Freestyle doggy dancing competition showcases ruff competition

If you've ever danced with your pet before, you probably never thought about going competitive with your moves.

That's just what competitors came out to do Sunday morning for the 2023 World Canine Freestyle Organization Regional Competition at the Jefferson County Fairgrounds for the 'Woofsconsin Spring Fling.'

"We've been doing dance for 10 years," said Dancers with Woofs Dog Dancer Debra Smith standing next to her dog Bogart.

Smith says it took a lot of preparation for the competition Sunday,

"We pretty much spend about two months thinking about what we want to do. I know what moves he can do and then I do a compilation of his favorite moves. So, it's kind of a partnership," said Smith.

The competition involved competitors from Michigan, Minnesota, Illinois, and Wisconsin, all doing jumps, runs, and twists with their dogs.

"You'll be amazed at what you see," said Dancers with Woofs President Gigi Jones.

Jones says she's been doing musical freestyle with her dogs for two decades and is now president of the Wisconsin Dancers with Woofs.

She says the competition is graded a lot like ice skating.

"We have the artistic here, and your technical and we go out there and dance with our dogs and it's a lot of fun," said Jones.

If you haven't heard of this before, it turns out it's a world-wide sport.

Anna Schloff is President of the World Canine Freestyle Organization and says they have members all around the world.

According to Schloff, it's a more casual sport than other types of dog competitions and it's a great way for dogs to get exercise and learn obedience.

She says it's also a fun way for therapy dogs to entertain audiences.

"When you're doing the visiting and you're doing demos for [audiences], it's great to be showing this kind of thing, and it's entertaining," said Schloff.

Jones says it isn't all fun and games though, everyone who comes out has practiced a lot.

"You have to do your part, you have to do the stepping and music, the choreography with your arms and the dog has to do their part, too," said Jones.

At the end of the day, it's all about getting closer with your beloved pets.

"You have such a connection with your dog," said Jones.