There appear to be three primary organizations promoting freestyle in the United States.  Each has developed a slightly different approach to the sport, in terms of how they define it, what the priorities are, and so forth. 

1. Canine Freestyle Federation

The CFF looks at freestyle this way:

Canine Freestyle is a choreographed performance organized with music, illustrating the training and joyful relationship of a dog and handler team.

Watch for the dog to be moving to the beat of the music and look for the relationship between the dog and handler. You will see graceful and intricate movements performed with precision and artistry. Every movement is accomplished through the subtle use of verbal cues and body language. The emphasis is always on the dog, with the handler completing the team creating a harmonious whole. In Freestyle the performance of every team will be different, presented to different music and sharing an intimate view of the working relationship between dog and handler.

Freestyle is also an excellent discipline to illustrate the conformation and movement of the dog. The reach, drive and beauty of an athletic, trained dog moving to music can take one’s breath away.
For more about the Canine Freestyle Federation, go to www.canine-freestyle.org

2. Musical Dog Sports Association:

The Mission of the Musical Dog Sport Association is to advance the sport of canine freestyle and to share the joy of the canine/human bond achieved through positive training, enhanced by the artistry of music and choreography. Created by freestylers for freestylers, the MDSA defines Canine Freestyle as a dog sport in which training, teamwork, music and movement combine to create an artistic, choreographed performance highlighting the canine partner in a manner that celebrates the unique qualities of each individual dog. It is built upon the foundation of a positive working relationship of a dog and handler team. The MDSA is proud to continue the tradition of growth and exploration of this new sport. We look forward to working in harmony with all as we strive towards our common goal to bring the wonder of Canine Freestyle and the joy of the dog and handler bond to even more people.

For more information about the MDSA, go to www.musicaldogsport.org

3. The World Canine Freestyle Organization:

Their mission statement states that they were founded to “…globally promote the joys and fun of responsible pet ownership through musical canine freestyle, both as a sport and an entertainment medium.”

For more information about the WCFO, Inc. go to www.worldcaninefreestyle.org

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