Is there an official rulebook?
There isn't a single international one. The format turns up at demonstrations and local competitions, and the organiser sets the rules.
Dance and presentation
Freestyle Obedience
The classic obedience exercises, presented freely: you choose the order, the pace and how you link them. It sits somewhere between the rigour of Obedience and the freedom of freestyle.
About the discipline
What Freestyle Obedience is
Freestyle obedience has no single international rulebook. It's more of a presentation format, the kind you see at demonstrations and local competitions.
The idea is simple. Take the classic obedience exercises (positions, recall, heelwork, retrieve) and put them into a sequence you've put together yourself, often to music.
Plenty of teams use it as a bridge. If Obedience feels too rigid and dog dancing too arty, this is the middle ground.
How it works in practice
What it usually contains
- classic obedience exercises, picked by the team
- a sequence put together and learned by heart in advance
- free transitions from one exercise to the next
- background music, if you like
- scoring on execution and composition
Which dogs it suits
- teams that already have an obedience foundation
- handlers who like putting sequences together
- dogs that work keenly and show it
What you need
- a smooth surface to work on
- small treats
- music, if you like
Frequently asked questions
Common questions about Freestyle Obedience
How does it differ from dog dancing?
The building blocks stay the obedience exercises; the freedom is in the order and how you present them. Dog dancing uses moves and tricks made specifically for choreography.
Is it suitable for beginners?
Yes. It's a low-key way to see how your team copes in front of an audience, without the pressure of strict technical scoring.
Which dogs suit it?
Dogs that work keenly and expressively, whatever the breed or size. Attitude counts for more than precision. A team visibly having fun leaves a better impression than one that's technically perfect but stiff. At the end of the day it's a presentation format, and nobody is grading you.
Where can I see routines like this?
At demonstrations put on by training clubs, at dog fairs and at events promoting dog sports. Because the format is free, you'll see it more often as a show piece than as a scored class. It's also the easiest way to find out whether it's for you: watch a few teams and see if you like the atmosphere.
From the same category
Related sports
Dog Dancing
A choreographed routine set to music, with moves and tricks strung together.
Heelwork to Music
Heelwork and handler positions, performed to music.
Trick Dog
Tricks taught in levels, from easy to hard.
We do not run Freestyle Obedience
This page is informational. We work in mantrailing, search and rescue and preparation for the TSAC and BH exams - but if you want an honest opinion on what would suit your dog, write to us anytime.