Teaching a dog to stand for bench show
Posted: Sat Mar 15, 2003 9:04 pm
How do you go about training young dogs to stand for bench competition.
Big Dog
Big Dog
Kim, I start when they are pups. Get them used to being up on a platform of some kind up off the ground. If a pup starts out wanting to crouch down, try tickling their belly and slightly pushing up at the same time. Once they are standing up straight (back level), start concentrating on getting them to stand still for you. This can be done several different ways. Keep all distractions away at this time (puppy stage). I carry my pups out in front of my house to my picnic table, away from the other dogs and all distractions. Get `em up straight, learn `em to hold still by grasping the nape of the neck (like their mom will do when young),pat their belly and hold you hand under their neck and rub. The neck-rubbing will often feel so good to them they will stand there still as long as you continue. After a few minues, give `em a treat and tell `em "good boy, good boy". Repitition, over & over & over, every day, often as you can.
I have found if you start them at this young, it is MUCH easier to train. My oldest daughter (7years old) has been working her pup at benching alot lately. She (her and pup) are doing great. She just took "Best Puppy" at the last hunt with her pup! Of couse the pup/dog must have good conformation to begin with to make any effort worthwhile. Look closelyat the breed standard first, and decide (unbiasedly) if the pup/dog has the proper conformation to invest the time & effort into first before beginning training.
Good luck!