How to Train a Dog Proper Gait in the Show Ring

If you're showing your dog, you know the importance of your dog being well groomed and healthy. But what you may not know is that the way your show dog moves or "gaits" in the show ring is also incredibly important. There are many things you can do to train your dog have a proper gait in the show ring.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

1. Put your dog's leash and collar on correctly and make sure your dog is comfortable with the leash and collar. It should be high up on the dog's neck. The collar shouldn't pinch your dog or be so loose that it slips off.

2. Be on the dog's right since the judges like to the look at the dog's left side.

3. Walk back and forth with your dog, making your dog change direction with a smooth circle movement. When training your dog, put cones at each corner and circle your dog around them.

4. Decide what the best speed for the two of you is. If you walk too fast, your dog will strain to keep up or may fight you a little. If your gait is too slow, the dog will get ahead of you. Make the dog move with you, always keeping him at your side so you're moving in unison.

Tips & Warnings

• Consider using a clicker whenever your dog does something right. This will train them to move at the correct speed and stop at appropriate times.
• Keep the lead loose rather than taut so your dog doesn't try to pull away from you or move their head incorrectly.
• Never let a dog sit when in the show ring unless the judges tell you.