Maybe your breeder has asked you if you would be willing to show a puppy. Maybe you are curious about those dogs you watch on TV. Maybe you have a purebred and you are looking to learn about how to show a dog. One thing is certain – if you want a show dog who wins, there is training involved.<\/p>\n
So how do you begin with a new puppy?<\/strong><\/p>\n Showing a dog is a sport which is properly called ‘conformation’.\u00a0 Another word for conformation would simply be ‘structure’.\u00a0 What you are showing a judge in the show ring is the structure of your dog.\u00a0 If your dog is well structured standing still, their movement should reflect that.\u00a0 So there are two pieces of showing a dog, standing or ‘stacking’, and moving your dog.<\/p>\n First, you must know what skills a show dog requires.\u00a0 Typically, when people start to teach a puppy, the very first thing the pup learns is to sit. However, sitting is the very last thing a show dog needs to do. Show dogs need to learn to stand, and to be very tolerant of people picking up and placing, or ‘stacking’, their paws.<\/p>\n When you first get your puppy, place an equal emphasis on asking your puppy to sit, and asking your puppy to stand.\u00a0 Most everyone has taught a pup to sit, but much fewer have attempted to teach their dog to stand.\u00a0 Here’s a quick tip:\u00a0 when your pup has sat, take a treat, pull it slowly away from their mouth in a line parallel with the floor.\u00a0 First the pup will lean forward, and then attempt to stand.\u00a0 Once they stand, praise them, “Good stand, Fido.” and reward with the treat.\u00a0 If your pup is reluctant to stand, use your other hand to place a little pressure on their belly to help get them into position.<\/p>\n Now that your pup is in a stand, it’s a good idea to have a treat that requires some effort on their part to chow down on.\u00a0 A larger milkbone, or string cheese are great ways to start.\u00a0 Your pup will be focused on what is in your hand, and less on what you are doing.\u00a0 Start playing with their paws, lifting them up and setting them down.\u00a0 You don’t have to worry about any particular position at this point.\u00a0 The idea is just allowing your pup to be content while you are handling their feet and legs.<\/p>\n So, if stacking and moving are the two skills your pup needs, the second thing to get your pup used to is moving at a trot with you, on all sorts of surfaces.\u00a0 Typically a show ring will have some sort of rubber flooring to avoid slipping either of the people or dogs.\u00a0 If you can find somewhere to practice with a similar floor type, that is best.<\/p>\n Speaking of flooring types, one other thing must be said about show dogs.\u00a0 They are confident dogs.\u00a0 They are very well socialized because a judge can excuse or disqualify a dog that growls or nips, or is aggressive in the ring.\u00a0 Every dog should be well socialized.\u00a0 A show dog is exceptionally socialized.<\/p>\n Breed Specific training<\/strong><\/p>\n