Dances With Dogs

Dances with Dogs

Dances with Dogs (DWD) is one of the most enjoyable and rewarding dog sports, celebrating the partnership between dog and handler through music, movement and teamwork.

Despite its name, it's not about teaching your dog to dance. Instead, dogs and handlers work together to perform a choreographed routine to music, with smooth, flowing movement that showcases the unique relationship they have built together.

Open to dogs of all breeds, sizes and ages, Dances with Dogs is suitable whether you're looking for a fun activity to enjoy with your dog or a rewarding sport to challenge you both. From tiny Chihuahuas to Great Danes, every dog can participate, with routines designed to suit each dog's personality, strengths and abilities.

There are two disciplines within Dances with Dogs:

• Freestyle – where dogs perform a variety of tricks, spins, weaves, backing, jumps and other creative behaviours woven into a musical routine.
• Heelwork to Music (HTM) – where dogs and handlers perform precise, flowing patterns together using a variety of heelwork positions, all choreographed to music.

Training is built around positive reinforcement and focuses on developing confidence, communication, teamwork and a strong partnership. Dogs love learning the skills, and handlers enjoy watching their dog's personality shine as they progress together.

Dogs can begin learning foundation skills from a young age, with training tailored to suit their physical and mental development. Whether your goal is simply to have fun, perform at demonstrations or in competitions, Dances with Dogs offers something for everyone.

Dances with Dogs Competition

For those who decide to compete, Dances with Dogs competitions are held in South Australia and interstate.

Each team performs a choreographed routine to music, with every performance telling its own story and showcasing the partnership between dog and handler. Some routines are elegant, some are energetic, and others are full of humour, but each one is unique.

Competition classes range from Starters through to Advanced in both Freestyle and Heelwork to Music. As teams gain qualifying scores, they earn titles and continue progressing through the sport, with the opportunity to achieve the prestigious Champion and Grand Champion titles.

If you'd like to discover more about Dances with Dogs, we'd love to welcome you to one of our clubs.

More Information

Dances with Dogs Club of South Australia 

Gawler Dog Training Club 

Find a Club – Click here

For all rules relating to Dances with Dogs, please visit the Dogs Australia website.