What does this term mean folks? Standing your dog correctly or something a bit more techincal?

Also, I was just reading a thread on baiting the dog so it lifts it's head nice & high. How important is this? i.e. my dobe will happily stare at the clouds with vacant expression but how high is too high and how does it alter the profile of the dog? Does it encourage a certain line or feature to stand out more?

Ta

Lady G

Stacking means standing your dog by placing it in the correct position .Each breed is individual-some require that their head is held high and some not.Gazing at the sky is not ideal as judges need the dog to look at them to be able to judge their expression.
I dog with a head held too high will effect its backline and may cause the dog to lean back which will mean the dog won't look right stacked.
Watch some champ classes and study the handlers(good ones) and then go and practice in front of a mirror or window!!
Good luck,Archer

Hmm. (imagining oneself standing in front of mirror and lifting head to examine profile) Well, it would make my chest stand out better but I don't see how it will help the dog old chap! :D

Okay, will try give it a go. Actually, it's a rather good idea if I can get Hugo to stop growling at his own reflection. Seeing it from the judge's point of view, I mean. Why don't dogs realise it's their own reflection by the way?

Ta!

Lady G

It won't help your dog-the whole idea is so you can see what your doing right/wrong.for example if your lifting his head too high and causing him to lean back.
Like you say it gives you a look at what the judges see -examine some good pictures of well stacked dogs or watch dogs in the ring and compare....just have to make sure I ignore my butt when I do it or I'd never set foot in public again LOL
Archer

Hi,
If you want to know what "stacking" a dobe looks like, the easiest thing to do (apart from actually getting a zoom in view at shows etc is to look on some websites, such as dogclub.co.uk and go on the doberman site, I found the Chaanrose site good (got Basenjis which I was looking at, but also Dobermans). You'll get an idea where the head is supposed to be and where the feet are supposed to be placed.