performance guidelines chart (continued)
INTERMEDIATE CLASS
Title: Intermediate Freestyle Dog (IFD)
Music Time Range: 1:15 - 2:15 minutes
Pre-Requisite: NFD or N-PROP Title
Qualifying Legs: Dog and handler team earning two (2) qualifying legs (Q).
The purpose of this class is to provide additional titling experience prior to Standard level competition. Even though this class has requirements similar to Novice, entrants will be expected to perform with a more advanced level of fluency, precision and creativity than what is permissible in the Novice Class.
Music for Intermediate class will be counted in the overall team score at this level. Music should complement the rhythm and dynamics of the team.
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, such as glances away or sniffing, however the dog should not leave the handler due to distractions or loss of focus.
Team should demonstrate a positive working relationship and a visible bond.
Team should demonstrate a strong proficiency in and variety of foundational freestyle moves (for example spins, circles, switches or weaves). Appropriate use of at least one optional, more complex move is expected. Example optional moves include (but are not limited to) side passes, front passes or mirror moves. Creative moves or move combinations of the handler’s creation are also considered as optional moves and always encouraged. 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, but creativity in the choreography is required at this level. Choreographic elements include: floor pattern design, creative heelwork, changes in pace, changes in directions, contrasts, transitions, flow, variety of moves and move combinations.
An effort should be made to demonstrate musicality in the choreography. In other words, some attempt should be made to pair at least one choreographic element – such as moves, floor patterns, and speed changes – with the music content or style.
Larger signals and slightly louder verbal cues are permitted, as long as they don’t overshadow the dog. Dogs are expected to demonstrate fluency and accuracy in their response to most of the handler’s cues.
The team is required to cover the performance space.
Intermediate entries with props will be scored on all Intermediate and With Props guidelines. Please check the Prop Performance Guidelines.
STANDARD CLASS
Title: Standard Freestyle Dog (SFD)
Music Time Range: 1:30 - 2:30 minutes
Pre-Requisite: IFD title
Qualifying Legs: Dog and handler team earning two (2) qualifying legs (Q).
The purpose of this class is to showcase the dog and the relationship between the dog and handler and a fluency in freestyle behaviors, choreography and music.
Team should demonstrate proficiency in front work, right side and left side work.
Team should demonstrate an element of basic distance work in the routine. There are no requirements as to how distance is achieved or for how long, but the expectations for this level are to demonstrate a basic ability and comfort level on the part of both dog and handler. Examples include (but are not limited to) a simple stay and recall or asking the dog to move away from the handler a short distance and then return. Distances will not be measured, nor is a specific distance required. However, to aid the judge’s ability to clearly distinguish distance, a good rule of thumb is to strive for a minimum distance of approximately two times the handler’s height. Keep in mind, as is the case with other moves, the handler should not ask the dog to perform behaviors or distances they are not yet confident or willing performing or are physically unable to perform safely and comfortably.
Team should demonstrate sustained focus and attention between dog and handler. Breaks in attention should be very few and very minor at this level.
It is expected that the team is fluent in and builds upon the foundational freestyle moves from Novice (and Intermediate level, if applicable). Appropriate use of one or more optional, more complex moves is expected at this level. Example optional moves include (but are not limited to) side passes, front passes or mirror moves. Creative moves or move combinations of the handler’s creation are also considered as optional moves and always encouraged. 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 creative performance with the application of choreographic elements: floor pattern design, creative heelwork, changes in pace, changes in direction, contrasts, transitions, flow, variety of moves and move combinations. It is expected that the team builds upon the basic knowledge gained from Novice level choreography successes and errors to create a routine with an intermediate level of complexity and more individual originality.
More emphasis should be placed on musicality in the choreography. In other words, some attempt should be made to pair one or more choreographic elements – such as moves, floor patterns, and speed changes – with the music content or style.
Signals are permitted, but should be small. Signals should complement the choreography and/or music content or style. More emphasis on verbal cues or body movement cues is preferred at this level. Cues should not overshadow the dog. Dogs are expected to demonstrate fluency and accuracy in their response to most of the handler’s cues.
The music should match the dog’s movement, and complement the rhythm and dynamics of the team. Music for Standard class will be counted in the overall team score at this level.
The team is required to cover the performance space.
Props are permitted.
Standard entries with props will be scored on all Standard and With Props guidelines. Please check the Prop Performance Guidelines.
