Dogs on the Dance Floor

Border Collies in restaurant and night club scenes. A surfing Staffie; a skateboarding Silky Terrier; Kelpies and a Papillon bouncing to the classics. Golden Retrievers bopping along, and cross-breeds of various sizes up to all sorts of zany moves.

These are just some of the entertaining activities that our dogs get up to in Dances with Dogs competitions, where dogs and handlers demonstrate a skilful, choreographed routine, performed to music.

Audiences and competitors alike enjoy the varied routines, music and creativity displayed by handlers and their dogs – both of whom obviously really enjoy what they are doing”, says DWD Queensland Club president, Gay Westmore.

Gay has been involved in the sport since being introduced to it at a workshop by renowned international presenter, Mary Ray, in 2006.

2019 is the 10th anniversary since the formation of the Dances with Dogs Club and the formal introduction of DWD competitions in Australia.

The sport opens dogs’ minds to learning and the results are spectacular. Dogs back up, weave, spin, circle the perimeter of the ring, jump, even ‘say their prayers’ – all in time to the beat!

Handlers choose moves according to what works for their particular dog, with the safety of the dog being paramount at all times.

It is always amazing to hear the huge variety of foot-tapping, tail-wagging music that handlers come up with.

Some of the selections we’ve heard in the past have included music as varied as “Agadoo” (what an ear worm that creates!), “Consider Yourself” (from the musical “Oliver”), “I’m Fair Dinkum”, “Espana Cani”, “Eye of the Tiger”, “Steppin out with my Baby”, “Cowgirl” through to “The Battle Hymn of the Republic” and Brahms’ “Hungarian Dance”.

Handlers dress in costumes which reflect the theme of their music. Dogs may wear a fancy collar, but we prefer not to demean them by dressing them in silly costumes.

DWD competitions are held at a variety of venues throughout south-east Queensland. They include Freestyle and Heelwork to Music classes, as well as a rookies class for beginner dogs who aren’t quite ready to compete yet.

Dances With Dogs Coming Events

17 March, commencing 4pm Woongoolba State School 1219 Jacobs Well Rd, Woongoolba.

4 May, commencing 2pm St Benedict’s Primary School 22 St Benedict’s Close, Mango Hill.

Dances With Dogs National & State 10 th Anniversary 29 & 30 June, Dogs Queensland, Durack.