Forget aerobics. 
Forget walking your dog.
Doggy dancing is the latest in pet exercise techniques. Using a combination of clicker training and food rewards it is possible to teach your dog different moves. Set these moves to music and hey presto … you and your dog are ballroom stars.
Originating in the UK Paws to Music, or Heelwork to Music, or Canine Freestyle began as a way of showing the public how much fun heelwork could be.
It has now taken the world by storm becoming one of the most widely participated of dog sports.
Your dog will love the time that the two of you spend together increasing the pet/handler bond. But perhaps more importantly, it will reduce the risk of dog depression.
Dog depression is one of the greatest problems facing dog owners, especially dog owners who live in an urban setting.
Dog dancing will stimulate your dog mentally, and provide an opportunity for social interaction. Another bonus is that both dog and handler will get a great workout.
Dogs of all shapes and sizes are able to participate. Larger dogs are normally slower in movement and are not able to achieve some tricks, but a properly choreographed routine will have them performing like a star.
Never say an old dog can’t be taught new tricks – even older dogs have excelled with the right encouragement, even if they have had no obedience training in the past.
Basic training – sit, stay, roll-over – is an advantage. Also helpful is a natural to play, either with you or a toy, and a love for food. Probably the only essential factor is that your dog wants to stay with you. It is hard to train a dog that constantly runs away!
Those with a competitive nature can progress to entering competitions; otherwise enjoy the social interaction of like-minded pet owners having fun with their dog.
One of the other benefits that doggy dancing produces is often a more obedient and better mannered dog around the home.
So what are you waiting for?
Search for a dance class near you, and provide your dog with the stimulation, exercise, and social interaction he or she is desperately seeking.
Pet Memorial World 