Hi

I have previously shown dogs before but none that needed 'baited'.

I am due to acquire a rottie puppy soon (currently own a 9yr old but never shown her) and are going to go to Ringcraft classes with him. However, in the meantime I would be very interested to hear from anyone with any tips on baiting. How soon should I begin training (I do not want to start too early and make him tire of it). Also, do I need to just at first get the puppy to stand still and give a treat when he does as he is told - then progress further until he is in proper show pose?

What I have sometimes witnessed at various shows is that the dogs get so fixated on the bait some of them get quite giddy, jumping up at the vital time the judge is looking them over. I am also wanting to know when to actually give them the liver? As I do not want to show the judge a gob full of slimy meaty teeth!!

Any advice would be welcome :)

Thanks

Hi,
I start showtraining as soon as I can - from about 7 weeks - at every mealtime I try to get the pup to stand still, all 4 feet on the ground, before I give him his food. (I also hold the bowl at pup's chest height, so that a) he doesn't start guarding his food from hands, and b) so that he doesn't spoil his shoulders). Then I progress to making him stand a little longer and in a better show pose, telling him to 'stand'. By the time he starts ringcraft at about 14 weeks he should already have grasped the basic idea.

And once in the ring, don't give the bait just before the judge is going to go over him!! Put it back in your pocket/bumbag until when your turn is over. Then praise, praise, praise and treat. (And never throw the bait on the ground - it's infuriating for other dogs and handlers.)

Good luck!

Thank you very much for your help.

What an excellent idea of using the food bowl, I will definitely do this!!

Would you advise on any particular books that may be helpful? I am not just wanting to learn about basic stacking & gaiting, but more in-depth about conformation and movement etc.

Thanks

whereabout do you live and perhaps someone can recommend a ringcraft training class near to you