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The Secret Life of Dancing Dogs
By Melissa Camacho,
Common Sense Media Reviewer
Common Sense Media Reviewers
Dog dance docu shows loving canine-human connections.
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The Secret Life of Dancing Dogs
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What's the Story?
THE SECRET LIVES OF DANCING DOGS is a six-part documentary featuring seven dogs and their dog-training humans preparing to compete in the 2023 Crufts international dog dancing competition. Cameras follow Norway's Marianne Elis Methi and her border collie Vega, who won the 2022 Crufts freestyle competition, and Canadian Jennifer Fraser and her Australian shepherd Daiquiri, who placed an extremely close second. This year the Norwegian duo isn't competing, but Methi is coaching British first timer Lorna Syrett and her border collie Nora to prepare her for the contest. Meanwhile, in Hungary Christine Béczes and her Australian shepherd Meredith are working hard on a new routine, while Sachiko Kuniyoshi and her border collie Alena are in Japan getting ready for their first Crufts "heel to music" competition. Also making appearances in Japan is Isa Randle, who travels there from England to take her beloved chihuahua, Lucky, for medical treatment in hopes of being able to dance with her again. Viewers also get to watch dog dancing veteran Gina Pink and her sheep dog Swagger, who are hoping to make a good showing despite the fact that Pink's physical health isn't the best. Each team is on its own journey, but they share the desire to make a good showing. However, it's the close bond between each dog and its owner that is the most valuable part of the experience.
Is It Any Good?
Dog lovers will delight in this sweet and family-friendly docuseries, which features dogs and their dedicated human partners working together to put on fun and skill-filled routines. The Secret Life of Dancing Dogs notes some of the training styles and techniques owners use to teach their canine partner the skills dog dancing judges look for. It also highlights some of the challenges that come with ensuring that routines will go smoothly. But The Secret Life of Dancing Dogs is really about the strong and loyal relationships between the featured dogs and their owners, the latter noting throughout how much the bond between them makes their lives better. Regardless of whether viewers are familiar with the sport of dog dancing, witnessing these genuine connections makes it worth the watch.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about the history of Crufts. How do the dogs associated with this kennel club compare with its U.S. equivalent, the Westminster Kennel Club?
What skills do the dogs featured in The Secret Life of Dancing Dogs have to showcase in the Crufts Freestyle competition. The Heel to Music contest? Do trainers also have to demonstrate skills while on the floor?
TV Details
- Premiere date: November 17, 2023
- Cast: Marianne Elis Methi , Jennifer Fraser , Lorna Syrett , Christine Béczes
- Network: Hulu
- Genre: Reality TV
- Topics: Sports and Martial Arts , Cats, Dogs, and Mice
- Character Strengths: Communication , Perseverance , Teamwork
- TV rating: NR
- Last updated: December 4, 2023
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