Dance with your dog: discover canine freestyle

The music starts, and suddenly it’s just you and your dog moving together step by step, side by side. It might look like dancing, but it feels like playing, connection, and teamwork all at once.

Dog dancing, also known as canine freestyle, is a dog sport that is becoming more and more popular. It’s a fun way to combine basic obedience with creativity, where you and your dog learn to move together to music. Using simple cues and body language, you build a routine that keeps both mind and body active while having fun together.

“It’s a celebration of the relationship between dogs and humans through movement and art. The most special thing about it is that you can showcase your dog in whatever way you choose by showing only his strong points and that is what makes this sport suitable for every dog and every handler.”

Roni Sagi and her Border Collie Rhythm are one of the teams that embody this discipline and have brought it to a worldwide audience. From the final stage of America’s Got Talent to the coveted green carpet at Crufts, and across social media, their unique performances highlight just how powerful this connection can become. “I hope people smile and feel the love, I want them to feel hopeful and to see the beauty of connecting with dogs and listening to them.”

Curious how this comes to life and how you can try it yourself? Here’s what you need to know.

Can anybody do dog dancing?

“Yes! Freestyle dancing is a sport for everyone!” shares Roni enthusiastically.

Each routine is built around individual strengths so every team gets to find its own style. There is no need to have a dancing background either. The most important thing is that you are having the best time together.

Younger dogs can start learning foundational behaviors early, but more demanding movements such as jumps or sustained work on hind legs should be introduced once the body is fully developed from 12 to 18 months old, helping protect joints and long-term health.

How to start and progress in dog dancing

“As a beginner, all you’re going to need is just some tasty treats for your dog.”

Training starts with small, easy behaviors your dog can quickly understand and enjoy. By repeating and rewarding these simple actions, you build clear communication and a strong foundation together.

Early on, it can help to learn from others. Joining a local club or following online coaching can guide you in the right direction from the start and help you meet new people.

Taking training to the next level means more structure to refine movement. Tools like platforms can help your dog understand positions, toys strengthen engagement, and a dog training vest makes it easier to reward your dog at the right moment without breaking the flow.

Roni adds, “the Protector booties are the one thing that you will never catch us without. We use it for performances, walking in the street…”

Since canine freestyle is also performed in front of an audience, it is important to practice outside of quiet, controlled environments. Training in different places, especially in public spaces, helps your dog stay focused despite distractions and brings your routine together with better focus and flow.

“Dancing in the street is the place where we just enjoy our time of living together, we travel the world and create memories. If we can make it there, we can make it anywhere.”

Composing your style

Freestyle or Heelwork to Music?

Dog dancing has two main disciplines, each offering a different way to express movement.

• Heelwork to Music (HTM) is more rooted in obedience. It focuses on a series of heelwork positions forming most of the choreography, combined with some freestyle elements.
• Canine Freestyle (FS), on the other hand, is all about creativity. You and your dog can perform spins, rolls, jumps, and weaves to express a theme, tell a story, or interpret lyrics artistically.

Curious what this looks like at the highest level? Watch Roni and Rhythm’s performance at the 2024 final of America’s Got Talent.

In competition, routines are judged on how movements flow together, their variety and difficulty, and how well the performance interprets the music. Precision, attitude, and subtle handling all contribute, but judges are ultimately looking for one thing: a routine that feels effortless and where every transition feels intentional from start to finish.

Finding the right rhythm

When starting to dance with your dog, consistent and predictable rhythms help build clarity and confidence. As experience grows, variations in tempo and phrasing allow for more expressive choreography.

“With a beginner dog, I try to find some fun pop music that doesn’t change too much so it won’t challenge the dog’s tempo too much.”

As you and your dog find your flow, you will become more attuned to what works naturally, recognizing which movements fit, which ones don’t, and what your dog truly enjoys. This is when your unique style begins to take shape.

“My motto is if your dog is not having fun you're doing it wrong”, says Roni. “I always try to let Rhythm be who he wants to be and move in a way that is comfortable for him and at the speed that he feels is good for him, without rushing him, slowing him, or putting pressure on him to do something that he doesn't enjoy.“

The goal is to select music and movements that your dog enjoys. Some teams build routines around speed and energy, others around control and softness. When the match is right, the performance feels right too.

At its heart, dog dancing is about moving together, having fun, and building a stronger bond along the way.

Ready to dance with your dog and discover what your team can create?

 

Follow @ronisagi for more inspiration.