am i expecting to much to expect my puppy to keep his head up while on the lead?
whether he,s on or off the lead his head is down constantly sniffing the ground
we go to our first show in 6 weeks time so we are preparing our up and down and triangle , but i cant get her head up
shall i try titbits? dont want to start something i,ll be sorry i started or am i being paranoid and it will all come together *********** sometime?

To be honest it will probably be far WORSE at a show, in a ring where lots of other dogs have been before, sometimes bitches in season too, so yes, I'd use titbits or a toy to get his attention at shows and when practising. During normal walks I'd let him sniff -he's reading his newspaper so to speak. :)

Can you practise where there isn't the opportunity to sniff - i.e. a boring bit of concrete?  I know that the show ground won't be like that nor the indoor rings generally but perhaps if the opportunity or interest isn't there to begin with.

How old is your pup?

If necessary I would use titbits just to show what you want - then remove the titbit and just follow your hand - give treat after few steps.

I would also start by rewarding the littlelist bit of what you want - i.e. if two steps with head up to begin with reward lavishly then slowly increase.

Hope this helps? 

One of my friends sticks Olbas oil on the end of her dogs nose to stop it.  I am sure I was advised that when I showed my beagle.

During normal walks I'd let him sniff -he's reading his newspaper so to speak

*chuckles* i like that :)

he,s nearly 5 months and does it on the mat at class

>One of my friends sticks Olbas oil on the end of her dogs nose to stop it.  I am sure I was advised that when I showed my beagle.

I know someone who did this.  They tried it first time at a CH Show, the dog held his head up so high he couldn't walk properly and his eyes and nose were streaming and he drooled for ages :-D :-D :-D

Be careful and try it out before the show if you use it ;)

Then I would be using a titbit for now then just to give him the idea of what you want - hold it in front - nice and tasty and smelly!  Lots of encouragement too.

good luck with him

Sorry should have clarified that point I never put it directly on to the nose on to a tissue then rubbed it on the nose.  It is very strong so definately would recomend direct :)  It is also good for when you have a bitch in season nearby to help.

Gosh my nearly 5 month old won't even walk on the lead yet she just bounces everywhere dreading showing her next month!!  She does stand nicely now though :)  Oh well suppose a dog with character is better than a statue.

I'm having troubles too, standing is brill just the walking on a lead is a struggle, it's more of a gentle drag. She is also holding a front paw up from time to time when standing, any ideas for getting her to keep all four paws down, she is only 16 weeks. Sorry for changing subject. Any advice very welcome Lois