FREESTYLE & K9 DRILL TEAM

Musical freestyle began at the Pacific Canine Showcase in British Columbia, Canada, in 1991. Currently, there are four principal organizations: the original controlling body - MCSI in Canada; the CFF in the US (1996); an active group in England; and, the newer WCFO. While there are a variety of 'styles' throughout freestyle, it is, essentially, a blending of obedience and dance in which handler and dog perform to music as a team. Mary Jo Sminkey has an excellent section devoted to the sport that features original articles and links to all you'll need to know to learn more about the sport.
Reviewed in this section:
Canine Freestyle Federation

 		Heinz Puperoni Canine Freestyle
A different 'twist' - K9 Drill Team Sounds like a melding of Freestyle and Team Obedience - I know I'd love to see this!!! Read more at this direct link to Doris Herber's article which is hosted at Diane Blackman's Dog-Play Website
DIRECTORY

  Freestyle & K9 Drill Team
  Frisbee
  Multiple Activities
  Obedience, Competitive
  Travel, Outdoors & Fun

To Competitive, Fun & Social Index
  • Library
  • Comprehensive Sites
  • Groups & Breeds
  • Behavior & Training
  • Health & Genetics
  • Competitive & Fun
  • Hard Workin' Dogs
  • Shelters & Advocacy
  • Clubs & Registries
  • Grab Bag!!!

    All links verified 12/28/2003




    • FREESTYLE
    Verified: Thursday, March 02, 2000       Back    To the Freestyle Index

    The Canine Freestyle Federation is " . . . an international organization dedicated to defining and developing the sport of Canine Freestyle and providing the structure necessary to offer competitions and demonstrations." Their website features events information (Competition and Demonstration), results, organization information, reports and interviews, a newsletter & more.


    Verified: Wednesday, July 4, 2001           Back    To the Freestyle Index

    Sandra & Pepper

    The Heinz Pup-Peroni/MCSI Canine Freestyle Website explains that there are three different classes at three different levels. Classes include Individual (one handler, one dog), Brace, (two handlers, two dogs) and Team (three or more handlers, each with a dog). Tandem class (one handler, two dogs) is also offered in the Exhibition category . Titles of MFD ( Musical Freestyle Dog), MFX (Musical Freestyle Excellent) and MFM (Musical Freestyle Master) are awarded to dogs, based on the accumulation of qualifying scores specific to each of the different classes. Visit the site for more details, including Updates, Events, Photos, and more. The site also features an expanded What is Freestyle? section which now includes getting started and judging information.

    Thanks to Ivan and www.woofs.org for use of the photo of Sandra & Pepper at the DogInfomat. Please remember, all photos and other graphic elements at the DI remain the property of their owners and usage is prohibited (and, rude), without prior authorization.


    FRISBEE
    Reviewed in this section:     Back    To Competitive, Fun & Social Index

    Most folks became familiar with Canine Frisbee when Ashley Whippet and Alex Stein took the world by storm in the mid '70s. While formal Frisbee competitions include Fetch and Catch, Freestyle, Accuracy, and Long Distance, you need not compete formally to have fun with your dog and a disc. There are numerous clubs where you and your dog can train and socialize with other dog owners, and compete, if you wish. See the Frisbee Dog FAQ for more information and resources.

    Dallas Dog & Disc Club
    Disc Dogs Down Under (AU)
    Frisbee® Disc Dog Page @ DogPatch     		Frisbee Dog Webring - List of Sites
    International Disc Dog Handlers' Association

    National Capital Air Canines



    Verified: Wednesday, July 4, 2001       To Top    To the Frisbee Index

    I thoroughly enjoyed my visit to the Dallas Dog & Disc Club website. Taking a much needed break at the Fun Page, where I played the online slide puzzle. Additional 'fun' includes a crossword, maze, word search, screensavers, and more.

    On a more educational note, the FAQ, covers topic areas such as Club Related Questions, Equipment, Getting Started, Advanced Training Issues and Canine Frisbee Strategy Issues. There is an events report and calendar page as well as an event results section. In the Training section, 13 articles were available at my last visit. Club specific information is available and the club has made their newsletter available online, including an archive of past issues. Related links, as well as links to club member pages, are also available at the site.


