Oberythma, also called rhythmic obedience, is a dog sport that combines choreographed movements and obedience skills. This sport can be played at all levels, from beginners to national and international competitions.

The origins

The oberythma was created in the 1980s in England by a woman named Mary Ray. She was a performing artist and dog trainer who combined her passion for dance and her love for dogs to create this new sport. Mary Ray began showing her performances at dog events and quickly attracted the attention of judges and spectators.

The sport then became popular in England and then in other countries, including the United States and Australia. Oberythma is now recognized as an official dog sport in many countries, with national and international competitions organized every year.

Skills needed

To practice oberythmia, dogs must have a certain level of obedience and control, as well as an interest in learning new movements. They must be in good health and in good physical condition to perform the physical movements. Humans also need to be able to create choreographed routines, work as a team with their dog, and teach new movements in an effective and positive way. Oberythma is a demanding sport that requires regular training and good communication between the owner and Médor.

Movements

The basic movements of the oberythema include movements such as walking in a circle, turns, paw movements, jumps, rotations, and chases. Routines can be created to any music, with dance styles ranging from classical to hip hop.

The key to creating a successful routine is synchronizing the dog's movements with the music and combining them creatively to create a spectacular performance. Routines can be simple or complex, depending on the skill level of the duo.

Competition levels

There are several levels of competition in Oberythma, ranging from beginner to advanced and championship levels. Competitions are judged on the basis of the synchronization, precision and creativity of the routine, as well as on the dog's ability to listen.

Beginner competitions allow owners to get started in sports and get familiar with basic movements. Advanced competitions are more complex, with more difficult exercises and longer routines. Championship competitions are reserved for the most experienced and talented teams.

Oberythma competitions are generally organized in two parts: the first part is a pre-assessment routine, which is a routine that the owner and the dog have prepared in advance. The second part is an improvisation routine, in which the owner and the dog must create a spontaneous choreography based on the music chosen by the judges.

The advantages

Oberythema is a sport that has a number of advantages. As with all duo sports, it strengthens the bond between owner and dog by improving communication and mutual understanding. Oberythema can also improve a dog's obedience and ability to listen.

This activity can also be beneficial for the health and well-being of dogs, as it requires good physical condition and regular exercise. Owners can also enjoy the physical benefits of exercising regularly and creating creative routines with their dog.

Finally, oberythma can be a great opportunity for dog owners to meet other like-minded dog owners and participate in dog events.