How to train a "show dog".

[borzoimom]

Okay- finally you have gotton that wonderful pup, from beautiful lines, parents tested free of genetic problems, and wonderful show lines, and now you want to get to get started.. Now what? .. There is a myth that you never teach a show dog to "sit". First of all, this is not true however "sit" is taught as a seperate event, and never praised with " treats". Training to "bait" ( stand and look pretty for the judge") is started with like "cookie time" or when you are holding the food bowl. I use the word " Okay". The reason is that casual talk like " Okay- one time around the ring " etc- the dog will suddenly look at the judge for a one last impression.. This is done at any opportunity and done daily.
Second of all- anytime you are training for show, the pup should wear a show collar and lead, or the combination type. Pups ( adult dogs) can quickly tell by the type of collar or lead what is expected. Therefore for training obedience, you will use a totally different collar and lead. Keep them always seperate in their use and it will be less confusing for the dog. After the pup is leash trained- put on the show collar and lead, say " lets go" and walk just quick enough for the pup to trot- do not go too far- just enough to make a full stride a few times- like 12-20 paces, turn 180 degrees, praise and talk happily and come back. As you near the end point, slow your stride, getting the pup in front of you with you saying " okay". Pup looks at you. At first accept the attention etc, later start to dely the treat when the dog is standing more square etc. ( stances like the shepherd is trained differently- I will make a second addition to this if anyone wants the training a shepherd to show..) Remember to always keep this a happy time but not chaos. ..
Finally all this time, when the pup is slightly tired practice standing ( "the stack"). The left side of the dog is always the judges side ( unless you are in Europe), so you would be on the right side of the dog. Have your breeder show you the breed stack. Practice this like twice a day, and later after understood, practice this in other places. Like a parking lot, at the vet, in the dog park etc.
Now its time to put it all together. Keep it short and sweet. "Stack" the dog, pause have someone just run their hands down the dog calmly and relaxed. ( exam more as the dog gains confidence.). Other person says " okay down and back" - you trot the dog down, turn come back, getting in front of the dog at the end- you say " okay" pause. Then friend says " okay- once around please" and you make a trotting circle with the dog.. DONE..
/** One more important note- whenever the pup in play starts to really animate- strutting around like with a toy in the mouth etc, clap and cheer. ( not too loud at first). They need to learn and associate this with a joyous time, and a noise they need to get use too. This includes beautiful trotting inthe yard etc .**/
When training obedience. Use a different collar and lead. Train in a different area.