Canine Musical Freestyle is a choreographed musical performance done by handlers and their dogs. The object is to show off the team in a creative way, showcasing teamwork, athleticism, and musical interpretation.

Incorporating basic dog obedience, nonstandard obedience movements, and costuming, doggie dancing demonstrates fun and bonding between the pet and handler.

"To see a true performance brings tears to your eyes," said Nancy Kieffer, director of training for the Butler Dog Training Association.

She and a handful of others from the association are preparing their dogs to compete in this growing national sport.

The first thing they have to do is teach their dogs the moves, many of which are variations of basic obedience commands, or tricks which have been incorporated into a move.

The key to teaching the moves is what the Butler association bases all its training on: positive reinforcement.

The handlers carry their dogs' favorite treats and depending on the dog, they either receive a reward at various times throughout the dance, or they perform an entire routine before receiving a treat.

Following is a list of some of the popular dance moves.

Spins - Variations include spins done by the dog on either side of the handler or in front of the handler, the handler spinning in a U-turn pass around the dog, or both dog and handler spinning at the same time.

Back ups -

Variations include the dog backing up from various positions either from the front of the handler or from behind the handler. Can also be done by backing up on either side of the handler, or as in a Macarena line dance type, where both dog and handler back up together.

Weaving - Variations include the dog passing through the legs of the handler. This can be done with either of handler's legs forward, or the dog could weave forward or backward.

Zooms - The dog goes around the handler backward.

Side-passing -

This is like a side slide step in a line dance. The dog would start in the heel position and move sideways to the left or right. Can also be done in front of the handler, dog facing handler.

Creeps and Scoots -

Basically this is a crawling forward or backward trick done to the rhythm of the music.

Paws up, shaking paw or waving - Variations of popular doggie tricks incorporated into the dance routine.

Bowing and striking a pose -

Two tricks which allow the dog to play to the crowd. They make for moments of "oohs" and "ahhs" within the routine.