Heelwork to Music and Freestyle Team GB 2017 Looking for Recruits

The Kennel Club is making plans to enter a team to compete at the Open European Heelwork to Music and Freestyle Championships in Belgium from 26th- 28th August 2017 and is inviting applications from anyone who wishes to be considered for Team GB.

The Open European Championships, unlike the World Championships, are open to all dogs including those on the Kennel Club Activity Register without pedigrees. However, to be eligible to be considered, dogs must currently be competing in advanced classes in heelwork to music and/or freestyle. The competition will be held indoors.

The World Dog Show will now be held in Germany in October 2017, and it has not been confirmed if heelwork to music competitions will be held. However, if anyone would like to be considered, applications are also invited for these championships should they take place. Dogs must be registered on the Kennel Club breed register to compete at this event.

Applicants should be aware that competing will be on an entirely self-funded basis, and that being on Team GB is hard work and time consuming. Handlers must be prepared to organise and attend fundraising events as well as attending team meetings and training sessions.

Handlers wishing to be considered should request an application form by email for telephone 01296 318540.

The deadline for completed applications to reach the Kennel Club is Friday 11th November 2016.

Caroline Kisko, Kennel Club Secretary, said: “These competitions offer a wonderful opportunity for British heelwork to music and freestyle handlers to show the world the talent we have in the UK. The Kennel Club is therefore looking forward to receiving plenty of applications to compete at these championships where we are sure a good time will be had by all in true team spirit.”