K9 Drill Teams

Close your eyes and imagine the synchronicity of a marching band combined with the discipline of a dog obedience trial and the glitz of a parade. Got it? Now you know what a K9 drill team is like!

K9 drill is not a competitive sport; it’s a fun activity that brings together dog fanciers and encourages the bond between people and their dogs.

To participate in a K9 drill team, humans and their dogs learn a marching routine to music and then perform at events like state fairs, fundraisers, parades, and pet expos. This is a fun and impressive activity, and anyone with an obedient and willing dog can participate. Often, drill teams will be made up of one breed, making the entire team look more unified. There are even teams just for rescued shelter dogs. Dogs of any size and age can participate—the beauty of this activity is that the only restriction for participation is your dog’s own limitations.

If you’d like to try it out, find a team in your area and ask to see them practice. If there’s not one in your area, you can start your own K9 drill team with the help of a few friends and their dogs. You will need a place to practice, some dedicated members, and someone who understands choreography.

K9 drill teams choose a snappy song and then create a routine to the beat of the music. Usually, teams that are just starting out will keep their moves very basic—sit, stay, heel, down, and so on. Plan to practice once a week, often without your dog. As your team progresses, the routines can get more complex.

The ideal dog for K9 drill is one who is well trained around distractions and who is quick to follow commands.

For the marching routines to work, every human and every dog must follow the prescribed moves, or the routine will look sloppy. Fortunately, seasoned members of the drill team can give you tips and tricks to help your dog to perform. But most of all, remember to have fun, and don’t forget to bring the treats!