Trainer and dog lock eyes from a distance, wows the crowd on her signal

The relationship between man and dog has spanned for thousands of years, and there's no better example of two souls working together as a team than this trainer and her dedicated Newfoundland companion.
In the musical freestyle portion of the Eurasia dog show in Moscow, a woman and her dog took part in the synchronized dance competition and stole the show. The musical freestyle competition involves a combination of dance, obedience training, and tricks which showcases the depth of the relationship that exists between man and canine.
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Musical freestyle requires the dog in the competition to perform a wide variety of tricks, including jumping, rolling over, bowing, and spinning. While performing these tricks, the dog must move in synchronicity with the trainer. According to PetMD, the freestyle competition requires an obedient dog who loves music and who is willing to perform without treats. Enticing a dog to perform for treats is against the rules of the competition.
Another requirement for the freestyle dance is a highly intelligent dog who enjoys dancing. There are no strict breed qualifications for this kind of contest. Charlene Dunlap of Canine Horizons notes that dog breeds from miniature Poodles to large Mastiffs can become successful dancing dogs, however, "the music for the routine should fit the personality and rhythm of the dog."
So what are the specific requirements for the musical freestyle competition? The World Canine Freestyle Organization states that "1) any move is allowed, as long as it does not endanger the dog or handler; 2) Distance work, weaves, jumps, send-outs, and/or innovative new moves are encouraged; 3) Moves may be performed from any position." There is a lot of leeway given to performers, but ultimately, teamwork and respect for each other are necessary for success.
Watch the video below to see the pure love and joy that this trainer and her dog have for each other, and for the power of dance! Be sure to share this video with your family and friends on Facebook.
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