PREMIER CLASS
Title: Premier Freestyle Dog (PFD)
Music Time Range: 2:00 - 3:30 minutes
Pre-Requisite: SFD title
Qualifying Legs: Dog and handler team earning two (2) qualifying legs (Q).
The purpose of this class is to focus on the positive relationship between the dog and handler, at an advanced level, showcasing it in a creative and artistic manner. All freestyle elements – advanced training, focus and attention, teamwork, choreography, music and presentation – should be combined and executed at an advanced level. The bond and relationship of the handler and dog should be clearly evident and is a necessary part of a Premier freestyle routine.
Team should demonstrate superior proficiency in creative heelwork. Complex heelwork should be included.
Superior presentation is expected at this level. Attire, cues, music, choreography, movement and floor space should be combined in a manner that leaves the audience with an overall impression of poise, professionalism, and a positive working relationship at an elite level.
An element of advanced distance work is expected. Distance is defined as approximately 10 feet away. A stay, moving stay or send away are all acceptable examples of achieving the distance. However the dog must execute a choreographic element(s) at a distance. There are no requirements as to how long distance is achieved, but the expectations for this level are to demonstrate a higher-level ability.
Highly developed focus and attention between dog and handler.
Premier expects that the dog should be allowed a level of freedom of expression and individuality in the interpretation of learned and/or taught behaviors.
Foundational freestyle moves are flawless at this level. Optional moves and/or creative moves are required at this level. The handler should not ask the dog to perform behaviors they are not physically able to perform safely and comfortably.
The team shall present an interesting, creative performance with the application of choreographic elements: floor pattern design, creative heelwork, changes in pace, changes in direction, contrasts, transitions, variety of moves and move combinations. Superior musicality, originality and the showcasing of the dog’s individual, unique qualities is expected in the choreography at this level.
Signals are permitted, but they should complement the choreography and/or music content or style. More emphasis on verbal cues or body movement cues is expected at this level. Cues should not overshadow the dog. Dogs are expected to demonstrate fluency and accuracy in their response to handler cues.
The music shall highlight the dog’s movement and uniqueness and complement the rhythm and dynamics of the team. Music will be counted in the overall team score at this level.
Teams will be required to perform a mirror or synchronized move element(s).
The team is required to cover the performance space in a creative and purposeful manner.
Props are permitted.
Premier class entries with props will be scored on all Premier and With Props guidelines.
Please check the Props Performance Guidelines.
VETERAN
Title: Veteran Freestyle Dog (VFD)
Music Time Range: 1:00 - 2:00 minutes
Pre-Requisite: Dogs are at least seven (7) years old at the date of the event or filming.
Qualifying Legs: Dog and handler team earning two (2) qualifying legs (Q).
The primary purpose of this class will be to showcase the veteran dog and the special relationship between the veteran dog and handler. While criteria similar to the Novice class will be used to judge these routines, teams are encouraged to create performances that are appropriate for the skill level and physical abilities of the veteran dog. Choreography should be adjusted to meet the needs of the each veteran performer.
MDSA will strictly enforce a zero tolerance rule that the veteran dog should never be stressed, over-faced, or required to perform beyond its physical capability. At the judge’s discretion, the team will be disqualified (DQ) if the veteran dog shows it is not physically able to safely and happily perform the choreography.
The criteria and requirements used to review Novice class entries will be used to review and qualify Veteran class entries, with the exception of music time, pre-requisites and the following special considerations for the veteran dog:
Team should demonstrate competency in execution of foundational heelwork.
The freestyle moves selected are not exclusive to any one level; rather they must be appropriate for the dog, used effectively, and executed with competence.
The team shall present a creative performance with a basic-level application of choreographic elements that are adjusted to meet the needs of the veteran dog: floor pattern design, simple creative heelwork, changes in pace, changes in directions, contrasts, transitions, flow, variety of moves and move combinations.
The choreography should celebrate the relationship and bond of the team, and highlight the unique qualities of the veteran dog.
Larger signals and slightly louder verbal cues are permitted if the dog’s physical needs deem it necessary. An intermittent delayed response to some cues on the part of the dog is permitted.
Music should complement the rhythm and dynamics and/or relationship of the team. Music will count for or against in the overall team score.
An attempt to cover the performance space should be made, but the space covered should be proportional to the physical abilities of the veteran dog.
Props are permitted.
Veteran class entries with props will be scored on all Veteran and With Props guidelines. Please check the Prop Performance Guidelines.