    Verified: Wednesday, July 4, 2001           To Top    To the Frisbee Index

    Mary Jo Sminkey's Frisbee® Disc Dog Page is an efficient yet, ample, resource for those interested in finding on- and off-line resources related to the sport. Features of the site include information about the Disc Dog Mailing List; links to Disc Dogs on the Web, Online Dog and Disc Clubs, and Disc Dog Resources with links to several training articles and more.


    Verified: Wednesday, July 4, 2001           To Top    To the Frisbee Index

    The International Disc Dog Handlers' Association (IDDHA) is a grass roots member-supported organization. It is hoped this new venture will help bring disc dog clubs and handler's together. IDDHA is the official sanctioning body for Canine Disc trials and competitions worldwide. Read the organization's mission statement to learn more about their purpose and goals. This developing website's current features include a News page; a listing of regional clubs and other related links; and judging, scoring, titling, and educational programs.


    3 stars
    Verified: Wednesday, July 4, 2001           To Top    To the Frisbee Index

    Vincent Be sure to check out the National Capital Air Canines website. This club website features a wealth of both club specific and general disc dog news and information. Learn more about the club in "About NCAC"; the club's event Calendar and Newsletter are, also, available; as is the Frisbee Dog FAQ, a comprehensive reference piece with detailed information and resources. In the NCAC "Frequent Flyers Training Articles" section, you will find several training articles covering such subjects as: Conditioning; Starting Out; Catch and Retrieve; The Vault; Building a Routine; and, more. A training Forum (message board) and several online training videos are also available at the site. Loads of great club photos are available as well as photos of the professional performing Frisbee team, "All American Fly Dogs", which is made up of club members William Linné, Conrad the Wonder Mutt, Sir Skyler and Zany Zipper and Kevin Robair, Wascally Widget and Gypsy. The club's rescue section features dogs that they believe would be good Frisbee dogs. This is a GREAT IDEA, which can serve as a model for the creation of other activity associated rescue efforts. This is a great club site, jam packed with entertaining and informative content.


    Special thanks to Dave Vincent for use of the photo and, Kevin Robair, for facilitating. Please remember, all photos and other graphic elements at the DI remain the property of their owners and usage is prohibited (and, rude), without prior authorization.


    SITES COVERING MULTIPLE ACTIVITIES
    Reviewed in this section:     Back    To Competitive, Fun & Social Index
    Dog-Play

    US Dog Obedience & Agility Championships

         		DogInfomat: Activities Info Directory



    Oso 4 stars
    Last Visit: Wednesday, July 4, 2001       To Top    To the Variety Index

    Diane Blackman, dog lover extraordinaire, is the originator of Dog-Play, a cyber manifestation of her love of animals, in particular, dogs. Besides spending a good deal of time providing direct asssistance to inquiries in the rpdb newsgroup, has created a great online resource for dog owners and their canine companions. Meet Diane's menagarie, including Tanith and Oso, while learning of fun and relationship building activities for you to do with your dog.

    The site offers a wonderful collection of information, including original articles, related to "Neat Things to Do With Your Dog". From Animal Assisted Therapy to Tracking. Parents, and others involved with dogs and children, will especially appreciate the Kids & Dogs section which includes such topics as "Kids learning about dogs", "Neat stuff for Kids to do with their dogs", "Parents Corner: Kids, Dogs and Safety", LOTS of 4-H info, and more.

    And, although the site's initial focus was on Therapy, Diane has broadened the site's coverage to now include a wealth of information related to a variety of activities, training and other dog-related topics. At the site you will find information related to getting a dog including the "must read* -- "Training - Fast & Easy" and the mixed breed section; Breeder Ethics; breed specific legislation and more. Reference the site's master index for a listing of all the materials at the site.


    Verified: Wednesday, July 4, 2001      
    To Top    To the Variety Index

    Heinz PUP-PERONI US Dog Obedience & Agility Championships website you can learn more about the regional and national events, including, What is a Regional?, What is a Classic? and Rules and Regulations.


