Rio Grande Canine Freestylers

A group of people . . . who love to dance with their dogs!

The Rio Grande Canine Freestylers are a group of dog-loving people who enjoy the sport of canine freestyle, through training, practice, exhibition, and competition in this fun activity. We meet in weekly Saturday morning sessions with our dogs to learn freestyle skills and help each other to develop routines. Our group performs freestyle demonstrations at community events throughout the year, periodically sponsors seminars with nationally recognized freestyle instructors, and supports each other in preparing for competition.

We welcome new members—both experienced canine freestylers and those who are brand-new to the sport! If you're interested in finding out more about participating in canine freestyle in the Albuquerque, New Mexico area, we encourage you to contact us.

What is Canine Freestyle?

Getting Started in Canine Freestyle

Canine freestyle is "a choreographed musical program performed by handlers and their dogs. The object is to display dog and handler in a creative, innovative and original dance, using music and movements to showcase teamwork, artistry, costuming, athleticism, and style in interpreting the music." (Source: World Canine Freestyle Organization.)

Read more about canine freestyle. . .

We're available for demos!
A canine freestyle performance is a fun addition to community events and fundraisers. We can tailor a program to meet your group's needs. Schools, churches, senior centers, etc., are other groups that enjoy seeing dogs "dance." We enjoy supporting community events, and there's no charge for a performance. Contact us for more information.

Looking for a fun training experience for you and your dog? Canine Freestyle may be for you! Freestyle complements other dog sports such as agility and obedience. You can enjoy the strengthened bond that comes from working together to develop freestyle skills.

You're cordially invited to visit one of our Saturday morning club sessions on Albuquerque’s West Side There's no charge and no obligation.

For more information about club sessions, email us or phone Rosalie James at 505-839-4238. You're also welcome to come to one of our community demonstrations.

Group classes (beginner and intermediate) and private lessons are also available. For more information, contact Rosalie by phone (505-839-4238) or email.

RGCF is pleased to welcome . . . Michele Pouliot!

The Rio Grande Canine Freestylers are sponsoring a 2-day workshop with Canine Freestyle champion Michele Pouliot. Michele is a world-class canine freestyle competitor and an excellent trainer and presenter. She has completed Champion Musical Freestyle titles on both her dogs. The workshop will be held in Albuquerque, and will take place on September 25 and 26, 2010. As of this posting, there is still audit space (no dog) available, as well as a very limited number of working spots (dog and handler). Registration for audits is $100; $200 for a working spot.

We'll update our site with current registration information, with the possibility of additional spots opening up as we get closer to the date. For complete information about registration, please contact us.