Wonka's new freestyle video (finally!)

[PhoebesMommy]

thats amazing. i wish i could get Phoebe to do that, but i can hardly get her to potty outside all the time....how old was he when you started?

[costumelady]

WOW!!!! I have never seen anything like this before. I have a client who is a dancer and an avid dog lover. She has 6 dogs of various sizes. I am going to show this to her. What great moves!!! She is always looking for something new to add to her routines. Thanks so much for posting this. You were great. Wonka is so cute and attentive.

[Wonka & Nilla]

thats amazing. i wish i could get Phoebe to do that, but i can hardly get her to potty outside all the time....how old was he when you started?

We started dancing together almost 2 years ago... so Wonka was about 2.5 years old. Boy, times sure flies... I remember our very first routine like it was yesterday... Wonka remembers too, when he hears that music he still gets crazy-excited and bounces around. This is the 6th routine we've choreographed/performed, but only the 3rd routine that we've done for a competition.

I would love to see more Pugs learning to dance!!! You can get started doing Freestyle or Heelwork-to-music by taking a class if there is one near you, there are also video's and books that teach the moves. I've learned a lot by just watching videos online of great freestyle perfromers. You can also find more information by visiting: The World Canine Freestyle Organization, Inc.

WOW!!!! I have never seen anything like this before. I have a client who is a dancer and an avid dog lover. She has 6 dogs of various sizes. I am going to show this to her.

Feel free to share it with anyone. Wonka and I are just glad our dancing makes people happy.

[SallyAndTilly]

You two have really improved since the last video you shared with us. You both are showing more confidence and showmanship. Good luck to you!

[FionaPug]

That's amazing. I am sure it takes a lot of work and devotion by both of you. Good luck in the competition.

[Wonka & Nilla]

You two have really improved since the last video you shared with us. You both are showing more confidence and showmanship.

Awww, thank you so much! For me, personally, I've been working hard on trying to look up and smile more. I always spend a lot of time looking down because I'm worried I'll step on Wonka, but I'm trying hard to remember to look up when I can do it safely.
I think Wonka's confidence is food-based! Kind of like "Liquid Courage" That makes it hard in competition though where you can't use any sort of food or toy motivation (only verbal).

[jwestoverpug]

I love Wonka! He's looking great!!

[Wonka & Nilla]

On a related note, I've been asked to teach the Freestyle class at our kennel club next year! It will start in February so I have some time to prepare. I'm nervous that I'm not really qualified because, although Wonka and I have titles, I have almost no actual dog training background....I've really kind of lucked out with Wonka being such a smart dog. Most of my training knowledge is due to Nilla's "issues" and to helping her be less reactive. Dogs are supposed to take an obedience class before they can sign up for Freestyle so that will hopefully weed out any real problem cases. The instructor that got me started on Freestyle hasn't been back to teach the class since her heart-dog passed away last year. During the past year, our freestyle class has been kind of haphazard and has turned into, more or less, "scheduled practice time." The kennel club would like to get a real class going again and get new people signed up and they think I'm the one who can do that! It is such a nice compliment and I hope I can teach a good class so people find it worthwhile.

[ayleash]

they think I'm the one who can do that! It is such a nice compliment and I hope I can teach a good class so people find it worthwhile.


THEY ARE CORRECT!

[Donnag]

WOW, I just got a chance to watch it. I love when he touches you feet with his feet and then when he stands on your cane. I can't imagine how much practice it takes to get him to do that besides you. You guys look amazing and I love the outfit.
Good Luck, you probably already said this but when is the event?