How to Teach a Dog to Hold a Position in the Show Ring

All across the nation, dog shows are exhibiting dogs that represent the best physical conformation in their breed standard. If you're lucky enough to acquire a show prospect dog, be aware that he or she won't just walk out into the ring and hold the position the judges require, you'll need to teach your dog the correct moves.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

1. Start when your dog is still a puppy for the best results. Although you can train a young adult dog who has the correct body conformation, it's easier to work with a puppy. By the time your pup is three months old, you can begin to teach him to hold a show position, called "stacking."

2. Offer treats as rewards for standing in the correct position. In addition, praise your dog every time he follows your directions. He'll soon learn that by obeying, he receives a tasty snack.

3. Use a show lead when you teach your dog conformation skills. The show lead is slightly different from a traditional leash and collar as it is much thinner and you will position it forward, just underneath your dog's jaw line and hold it straight up to encourage your dog to hold his head high.

4. Lift your dog's left leg by reaching gently under his left elbow and positioning it so his toes are directly under his shoulder. Tell him to "Stay" and repeat the procedure with his right leg, telling him again to "Stay" when it is in the correct position.

5. Position your dog's hind legs by reaching around behind him, not over his back, and gently grab his leg in the knee area. Adjust his leg back slightly until his toes are directly beneath his hock. Give him the "Stay" command and repeat the procedure with his other leg.

6. Use the "Stay" command each time you position a leg until your dog understands that he must remain in the stack position. You may have to repeat the leg positioning a number of times before he gets the idea. Keep your voice firm but gentle and end the training session if your puppy becomes upset. In the long run, you'll have better results if you don't force the issue.

7. Praise your dog as he learns to hold the position. As he gets used to the idea, have him hold it just a little bit longer each time, until he can easily comply with your request for a minute or longer. Reward him with a treat and a tickle behind the ears each time he does it right.

Tips & Warnings

• After you teach your dog to stack and hold the position, get him used to the exam a judge will use in the show ring. Run your hands over his muzzle; check his teeth and gums then proceed to feel his back, his front and hindquarters and his hocks. In time, he will accept the exam without breaking his stack position.