Benefits of MDSA Membership

  • Online Instructor’s Classes
  • Eligible for Rookie and Fledgling Classes
  • Receive the Spotlight Newsletter
  • Participate in SOS Program

 

Application to Join MDSA

PDF File

 

PDF Flies require the Adobe Reader.  You can download it for free from here:

Adobe Acrobate Reader

Skip Navigation
 

Canine Freestyle FAQs

Hello Freestylers everywhere,

If you are interested in participating in the new Musical Dog Sport Association discussion list apply by subscribing to http://groups.yahoo.com/group/MDSAdiscussionlist/join?

Please Read and agree to the terms set forth below, see "Code of Conduct". Here we will continue to the grow the new MDSA through memberships, demonistrations, education and competions.

Please join us here on common ground as we press onward.

  • By joining this list I agree to abide by the Musical Dog Sport List's CODE OF CONDUCT.
  • I will be kind and supportive of all fellow MDSA List members. I will demonstrate standards of good conduct and the principals of good sportsmanship. I will treat all other list members with the courtesy and respect with which I wish to be treated. I understand that everyone has the right to voice their opinions and that we can agree to disagree in a civil manner. I will conduct myself on the list in the positive spirit of MDSA Canine Freestyle. I agree to abide by the spirit of the list and understand that failure to do so may result in removal.

From the MDSA Constitution.

Section 2. OBJECTIVES

A. To maintain an association of people interested in furthering the advancement of the sport of Canine Freestyle, 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 between dog and handler team.

B. To promote 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.

C. To encourage interest in the sport of Canine Freestyle through educational programs, demonstrations and competitions.

D. To promote cooperation and good sportsmanship among its members in the training and exhibition of dogs."

Canine Freestyle first appeared in the United States with some of the top obedience handlers performing demonstrations at events like the Gaines Classic Obedience Competition. At that time it was based more on heelwork to music and it was beautifully done. It seemed at first that the obedience community was going to embrace the sport. Over time, as more emphasis was placed on costuming and the handler's dance-like movements, many of these top trainers drifted away. The Musical Dog Sport Association feels it is important that its own vision of freestyle return to these roots where the training of the dog and the teamwork between the dog and handler forms the basis for creating an artistic performance.

The Musical Dog Sport Association's vision of Canine Freestyle as a legitimate and respected venue within the sport of dogs is well on its way to becoming a reality. In its definition the Musical Dog Sport Association states that the dog will be the focus of MDSA freestyle performances. This is portrayed in a choreographed routine through the creative use of movement, music, and training. This can be accomplished with beauty, elegance, athleticism, or humor and it should always be done in a way that is respectful to the dog, the audience and to the sport itself.

MDSA also puts emphasis on training as being the foundation of a freestyle performance. The "positive working relationship" should be visible in the teamwork, the interactive attention and obvious joy the dog and handler share with each other. As a freestyle team neither the dog nor handler can stand alone. As a team member, the handler should allow the dog to shine. The dog should never be relegated to the position of being a prop or being secondary to the music or handler.

MDSA also speaks of celebrating the unique qualities of each individual dog. The trust and unconditional love dogs give to us is something to be cherished. MDSA sees Freestyle as providing handlers the opportunity to share their special dogs with others.

Carolyn Scott
President MDSA

CONTACT US |HOME | NEWS & UPDATES | ABOUT US | EVENTS | LEARN FREESTYLE | PUBLICATIONS/LIBRARY | PHOTOS | FAQ | LINKS | PRODUCTS