About

About Melbourne & District Freestyle & HTM (DWD) Club Inc.

Melbourne & District Dances with Dogs Club Inc is an affiliated Dogs Victoria club.

Our safe and comfortable indoor training venues are at Dandenong Showgrounds and Bulla Dog Exhibition Centre.

Our training methods are gentle, positive and reward based. Check chains are not permitted, and dogs should be in flat collars, harnesses or head collars.

What is Dances with Dogs (DWD), and why do we teach our dogs Tricks?

Would you like to try something different with your dog, and have fun in a social environment? DWD and Tricks are designed to develop a strong canine-human bond through movement, learning and music. They are fun, innovative, and suitable for all breeds and ages.
DWD and Trick training is fun for young and old. Many of our members compete in these sports – but also many of our members come along just for enjoyment with their dogs.
DWD is a skillful, choreographed routine which incorporates Tricks that may be learned as part of your Trick Dog training. DWD is performed to music and gives the illusion of dance. DWD competitions are carried out in a ring approximately 15m x 15m with three judges.
Trick Dog competitions are not performed to music. Trick Dog tests are carried out in a ring approximately 12m X 12m, with one judge.
At the Starter and Novice levels of Trick Dog, food or toy rewards are permitted (under controlled conditions) after each trick is completed. Rewards may be used in Intermediate class, up to four (4) times only during the duration of the Test.
At each level of Trick Dog, the rules provide a list of tricks from which you can choose the ones that you would like to perform. For example, at Starters Level there are 15 offered Tricks from which you only need to perform 6. You are free to choose the Tricks that best suit you and your dog.
Both DWD and Trick Dog are lots of fun, and just as valuable as obedience in developing your relationship with your dog. In both sports a basic level of obedience is essential, as they are always performed off lead.
These are safe sports and are suitable for handlers of all ages and dogs of all breeds, sizes, ages and abilities.
You can be creative, develop new skills, and showcase your dog’s abilities.
No special equipment is required, although sometimes props are used for that “wow” factor.
DWD and Tricks training do not require a lot of space.
Training develops great rapport with your dog, as both sports only use positive training methods.

If you are interested in competition, you can find the Dances with Dogs and Trick Dog Rules on the ANKC website, alongside the rules for each of the different dog sports.

New to Dances with Dogs?

We invite you to come to an Introductory class where we will be able to show you how much fun you can have with your dog!

Free Introductory classes may be available, with prior registration through the Secretary.

For more information about Melbourne & District Dances with Dogs Club Inc., please contact the Secretary, Lee Thomson, at [email protected]

Our Committee

President - Mira Tomasello
Secretary - Lee Thomson - [email protected]
Membership Officer - Jannette Wilson - [email protected]
Treasurer - Janelle Carlile

Committee Members - Gaye Penny, Pam Scouller Childs, Lina Morgante, Una Merrick