How much emphasis is really put on the thrower when it comes to Freestyle? How important is it to have a variety of throws (upside down, behind the back, etc vs. just flat throws? Is most of the showmanship category put on the thrower of the team and not the dog.


Bob - The key to developing a extraordinary Freestyle routine is to use a variety of throws which will showcase your dog by allowing your dog to demonstrate his or her best features while making the performance entertaining for the spectators. I believe most of the showmanship burden is put on the dog BUT, the thrower must know what the dog is capable of and then deliver throws that will demonstrate how well the thrower and dog work as a team.


Chuck - This is a TEAM sport. A good thrower can sometimes compensate for an average dog and likewise a good dog can sometimes compensate for an average thrower. Just keep in mind that your showmanship score and the score of each of the other three categories, is the result of a team effort. By adding a variety of throws that you and your dog can successfully complete, you will directly impact all four categories. Judging is complex and you owe it to yourself to spend some time not just reading, but learning the different facets of Presentation, Wow!Factor, Athletictism, and Success as outlined in the Skyhoundz Guidelines.


Ron - In ALL judging criteria the dog is expected to simply respond to what the thrower initiates. Regardless of how the dog responds, the thrower is ultimately responsible for how well the team performs. The thrower is called upon to execute in a creative, skillful and entertaining fashion with variety and confidence while the dog should “finish” with grace, style, athleticism and consistency. A well-trained dog will have meshed with his owner and together they make an effective team.