Heelwork to music (HTM) is a fast- growing canine sport both in the UK and internationally. Derived from the sport of canine obedience, HTM uses the heelwork elements of that sport. However, unlike obedience, where there is only one heelwork position, HTM encompasses 8 prescribed heelwork positions with transition moves between each position – all choreographed to music!

The accuracy of the heelwork positions is one of the main criteria on which HTM is judged. The dogs must maintain a tight, ‘shoulder to leg’ position throughout turns as well as sideways and backwards movements whilst moving in a stylish manner – usually a trot. For a dog to maintain an accurate heelwork position, for 4 minutes (at advanced level), requires a great deal of muscle tone and joint flexibility as well as general fitness. To develop a competition dog therefore, requires not only the ability to train them but critically, a great team who can make sure that the dogs are fit to work and potential issues are spotted before they become problems. The ARC has helped me with all of these aspects of developing competition dogs working at the highest level of the sport (Maverick was one of the top 10 dogs in the UK in 2024 to compete in the finals of HTM at Crufts – one of my proudest moments!).

Rhona and her team have looked after both my dogs since they were puppies and have provided help and advice about the level of training that was appropriate depending on the dogs age and developmental stage. This was critical for Maverick who is a 40kg German Shepherd Dog. Rhona’s help has been invaluable in making sure that this very large dog developed properly in the first place as well as maintaining his soundness and fitness for competition – plus helping him recover to full soundness from any injuries. Now retired, Maverick is enjoying ‘pet dog’ life and the baton has passed to my collie, Jonah. He visits Rhona regularly and she makes sure he is fit and healthy enough to compete and maybe even follow in Mavericks footsteps one day. Jonah enjoys his visits to the ARC enormously and it’s so nice to see him so very happy to be visiting the vet!! The ARC team are wonderful, dog friendly people as well as being expert in what they do.

I’m so grateful to have such a great team to help keep my dogs fit, healthy and happy.

Thank you so much ARC!