How does it differ from dog dancing?
In HTM the dog stays in the heel positions, close to the handler. In freestyle it can also work at a distance, with tricks and free movement. HTM is more technical; freestyle is the showier one.
Dance and presentation
Heelwork to Music
Dog dancing's stricter cousin. The dog stays in the heel positions (left, right, front, behind) and works the whole choreography glued to the handler.
About the discipline
What Heelwork to Music is
Heelwork to music, HTM for short, is a freestyle variant with one core rule: stay close. For the whole routine the dog has to hold one of the heel positions relative to you.
Eight positions are recognised: left, right, front, behind and their variants. The routine is built out of transitions between them.
Of the two disciplines, HTM counts as the more technical one. It looks less flashy from the sidelines, but it's much tougher to score well in, because any drift out of position shows straight away.
How it works in practice
What is assessed
- the dog holds the heel positions for the whole routine
- transitions between positions flow without jerks
- the movement keeps time with the music
- the dog's posture stays straight and natural
- how difficult the sequences are
- the overall impression the team gives
Which dogs it suits
- teams whose heelwork is already very clean
- dogs that work well right up close
- handlers who care more about precision than about putting on a show
What you need
- a smooth floor the dog won't slip on
- music with a steady beat
- a video camera, so you can check the positions afterwards
Frequently asked questions
Common questions about Heelwork to Music
How many heel positions are there?
Eight positions relative to the handler are recognised. The routine is built from the transitions between them.
Can you compete in both?
Yes. Lots of teams bring a routine in each category to the same competition, since the technical groundwork is the same.
How many positions must the dog know?
It depends on the level. In beginner classes, two or three solid positions with clean transitions between them will do. Advanced classes expect most of the eight recognised positions, plus backing up and side-stepping. Teach them one at a time, never all at once.
The rule figures on this page come from The Kennel Club - Heelwork to Music. Rules change and federations differ - always check the rulebook of the competition you are entering.
From the same category
Related sports
Trick Dog
Tricks taught in levels, from easy to hard.
Freestyle Obedience
Obedience exercises linked freely, the way the team wants.
Dog Dancing
A choreographed routine set to music, with moves and tricks strung together.
We do not run Heelwork to Music
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.