|
Heelwork to Music (Rhythmic Paws) |
|
Written by Attila Szkukalek PhD
|
 Attila Szkukalek, PhD bred and trained dogs (Schutzhund) and instructed training classes for over 30 years.
In 1997 he saw a Heelwork to Music display by Mary Ray and Donelda Guy and he immediately decided to change Schutzhund for HTM – Heelwork to Music. Attila soon became a successful competitor winning the UK championship Advanced Division.
Moving to Music is natural for humans and the elevated sound and rhythm also rises the blood pressure of animals. HTM involves choreographed “figure & stepwork” with dogs set to music. The handler leads the dog in tune with the music, while the dog performs heelwork in many different position; at the left, right hand side of the handler, in front and behind the handler. The heelwork is spiced with obedience exercises; sit, lye down, etc. and tricks eg: spins, circles, weaves, roll overs and jumps.
The Rhythmic Paws video guides the viewers step by step through teaching their dogs nearly 50 heelwork, obedience and freestyle moves. The teaching of the exercises are shown by 5 different teaching techniques, such as Lure / Reward, Targeting, Capturing, Shaping and how to link the learned exercises by Sequencing and Chaining Forward and Backwards. The World Canine Freestyle Organisation that governs the sport in the world and organises world competitions endorsed the training videos of only 2 authors. The Rhythmic Paws and Rhythmic Paws 2 (the Gladiator) by Attila Szkukalek is one of them.
|
Offering a diverse range of products
