
there are set formats and patterns or exercises.
The judge is actively present in the ring, and the
exhibitor performs to the judge’s will and at his
command. Creative execution of the required
exercises deviates from the standard ideal performance
(as described in AKC literature) and
incurs penalties. Furthermore, in competition
obedience, the handler is not free to talk to his
dog during a trial performance (except briefly
between exercises), nor to substitute a behavior
more suited to his dog’s abilities and mood of the
moment, nor to offer additional moves. Another
obvious distinction between the two sports is
freestyle’s use of music, and with few limitations--
albeit some recommendations--as to what
that music might be.
In freestyle, two judges score each performance from outside the ring, rather than inside.
Judges sit at a table in a front, center position and
all CFF routines are choreographed with this in
mind. Scribes time each routine and tally completion
of required moves, as well as record each
judges’ ongoing comments as they are spoken,
which frees each judge to watch performances
without ever having to glance down to take notes
or mark a checklist. What each routine will be is
unknown to the judges and purely the choice of
the handler, although there are required movements
at each level which the handler may execute
when and how he wishes. What I like most
about showing in freestyle is the freedom to quietly
cue and praise my dog during his performance.
Although no guiding touch is allowed, unobtrusive
verbal and body cues are permitted and
even encouraged. I believe this is why many
dogs showing signs of burn-out in the obedience
ring reawaken the urge to work in freestyle, as
they are rewarded with quiet feedback throughout
their performances.
Where obedience and freestyle unite, I believe,
is in the training. No difference should exist
between training for competition AKC obedience,
freestyle, tricks, or good manners in the
home. The dog will have fun and want to work
only as long as the handler makes it fun and rewarding.
If your dog lags in competition obedience
training but not at freestyle, evaluate your
training style, venue, training companions, and
most importantly, your attitude. Try merging
the tools and goals of both sports. Play some
music during AKC training to lighten your step
and attitude. Practice traditional competition
obedience exercises such as tight turns and figure
eights and fronts to keep your freestyle dog precise
and aware of where heel position is. If he
loves retrieving, throw a toy in the midst of serious
freestyle work. Keep your dog guessing as
to what will come next, anticipating the best, and
keen in work ethic. Tracer, my three-year-old
Belgian sheepdog, has a love/hate relationship
with leg weaves. I am too short and value particular
body parts too highly to ever put leg
weaves into my routines, but they both excite and
annoy Tracer. If I do a series of leg weaves during
some of the fussier technical training we do,
he performs them with gusto and perhaps a bit of
an “okay, okay; enough already!” attitude, but
the end result is one fired-up Belgian and a few
damp nip marks on my posterior.
As in other freestyle organizations, required
and optional moves (in addition to heeling) are
key ingredients in a successful CFF competition
routine. The required moves for each level are
clearly listed in CFF’s rulebook and judging
guidelines. The variety of movements include
curving ones such as spins, pivots, tuggers, serpentines,
weaves and circles; linear movements
such as recalls, backing, switchbacks, and side
passing; distance work; front work; and others.
Creative and novel execution of these required
and optional moves is encouraged and rewarded.
Good heeling alone wins no prize.
The most important point to remember in any
training endeavor is that you get back what you
put into it. If you approach training as a chore or
with the idea that one training sport (obedience,
trick, good manners, etc.) is more fun than another,
your attitude will transmit to your dog In
addition to making your dog an enjoyable and
safe pet in the household, training is bonding
time with your dog, which is ultimately the best
reward of all.
