Hi everyone i've just come home from my first ever training Class and I've had a whale of a time, think my dog liked it too!  Never had a puppy before Dicksy, never been to a dog show of any kind either on my own or with a dog!  Never been to a class, was nervous the first time i went in the ring with him (well I only actually went once!).  Dicksy very nervous to begin with went under a chair and wasn't coming out to see all those big doggies but came out with encouragement.  The trainer (unsure what he was called) told me to try and get him to stand for a while everyday making it fun.  Any tips??

hiya

Tips for making it fun a assume you mean!?

What I do is play with the pupy and then say "stand" and put them into the stand.  Then I praise and go back into the game and play for a while then say "stand....and do the 2-3time each playing session.  The stands only last a few seconds but for a pup thats a VERY long time.  In then end make the play just abit of fuss, but not untill his older...

Good luck

Rox

My breed isn't 'stacked' at shows - they all freestand. The best way to teach this is at pup's mealtimes. Instead of teaching him to 'sit' for meals, titbits etc, tell him to 'stand'. When he's in the right position (all 4 feet on the floor, preferably roughly in show stance), give him his meal (and lots of praise) as the reward. If, at the same time, you put your right hand in your pocket while holding his bowl, he'll learn to 'stand' for anyone with their hand in their pocket! (Can be very embarrassing at shows - my bitch would 'show' for anyone!) As he gets better at it, you can refine the 'stand' position. This method has always worked for me.
:)

To add one to JGs suggestion you could always do similar while walking.  When you come to the road get pup to stand next to you rather then sit.  Then praise.

Just thought of that one as I read JG post!!!

Can I just ask what 'stacked' is? sorry to be so dense but this is my first pup and have asked what some of you must think are very basic questions but I honestly have no idea?  Infact last night I saw some breeds of dogs for the first time ever, I have heard them mentioned on here and now know what some look like.  Thanks for all your help and will certainly start doing more of the stand command than the sit one.

Don't worry, no question is silly if you don't know the answer! 'Stacked' is when the dog is held in position in the showring. Other breeds have to be taught to put themselves into the right position.
:)