    Verified: Wednesday, July 4, 2001           To Top    To the Variety Index

    Many of the features and sites included at the DogInfomat are excellent resources for persons interested in socializing, training, working, and, perhaps, competing, with their dog(s). Some of these activities are just for fun, some are competitive (and, fun), while others are examples of how much our canine friends assist us. A few of the best places to check out, for this type of information, while you're here include:
    Tanith
  • The Comprehensive Sites section which contains links to sites which cover a wide variety of dog-related subject areas;
  • The Groups and Breeds section which can direct you to breed or group specific clubs and organizations;
  • The Clubs & Registries section which contains international, national, regional and local clubs with a website presence; and
  • The Shelters and Humane Societies section - many HSs and Shelters, either sponsor, or can direct you to, locations and/or events where you can socialize, train, and have fun with your dog(s).
    • And, a visit to one of the following DogInfomat sections will guide you to specific competitive, social, and working activities that you may want to check out:

    Competitive, Fun & Social
    Agility
    Conformation
    Flyball
    Flygility
    Freestyle
    Frisbee
    Multiple Activities: Non-working
    Obedience, Competitive
    Travel, Outdoor & Fun

    Work and Working Competition
    Carting
         		Work and Working Competition cont'd
    Bird Dogs: Hunting & Competition
    Coonhounds, Earthdogs & Squirreldogs
    Herding/Livestock & Flock Guardians
    Lure Coursing & Racing
    Police K9, Military
    and Detector Dogs
    Protection: Ringsport and Schutzhund
    SAR: Search & Rescue including Water Work, Tracking & Detector Dogs
    Service Dogs: Service, Therapy
    & Visitation
    Sled Dogs: Mushing & Skijoring
    Working Trials
    Multiple Activities: Working


    Photos: Thanks to Diane Blackman for use of the photos of "Oso", and "Tanith". Please remember, the use of any photos or graphic elements at the DI is prohibited without prior authorization.


    COMPETITIVE OBEDIENCE
    Reviewed in this section:     Back    To Competitive, Fun & Social Index
    All About Dogs

    Obedience Pages @ the DogPatch     		Obedience Event Calendars



    4 stars
    Verified: Monday, April 04, 2005       To Top    To the Competitive Obedience Index

    Pat Kalbaugh's All About Dogs website is a great resource for competitive training and trial information and also referenced in the Behavior & Training section of this site. While the site features include numerous, original, training articles; humorous tidbits; a K-9 picture gallery and links; the site premium is it's excellent coverage of UKC news, information, and events, with a focus on competitive obedience and agility.

    Pebbles Areas of coverage include UKC Basics and Info; Event Rules and Regulations, Obedience Trial News and Info; Calendars; Clubs; Forums; and much more. Also read the FEATURED STORY: "Shelter Dog Is First Mixed Breed In Alaska To Earn U.K.C. U-CD Title"     - Congratulations to Mona Sanneman & Pebbles and a special thank you for use of the photo!


    Jessie going over the broad jump. She is owned & trained by Monique Guerin. Verified: Monday, April 04, 2005      
    To Top    To the Competitive Obedience Index

    While Mary Jo's excellent Obedience and Training website is a comprehensive resource not limited to competitive obedience. The Competitive Obedience section Jessie clears the hurdles with the dumbell. Jessie is owned and handled by Monique Guerin. features introductions to the sport, related sites and organizations, and training articles. For more details about the site, please visit the Training & Behavior section of this website.

    U-CDX Herondel My Girl Jess CDX, TT, HIC, CGC, (TDI certified) Jessie going over the broad jump and a hurdle in open obedience. She is owned and trained by Monique Guerin.


    Verified: Monday, April 04, 2005      
    To Top    To the Competitive Obedience Index

    Calendars of upcoming obedience events, including trials and seminars, are available at the following sites: AKC interactive events calendar; the CKC searchable calender (under "Services"); the AMBOR obedience show calendar; and the UKC Obedience & Agility Calendar at Pat Kalbaugh's website.

    TRAVEL, OUTDOORS & FUN
    Reviewed in this section:     Back    To Competitive, Fun & Social Index

    You can have a lot of fun sharing social and recreational activities with your dog. Hiking, Camping, Biking, Traveling, or just going to the Dog Park are all ways in which you can build a stronger and happier relationship with your dog, while having a great time and building skills. This is also a great way to meet other dog lovers. There are several resources on the internet to help you get started. Some of these activities do require some preparation, special knowledge and, occasionally, specific equipment. Visit the rpd FAQs for a good deal of information on several of the activities, as well as the following, activity specific websites, which will help get you started.

