How to Doggie Dance: A Step-by-Step Guide to Dancing with Your Dog
Doggie dancing may sound like a silly activity, but it’s a fantastic way to bond with your furry friend while also getting some exercise. Plus, it’s a lot of fun! In this article, we’ll walk you through the basics of doggie dancing, from simple spins to impressive lifts. Whether you’re a seasoned dancer or a complete beginner, both you and your dog can benefit from learning how to doggie dance.
Step-by-Step Guide
Before you can start dancing with your dog, it’s important to know what doggie dancing is and how to get started. Essentially, doggie dancing involves choreographing moves and routines with your dog to music. Here are some basic moves you can start with:
Spinning
To teach your dog to spin, hold a treat in front of their nose and lure them in a circle while saying “spin.” Repeat this several times until they get the hang of it. When they do, start removing the treat and using only the verbal command.
Weaving
Hold a treat in front of your dog’s nose and lure them in a figure-8 pattern between your legs. Repeat this several times until they understand the move. Once they do, start using the verbal command “weave”
Hopping
With a treat in your hand, guide your dog into a hop while simultaneously saying “hop.” Repeat this several times until your dog starts to anticipate the hop on their own.
Once your dog has learned these basic moves, you can start building on them. Try adding in more complicated moves such as twirls, circles, and lifts. Make sure you break down each move into smaller steps and reward your dog with plenty of treats and praise when they get it right.
Health Benefits of Doggie Dancing
Dancing with your dog isn’t just a fun activity – it’s also great for both of your health. Here are some benefits of doggie dancing:
Cardiovascular Health
Just like with human dancing, doggie dancing is a great cardiovascular workout. Both you and your dog will get your heart rates up and strengthen your muscles.
Flexibility and Coordination
Doggie dancing involves a lot of twisting and turning, which can help improve your dog’s flexibility and coordination over time.
Decreased Stress Levels
When you’re dancing with your dog, you’re naturally releasing endorphins, which can help decrease stress levels for both of you.
Bonding with Your Dog
Dancing with your dog is a great way to strengthen the bond between you two. When you’re working together to complete a routine, you’ll inevitably develop a deeper understanding of each other.
Mental Stimulation
Training your dog to doggie dance can also provide them with mental stimulation, which is important for their overall wellbeing. By constantly learning new moves and routines, your dog will stay engaged and challenged.
Top 10 Doggie Dancing Tips
If you want to be a successful doggie dancer, here are our top ten tips:
- Choose music that your dog enjoys and matches the style of doggie dancing you want to try.
- Opt for comfortable and supportive dance shoes that will allow you to move around with ease.
- Ensure your dog is comfortable with any new moves or routines you try.
- Consistency is key – try to practice your routine at the same time and in the same place every day.
- Invest in quality treats to use as rewards during training.
- Be patient with your dog – they might need some time to get the hang of new moves.
- Practice your routine in different locations to help your dog adjust to new surroundings.
- Make a backup plan in case things don’t go according to plan during performances or competitions.
- Stay positive and have fun!
- Be sure to take breaks when needed and don’t overwork yourself or your dog.
Personal Experience
Learning how to doggie dance has been a wonderful experience for me and my dog. Not only has it improved our bond, but it’s also given us a fun activity to do together. While the learning process wasn’t always smooth, it was definitely worth it in the end. My favorite tips include using clicker training to speed up learning and incorporating my dog’s favorite tricks into our routines to make it more entertaining.
Doggie Dance Inspiration
If you’re looking for inspiration for your own doggie dance routine, check out the many different styles and moves that doggie dancing has to offer. From heelwork to freestyle, there are so many options to choose from. Here are a few videos to get you started:
- Heelwork to Music World Cup 2016
- Freestyle Dog Dancing
- Musical Canine Freestyle – Winner Renee Nicole Baker and “Strawberry”
Don’t be afraid to get creative and make your routine unique to you and your dog. The most important thing is to have fun and enjoy dancing together.
Conclusion
Doggie dancing is a fun and unique activity that you can enjoy with your dog, while also reaping health benefits. With a little bit of patience and consistency, anyone can learn how to doggie dance. Remember to stay positive and have fun with it, and you’ll be sure to have a great experience.
