Hi everyone,

I have new doggie who is just over 12 months old and we have had him almost 4 weeks now. He's a lovely boy, super temperment and gets on so well with my others. I'm at the moment trying to get to grips with handling and showing him to his best, he's been playing me up a bit dropping his head and messing about. He doesn't watch me or focus on me for rewards like my girl does when showing him. He likes food but doesn't go the top for treats, I need to get him watching and listening to me. Would really appreicate some advice on this and some very smelly tasty treats I could use to get him more interested. His breeder shows him beautifully he looks amazing when she handles him so I know I have alot of work to do and he's a young dog. Any advice and suggestions would be great!

Thanks :)

Do you think things will improve as your relationship with him develops over time?

As far as smelly treats, how about a good strong cheese? My Lab will do just about anything for it! (Do go carefully though as dairy can upset some dogs stomachs.)

Good luck,

Julie

Make sure you know exactly where you want his feet, do it as quickly as possible so you're not fussing around for too long, (advice from breeder!):-)

Arh, have you seen me...... sometimes I have shocker and fuss too much! I still get a little nervous showing and having been showing for 2 years now, more with the young lad than my girl who is so easy to show and will go around on a loose lead. I'm sure my boy and I will get to that stage just takes time. lol

Sausage or chicken always made mine go well.  But beware of relying too much on treats in case one day you forget them.

Good luck and hope you do well.

Slippers treat is Sausage and Flurry's is cheese. The smeller the better.  Both also like Liver - really smelly.

By the sounds of it you still don't quite have that bond with your boy yet if you've only had him 4 weeks and until then his been with the breeder.

I suggest you do some "bond building" with him.  Lots of one to one fun time, get out to training clubs (ringcraft and/or obedienc). 

He knows what to do but at a guess you two just don't yet "click"  I've had this with dogs before which I handle but they connect immediently with my brother.  I normally win them round by spending time one to one which is fun and not always ringcraft. :)  Also when training to stand and move make it really fun at the end.  I will sometomes stop part way though and just start playing with the dog, really picks them up and don't really have dogs "not show" for me unless they are in a stubborn mood! :-D  then there's just nothing to do!

Having the show chain further up his neck might give you more control if he's not paying attention. At least to begin with until you both get more used to each other. If you can, get his breeder to handle him and see if you can pick up some tips.