    Camping
    City Guides
    Dog Scouts of America
    Dog Parks
    GORP: Great Outdoor Recreation Page     		Hiking & Backpacking
    Dog "Scootering"
    Traveling with your Dog
    VDS: Virtual Dog Show



    Verified: Wednesday, July 4, 2001       To Top    To the TOF Index

    Jayne Cravens' Camping with your Dog is a great primer. Covered topics include: Who Can Participate?, Preparations, Equipment, Where to Camp?, Heat Exhaustion or Stroke, tips for safe and responsible camping, and other resources. This frequently updated piece was originally created as a companion to Terri Watson's Hiking/Backpacking with Canines. But, the piece stands on its own as an informative and educational resource. And, while it's major emphasis is camping, much of the information is applicable to a variety of outdoor activities.


    Verified: Tuesday, April 11, 2000      
    To Top    To the TOF Index

    As the web has grown, guides covering dog related activities, news, and issues for specific cities and regions have begun to appear. I have listed the ones that I have found below.
      Rain City Dogs, Vancouver
      Toronto Dogs
      NYCDog New York City



    Verified: Thursday, July 01, 1999      
    To Top    To the TOF Index

    The Dog Scouts of America organization, whose motto is "Let us learn new things, that we may become more helpful", was established in 1995 by Lonnie Olson. The organization is open to any breed or mix, with the only requirement being that the dog be able to pass a test. The test is much like the Canine Good Citizen test with the added requirement that the dog be stable and calm in groups of other dogs. DSA's Dog Scout Camp is a 6-day "learning adventure" where the testing takes place. Several sessions are held each year, in Michigan, and include Backpacking, Water Rescue, The Art of Shaping, and Flyball are offered. Additionally, some sessions may include one, or more, of the following: Agility, Search & Rescue, Herding, Carting, Frisbee, IMPROV Obedience, Tracking, Sledding, Freestyle Obedience, Weight Pull, Lure Coursing, Go-to-ground, and other fun dog activities. Once your dog has become a Dog Scout, he is eligible to earn and receive Dog Scout Merit Badges for achievement in these various activities. Your dog can even help earn his way to camp by selling "Dog Scout Cookies". Read the "Scoop" for the latest news and info. An article about the 501(c)3 organization is also available at the site.


    Verified: Saturday, March 11, 2000      
    To Top    To the TOF Index

    DOG PARKS are urban spaces that allow dog lovers to meet and have fun with their dogs. Besides those parks that are typically described as 'Dog Parks', there are many parks and wilderness areas across the country that are 'dog friendly' locations for hiking, camping, and enjoying the outdoors with your canine companion(s). Several websites have popped up that, while in varying stages of development and coverage, are attempting to provide information for interested dog lovers. I also maintain a page of Dog Park related websites, which I hope will be a temporary feature. It is my intention that this page will go away when a more complete listing becomes available at one of the primarily sites. But, for now, you will find the list at the DogInfomat list of Dog Parks.

    I have included almost every state's DNR and/or State Parks Website as well as several similar sites from other countries. Several of the links are to clubs and grassroots organizations who are working create or save Dog Parks or Offleash Play Spaces in their communities. These sites can serve as a model for others who may be interested in beginning their own project and, frequently, contain a good deal of helpful information and direction to additional resources. The Reston (VA) Dog Park Coalition is one such site, however you will find several more in the DI list of Dog Parks.

    A few of the comprehensive dog park sites include:

    DogPark.Com which includes several features, including: Doggie Reporter - with news, events and more, Dogs At Work, Dogs At Play, The Right Dog, Caring for Dogs, Dog Associations and more. Another site is The Dog Park. This site features sections including Find a Dog Park, Start a Dog Park, In the Community, and Related Services - a directory of other pet related service providers.

