This is the second installment in a series on reducing the stress in creating, training and performing a freestyle routine. It isn’t an exact science. There are different approaches that work equally well. But these are pointers I’ve gathered over my 20+ years competing in, teaching and judging freestyle. Use what works for you and your canine partner. And… Continue reading…
Tips for Building a Fun Freestyle Routine
Building a freestyle routine can be exhilarating or it can be excruciating. Near complete creative freedom attracts some, but overwhelms others. Then there’s the dog training component! It can be stressful- but it doesn’t have to be. Whether you’re feeling like putting your first routine together is just too much or you’re a seasoned exhibitor… Continue reading…
Nothing to Lose, Everything to Gain
A member recently told me, “I never wanted to compete, but once we entered our first event and I got positive, helpful feedback, I couldn’t wait to try again!” That’s the experience I want for everyone who enters an RFE event. Our judges are a knowledgeable and supportive group that gives clear, achievable suggestions about how… Continue reading…
Freedom to Choose
There is No Wrong Choice When You Choose What Your Dog Does Best! Choice can be a double-edged sword. Being able to pick what you show the judge is empowering, but fear of making the wrong decision and not earning full points can be paralyzing. Choosing your pup’s favorite behaviors isn’t supposed to be a… Continue reading…
Paw De Deux- Are You Doing Your Part?
These 5 Things Can Help You Cash in on All the Points Available In Rally-FrEe, teams enter the ring with a score of zero and earn points on each of the 15 signs. There are no point deductions in Rally-FrEe. Teams cannot lose points. All points are earned by participants’ execution of station sign behaviors, their… Continue reading…
Five Fabulous Reasons to Rally for Rally-Free!
Why Freestylers Need to be Rallying, Too Here are just a few reasons Freestylers should seriously consider adding Rally-FrEe to their repertoire! 1. They Go Together! (Like rama lama lama ka dinga da dinga dong) Rally-FrEe was specifically developed to give structure to freestyle training while improving the skill and precision of Freestyle teams. The Rally… Continue reading…
5 Small Things That Make a BIG Difference
Bring your team to the next level! 1. The Potato Sack Strategy Ever partake in a “three-legged race”, where you and your partner each put a leg in a potato sack and race to the finish line? If one partner gets out of step with the other, you both go down. In performance, we tend… Continue reading…
Acing the “Into” Position Signs
And why they’re fab for Freestyle, too! What are the “Into” Signs? More specifically, the “Free Choice Into…” signs refer to Rally-FrEe signs #11, #12, #13, and #33. They cue the handler to choose a transition to move the dog into one of the four basic positions: Front, Left Heel, Right Heel, and Behind. The primary transitions are:… Continue reading…
Waiting For Our Best
Do you know when you and your dog are there? I recently entered the World Wide 1 2020 video event with what will be the last routine I will perform with Kashi, my 10 year old Tibetan Terrier. Age and a lifetime of managed health challenges are taking their toll. Responding to my verbal cues and… Continue reading…
Feeling F’ed
Facing Your Fear of Failure in Freestyle Fear of failure is one of the biggest stumbling blocks for anyone who competes with their dogs, including Freestylers. There is something especially daunting about failing when you are not only showcasing your training, but something you have created, something that is a piece of you. While you… Continue reading…
