Questions regarding HTM

Q:

What is considered to be the main heelwork moves?

A:

The following positions are considered to be heelwork in HTM:
Heelwork on left side of the handler and on right side of the handler.
Heelwork on left and right side of the handler facing opposite the handler.
The dog between the handler’s legs with both shoulders parallel to the handler’s legs.
In front of, with his side to the handler facing both directions.
Behind, with his side to the handler facing both directions.
These positions can be kept in all directions and paces. It is heelwork if the dog and handler team are moving sideways or backwards as long as the dog is in a heelwork position.

Q:

How do you evaluate moving up the paws in heelwork position, or other poses in a heelwork position - are those considered to be true heelwork?

A:

No freestyle

Q:

Is twist beginning and ending in a heelwork position considered to be heelwork or freestyle and are weaves and jumps allowed?

A:

Twists are freestyle also if they begin and end in a heelwork position. Weaves and jumps are allowed, but they are considered to be freestyle.

Q:

Is it better to have more than 75% heelwork in the competition or is it better to include 25% of interesting freestyle?

A:
No – it is not better or worse to have more than 75% heelwork - it depends on the music and what the music asks for.

These answers have been confirmed by the head judge.

Photo: Helle Larssen