    Diane Blackman's Dog Parks, Dog Runs and Off Leash Play section of DogPlay is a FAQ-like site which includes such topics as:
    What is a Dog Park?
    How Do I Start A Dog Park?
    Where Do I Get More Information? and
    How Can I Find a Dog Park Near Me?
    FreePlay.Com is another site which includes, among other things, information about the Offleash eMail Discussion List.


    Verified: Wednesday, July 4, 2001      
    To Top    To the TOF Index

    The Great Outdoor Recreation Page website features the GORP: Pet Section which provides a good deal of information related to outdoor fun with your pets, in an easily read, ezine format. Features at my most recent visit included: How 'Bout Them Dawgs!? - dog walking in historic Henry and Clayton Counties; Cobb County -- More Peach State pooch perambulating near Atlanta; Travelling Abroad Doggy Style - Crossing borders with your pooch; Backpacks for Dogs; Hot Spots for You and Your Dogs in the Florida Keys; Beacon Hill - Walks with your dogs in Old Boston; travel advice and accomodations; and forums which allow the visitor to share their stories and experiences. Links to specific articles at GORP are provided in the next section.


    Verified: Wednesday, July 4, 2001      
    To Top    To the TOF Index

    Emma Hiking & Backpacking can be a great way to have fun with Fido! The following sites will help get you started and learn about some of the adventures awaiting you and your four-legged friend(s):

     Special thanks to Jim Dobbins for contributing the photo of Emma. To see more fun photos of the 'Divine Miss Emm' and her 'sister', Jenny, please visit their website, with a special backpacking photo section. Please remember, all photos and other graphic elements at the DI remain the property of their owners and usage is prohibited (and, rude), without prior authorization.


    Verified: 4/20/2004      
    To Top    To the TOF Index

    Submitted by Daphne Lewis, the Dog Scooter website has a wealth of information about this relatively new activity. Site sections include a FAQ, Photos, Stories, Online Communities, Links, and more.

    Verified: Wednesday, July 04, 2001      
    To Top    To the TOF Index

    There are several commercial websites intended to assist and market to those who plan to travel with their pets. I have included direct links to the most well developed sites that I have found to date. There are also alternative resources that you might want to check out. You will find many listed in the following directories: Yahoo!/Travel, Yahoo!Travel w/Pets and Lycos/Travel. Additionally, a feature on Pet Travel Tips is available at Family.Com.

    DogFriendly.Com, Pet Travel and Leisure, Pet Vacations, Pets Welcome, and Traveldog are websites that are examples of the standard format of the 'traveling with your pet' type sites that I have found, to date. These are commercial sites, each containing articles with travel related tips and information, as well as listings and/or advertisements for destinations such as dog camps, hotels and resorts, bed & breakfasts, etc.

    However, I would say that, at my last visit, the most comprensive and complete information I found was at Dog Friendly.Com. The site also has a very user friendly interface and a wide variety of information - both practical and interesting.

    Several additional links, to similar sites, are available via the Pet Travel & Leisure Webring.

     NOTE: As with all commercial services, it is strongly recommended that you independently verify the accuracy of the information presented at the sites listed, and thoroughly research the quality of the service providers listed.


    Verified: Wednesday, July 04, 2001      
    To Top    To the TOF Index

    Virtual Dog Show! The Virtual Dog Show is the creation of Liz and Kynn Bartlett of Idyll Mountain Internet. The first show was held in the fall of 1995 and, since inception, many shows, including specialty matches, have been held.

    There are two annual shows (Spring and Fall). The shows are fun, very informal, and open to ALL dogs. They feature fun and unique Variety Classes - such as Costume, Most Like Owner, Rescue and more!

    Read the FAQ for details about entering the show and more.. Catalogs and past show information and results are available from the main page.

    Sponsored jointly, by Idyll Mountain Internet and other dog and internet related vendors, a visit to the Welcome Page will provide you with a helpful overview and allow you to view the winners from past shows.


    To Top of Page HOME MISSING PETS
    The DogInfomat™ est. 1994 © 1994-2005/Sandi Dremel
    The original content, concept, and design of the DogInfomat are the property of Sandi Dremel. All content submitted for inclusion remains the sole property of it's owners. As such, none of the contents made available at the site are to be copied, redistributed, retransmitted, or repurposed without the prior consent of it's owners. Last Revision: Thursday, January 03, 2002