Strike wins Novice Freestyle

It’s been a funny couple of years for Heelwork to Music competitions! Due to the pandemic, and Heelwork to Music competitions being held entirely indoors, there haven’t been any at all for a very long time. Strike is over 3 years old now, and just as he would have been old enough to compete, along came the pandemic. It feels strange that at his age, he is still such an inexperienced dog when it comes to competitions!

We entered the Freepaws Kennel Club Heelwork to Music competition near Doncaster on Saturday 26th March. What a beautiful location, perfect weather and such a friendly, relaxed atmosphere!

When it came to our turn to compete I was a little flustered – I was trying to carefully plan when to get Strike out to warm him up so that he would be neither too excited or too tired when it came to our turn to compete, but I had not realised that a few competitors were missing before us in the running order. Never mind! These things happen! We entered the ring, got into our start pose and I raised my hand for the DJ to start the music.. oh my goodness! Our music (This is Halloween by Marilyn Manson) was playing in what must have been at least double speed, with the lyrics sounding as though they were being sung by the chipmunks! No way could I move that fast even if I tried! I hate it when there’s a music issue even with my really experienced dogs, let alone when it’s with my “baby” dog. Ross was able to get the music on his phone so thankfully the DJ was able to use that. I was flustered and felt our routine was untidy/messy, but I think that was due to me being flustered rather than anything to do with Strike – he was a fantastic boy who didn’t lose focus for a second! All the time when we were in the ring sorting out the music, he stood watching me, ready to begin.