Two partners. One piece of music. Endless possibility.

No. You can train for enrichment, confidence, teamwork and fun. Training shows can be a friendly bridge if you later decide you would like ring experience.

The most common types of show are -

• Training Shows - A great place to start. These are set up to look like a competition but are actually a helpful and supportive training environment. Food and (silent) toys are allowed in the ring allowing you and your dog to get used to a competition environment but with added rewards and without the pressure of competition. You usually get several turns in the ring with your dog and an experienced judge will watch you and give you helpful feedback on what to work on next.
• Event Dogs Welcome Class - This is not an official RKC class but is run at Event Dogs competitions as an additional class. It is specifically designed for Starters to help you feel ready to compete.
• Fun Shows - Independent competitions with their own rules which are usually written in the show's schedule. Some (not all) allow rewards in the competition ring.
• Additional Classes - Some RKC Competitions also have additional classes that are not RKC official classes but are specific to the organisation running the show. The most widespread of these are run by the Paws n Music Association
• HTMA Competitions - The HTMA (Heelwork to Music Association) is an independent Heelwork to Music organisation which allows food and toys in some of its classes. Further information can be found on the HTMA web-site
• RKC Competitions - Official Kennel Club Competitions, more information is below. (You can enter both Open and Premier Competitions - the only difference is that Premier Competitions also hold Crufts Qualifiers for the Advanced competitors.)

No. Dogs of all shapes, sizes and backgrounds enjoy HTM. Training and movements should always be adapted to the individual dog's physical and emotional needs.

Dogs may compete from 12 months old in heelwork and 18 months in freestyle, but there’s lots to do before then. Training moves, getting your dog used to working around distractions, finding music and building sequences of moves that go with that music… and most of all having fun with your dog and teaching them that this is the best game ever!

Yes! Wheelchair competitors are very welcome and other disabilities will be accommodated as much possible. If you are unsure about a specific show please contact the show organiser as there may be the occasional show with access difficulties somewhere.

No! Definitely not. Some handlers may choose to dance with their dog, others may choose to tell a story to the music, the choice is entire up to you. Ideally you should be able to walk / move to the beat of the music (though for some people this is a skill that takes a little while to learn.)

Yes. Most shows allow members of the public to spectate, just contact the competition organiser to check beforehand. Many shows will allow entry free of charge, although a few may charge an entry fee, especially if they are part of a larger dog show or activity day.

For some competitions yes… but you need to plan ahead. If you intend to bring your dog, you will need to fill in some paperwork for them, most importantly so you can sign the ’21 Day Rule’ which states that your dog is healthy and has not been in contact with an infectious or contagious dog within 21 days of the competition. Contact the competition organiser for further information. As a general rule the easiest way is to fill in an entry form (see below for information about that) and instead of the class or music write the letters NFC (Not For Competition) and 'thank you'. This is often, though not always, free of charge. Your dog will need to be able to be happy and settled to be indoors around other dogs and people.

Yes. If your dog is already on the Breed Register with a Royal Kennel Club official name and number, use that when entering a competition. If they are not on the Breed Register you need to register them on the Activities Register (which is open to cross breeds and rescue dogs as well as ‘pure’ breeds.) Choose an official name for your dog and write it on the Activities Register form. When you enter your first RKC competition use your dog’s official name and the number the RKC will issue your dog. If your paperwork doesn’t arrive back in time, use your first choice of name and the letters NAF after (Name Applied For.)

If you and your dog haven't competed in RKC HTM competitions before, you will begin in a Starters class and you can choose to compete in Starters Heelwork and / or Starters Freestyle. You cannot enter any other RKC official classes (Novice, Intermediate, or Advanced) unless you win up out of starters through the levels, however some competitions also have other unofficial classes you may also enter.

Music for Starters routines for RKC competitions may last up to two and a half minutes, however you may wish to just use a minute or so when you first begin – keep it short and sweet! Your music, costume and routine should be 'suitable for a family audience'. Check the schedule to see if you need to upload your music when you enter the show online, or just bring a CD (plus backup) on day.
(Note - Novice music is up to 3 mins, Intermediate up to 3:30 mins and advanced up to 4 mins.)

Most judges at official competitions will allow handlers to choose to do a 'training round'. The round will not be judged as part of the competition but the handler can use it to build the dog's confidence and concentration by using a toy in the ring. The toy must be silent and food is never allowed in the ring.

This is not an official RKC class but is run at Event Dogs competitions as an additional class. It is specifically designed for Starters to help you feel ready to compete. There are a small number of very short songs for you to choose from with suggested beginner routines to them. You can take food (in a zipped pocket) and silent toys into the ring to reward your dog part way through. Your performance will be watched by an experienced and encouraging judge who will tell you one thing they loved and one piece of advice about what to work on next.

No. Harsh handling, e-collars, prong collars, and garottes are strictly banned from the grounds of all shows.