1st place for Dalia at the Canine Freestyle competition in Belgium

Kristine Goossens report

On Saturday April 21, 2012, I’ve participated with little Havanese Dalia to our first Canine Freestyle competition this year. The competition of dog school ‘t Kruierke took place in Balen. We’ve shown a new routine on the music “Europa” (Heaven help in all our battles) by Globus. It’s a song about wars and battles over the past centuries ending with the words “Never again!” Dressed as a female warrior I ‘travelled’ with Dalia through different eras : Classical Antiquity, Middle Ages, Early Modern Europe, Modern Times & Recent History. Each era was represented by a ‘milestone’ with names of battles mentioned in the song. At the end of the routine I’ve shown the text : “To battle … Never again!” to the judges.

I’m very proud of Dalia!!She had a lot of attention. We’ve shown some new tricks. We had a lot of fun in the ring. We were rewarded with the highest points in the Intermediate class.She did so well!

The next competition Dalia must enter in the Advanced class, the highest level in Canine Freestyle. She will be the first Havanese in that class.

The rules of Canine Freestyle have changed in Belgium since this year. We have now two distinct disciplines at competitions : Heelwork To Music and Musical Freestyle. I participate in Musical Freestyle. The length of the songs for each class is now determined. You can no longer use food in the Initiation and Beginners class. They’ve created a demonstration class at the end of the competition in which dogs from 6 months of age may enter and you may use food and toys to reward the dog during the routine if you want.

Dalia is such a wonderful dog! She has the best temperament. I’m so happy that I can ‘work’ with her!