Musical Dog Sport Association

Rookie Freestyle Dog (RFD)

Non-titling
MDSA members only
Dog must not have earned an MDSA title
Leash and/or treats and/or toys permitted.
Two (2) time entry limit per dog.

Music Time Range: 1:00-2:15 min

Pre-requisite: MDSA Member

Qualifying Legs: Dog and handler team earning two (2) qualifying legs (Q).                   Both routines may have props or the second routine only may have props.

The purpose of this class is to provide performance experience for beginner handlers or dogs that are new to the sport of canine freestyle.  The performance guidelines are the same with the exception that treats, toys or leashes are permitted.  See Novice performance guidelines.

● The handler should not overshadow the dog nor ask the dog to perform behaviors they are not yet confident or willing to perform or are physically unable to perform safely and comfortably.

● Judge will score the routine and award Qualified or Not Yet.

● Teams can use up to 4 treats.

● Food must be hidden from view. It must be kept in a pocket or treat pouch. It cannot be held in hands or mouth. It must be delivered subtly and immediately after removal.

● Food delivery should be concealed from the audience. Interruptions in flow will impact scoring. A dropped treat will impact scoring. 

● Luring or prompting with food will result in disqualification.

● Treat pouches should be made part of the handler’s attire and should not be obvious or interfere with movement of the handler or dog.

● The dog may be shown on lead or off lead. The lead shall not be longer than 6 feet (2 meters). The lead should be handled in a graceful manner and not interfere with the performance of the dog. The lead may be dropped as necessary. Continuously tight leads or using the lead for corrections and manipulation are not permitted.

● For safety reasons, puppies entered in this class that are between the age of six (6) months and one (1) year, are required to abide by a "three paws on the floor" rule. The intention of this rule is to protect young bones during their critical time of physical growth and development. So, for example, jumps or other aerial moves that are cued by the handler are not permitted. It is permissible should a puppy spontaneously hop, bounce or jump due to excitement or enthusiasm.

Rookie Prop

Non-titling
Experienced freestylers only.
Props.
Unlimited entries.

Music Time Range: 1:00-2:15 min

Pre-requisite: MDSA Member

The purpose of this class is to provide entrants with experience, handling props in an MDSA competition setting.

● Teams that do not have an MDSA Novice Freestyle Dog title must submit a successful Rookie Prop entry before entering the Novice with Props class. Rookie Prop is a prerequisite for Novice with Props.

 ● Teams that do have an MDSA Novice Freestyle Dog (NFD) title have the option of entering the Rookie Prop class but it is not required.

 ● Teams wishing to perform with props in Intermediate, Standard, Premier, Brace, Pair, or Team classes may enter this Rookie Prop for experience with props and feedback. This is an option not a requirement.

 ● Since Rookie Prop is a non-titling class, successful Rookie Prop routines may be re- entered and/or reworked for a leg in a titling class.

 ● The criteria used to review Rookie Prop entries shall be the same criteria as used for the corresponding class level. For example, a Novice Prop entry is expected to follow all Novice Class criteria - from music time to performance elements and requirements - with the exception that props are permitted in the performance.

● A handler entering Intermediate or another class that has never entered a prop performance may enter Rookie Prop. The entry will be judged using the criteria of the class and prop guidelines

Novice Freestyle Dog (NFD)

Titling
No title pre-requisite to enter.
Two (2) qualifying legs.

Music Time Range: 1:15-2:15min

Pre-Requisite: None

Qualifying Legs: Dog and handler team earning two (2) qualifying legs (Q).

The purpose of this class is to show that the team is proficient in the foundations of freestyle – heelwork, movement, choreography, focus and attention.

● Team should demonstrate proficiency in front work and right and/or left side work.

● Team should demonstrate sustained focus and attention between dog and handler. Some minor breaks in attention are permitted at this level.

● Team should demonstrate a positive working relationship and a visible bond.

● Team should demonstrate a strong proficiency in foundational freestyle moves (for example spins, circles, switches or weaves). Optional moves are always encouraged, but not required at this level. The handler should not ask the dog to perform behaviors they are not yet confident or willing to perform or are physically unable to perform safely and comfortably. Be sure to read Section 5: Performance Elements for additional guidelines and expectations when choosing or creating moves for a performance.

● The team shall present a performance with a basic-level application of choreographic elements: floor pattern design, simple creative heelwork, changes in pace, changes in directions, contrasts, transitions, flow, variety of moves and move combinations.

● Larger signals and slightly louder verbal cues are permitted, as long as they don’t overshadow the dog. An intermittent delayed response to some cues on the part of the dog is permitted at this level.

● Music should complement the rhythm and dynamics of the team.  A severe error resulting in disqualification (DQ) is possible at this level if the music contains profanity and/or obscenities or is over/under the specified time for the class.

● The team should cover the performance space.

Novice With Props (N-PROP)

Titling
NFD title pre-requisite to enter.
Two (2) qualifying legs.
Props permitted.

Music Time Range: 1:15-2:15 min

Pre-Requisite : NFD or one Successful Rookie Prop Entry

Qualifying Legs : Dog and handler team earning two (2) qualifying legs (Q ).

A Novice with Prop entry is expected to follow all Novice class criteria - from music time to performance elements and requirements - with the exception that props are permitted in the performance.

Please check out the
Prop Performance Guidelines