Hello,

I have a 4 month old American Cocker puppy.  Does anyone have any tips or techniques to get her to hold the proper show pose.  She's arching her back the wrong way and her legs are not extened back far enough.  How often should I work on training her?

Thanking you in advance,

Hi, if they are close enough, your best bet would be to talk to the breeder, and get them to show you.    If they are too far away to help you need a training club, and join your local Cocker Club too.  You often find a pup will be tense on the table at first, and they often try to roach a little.  Work on getting the pup relaxed and happy on the table, first just playing with him and giving tidbits.  Then start stacking briefly, working of the leg positioning, and ignore the top line, it should relax and slope into position as the pup gets happier with the pose.   A lot of American trainers use cans, or things called "happy legs" to teach the pup to put its legs into the right position.  this is hard to explain without having the pup here to show you.  If you cant get help from your breeder let me know and I will try & put you in touch with someone in your state.
bye
Gwen

Thank you Gwen.  Unfortunately our breeder lives far away and we don't have an American Cocker club in our area.  Do you know anybody in St Louis Missouri that could help me?  What about conformation classes?  There are some in our area but they are not specific to American Cockers, do you think that matters?

Hi, I think any confirmation class would help.  If you like I can post a request on the "Showcockers" list, for anyone in the area who would be willing to help and mentor you and pup.  You can PM me if you would rather.
bye
Gwen