First of all, am I right in thinking that only little dogs are put onto a table as part of the showing process? (Can't imagine how you'd get a Dane up there!)

Secondly, I was wondering whether there was a recommended way to introduce stacking up to a pup - or any do's or don'ts. I was just going encourage him to stand still for a few moments ("snowball in hell" springs to mind) and then give him a reward. Any thoughts anyone?

Thanks

Jo

Hi Jo,
Yes you're right - only little breeds are 'table dogs' (saves the judge getting lumbago bending down to examine the tinies!)

Can't help with stacking I'm afraid - my breed is shown freestanding and is never stacked. I start teaching them to stand at mealtimes - before they get the food they have to have all 4 feet on the floor. As soon as they stand still, tail wagging, they get their dinner. As they get the hang of it they have to wait a little longer as I introduce the command 'show off'. Once the penny has dropped we can practice it all over the place.

Might help a bit!
:)

Excellent advice, thanks JG!

Jo

i start stacking all my pups up from about 5 weeks, for a few minutes each day, they soon get the idea if your persistant, by the time the litters ready to go i can stack them all up and point out what i see as the differences between them, so all any show home owner has to do is keep the training up once the pups moved in with them, on leaving here theyre stacked-mouths used to being gone in, and nails so short you can hardly see them

I like to practice standing my youngsters in front of a full length mirror( or a patio window might do the trick). This makes it easier to see any mistakes that I am making.....I'm guilty of over extending my dogs, so I'm informed :o

This should work whever your breed is stacked or free standing and as Dizzy said earlier, spend a few minutes each day from an early age and by 6 months they'll be as solid as a rock in the ring :) (That's the theory anyway, it doesn't quite work like that for me!!!)

Please, please remember that it is possible to overdo things as well.

I personally know of the most beautiful, well-bred bitch who is absolutely superb, no faults and many outstanding qualities who was ruined by over enthusiastic stacking (too long, too often). She will not stand or show at all now and the owner has had to put all their showing plans on hold until they can motivate her to stand for judging and it is taking a long time. :( :(

Regards
Dill

Don't worry, we don't spend longer than about 3 minutes on anything !

Jo :)

Hows the little 'un doing Jo ? :)

He's an absolute cracker Lel! He has really started to settle in and relax, and has bonded well with my hubby. He gives me such a welcome in the morning I could cry (I'm never that cheerful to see anyone at 6.30am :D). The only problem (though it's not really a problem) is that he's so darn intelligent - he's always looking for something new to do. I'm running out of things to teach him! He's already got the hang of sit, down, a short sit stay and recall. I'm really looking forward to being able to take him out properly (he just gets carried at the moment) and see how he copes with distractions.

We're working on "drop it" at the moment ... as in "please drop the telephone, you little **>!!"

Thanks for asking :)

Jo