Hi all.
I am new to the "show" scene and was wanting some help!
My Boxer pup is only 8 weeks old and I am wanting to show him when he comes of age. I know there are training classes to take him to which i will be doing when he is old enough but until he is I was wanting to get him in the "standing position". I was wondering if there was any kind of trick to do this?

I am trying to get his attention with a piece of meat of cheese but he is just snapping at my fingers to get to it (and those little pins can hurt!).
When i get his attention and try moving his legs into position he either keeps moving each leg as I try and move the other or he trys to sit.

I have not asked him to sit when recieving treats! And the breeder I bought him from is showing the pup he kept and has been "Standing" my pup (Clay) so he could send me pictures of him. He is from Ireland and hard to get hold of and his friend (pups fathers owner) who got Clay for me is away.

Any help would be most apprieciated!

Many thanks.

Michael.

Hi Michael
Really the very easiest option is to go to ringcraft and there be shown exactly what to do and how to go about everything. You can start as soon as your pup is fully vaccinated so you'll only have to wait a couple of weeks. :) The earlier you start the better.

Ok to start with don't move the legs yet :)  Just the standing will do.  To stop the biting get the food and hide it in your hand so non of it is showing.  This makes a dog lick insted of bite.  give the command stand and the relax, praise ad give treat.  He only needs to stand still long enough for you to say "stand" at the moment.  his still a little baby so don't push it! :)  This will just teach him the command that stand means four feet on the floor at the same time.  later you ca think about positioning :)

Good luck

I agree with Ice Queen, even with my puppy who's nearly 12 months old I don't push her to stand square when she's on the floor, though I do try to get her to stay still long enough to stand her properly on the table (not easy!!). Just any old sloppy stand will do for now. :-)