The American Beagler Forum

Can someone give some pointers on stacking a beagle. I have a 10 week old pup that I would like to start working with, but have never done it before. I remember reading a well-written post with pictures on one of the boards, but I can't seem to find it now. Any advice would be greatly apprectiated. Thanks.

Mike

I call this "stacking for beginners" and while it will not place the dog in a perfect stack, it will be close and give the handler some idea of what they are looking for.
First off place a large mirror on a wall so that you can look at the dog in the mirror and see what others will see instead of looking down at the dog.
Place the thumb and index finger along each side of the dogs lower jaw and neck. With the other hand place two fingers under the rear of the dog (one finger on each side of the dogs -----) With both hands in this position lift the dog strate up and then strate back down onto the table, and you will find that the dog is very close to where it should be when stacked.

tom

Thanks Tom. I tried that the other day but she just wanted to hunker down. I think she may not have been used to me yet. I want to work with her while she is young but I think I may just need to give her a little more time to get used to me. I will keep doing that with her till she will stand and then get more into it later on. I have heard stuff like put them right on the edge of a table or on a glass table and they will tend to stand more still. But the one post I read gave a couple pressure points and I cant remember exactly how to do it.

I tried that the other day but she just wanted to hunker down

Quite normal, just be patient. When you are holding the dog up as I discribed, try raking the pups toenails (not any pressure on the feet -- just touching) across the surface of the table (in a rearward motion). Then when you set the pup on the table keep your hands in place like you are going to lift it again.
I like the ones that try to hunker down at first, it's the ones that try to tuck their feet up when you lift them that can be a pain.

but I think I may just need to give her a little more time to get used to me

NO,,,, let her get use to you by doing what you want her to do. But,,,,
only for one minute per lesson at this stage, and 3-4 times a day.

The pup in this pic was only 2 weeks older than yours
when this pic was taken


tom

here is an Article that my Wife Wrote and had in TAB awhile back maybe it will help Some, it is in Word format and takes a few min to download. it has some nice pics in it and i think she does a great Job Explainin How.
http://home.earthlink.net/~tjcrewse/id26.html

Thanks for the advice Tom. I will keep at it then. Thanks TC. That is the article I was looking for. I will print it off and make sure I keep it this time. Thanks guys.

Mike

With puppies, start it easy and simple, don't stress it too much, when they come to the age when you should start practicing for the ring (about four or five months) then you can start the real training. start by finding treats he REALLY likes or a favorite toy. Then practice with lead training. Have him follow you, talk to him, and give him treats. then when you stop, say his name or a command to stand such as stand, stay, stack, etc. and have him look at you. once he's styaed and has looked at you for a while, give him treats and lots of kisses. What works really well is to VERY excited, pretty soon, he'll love to do it for you when he knows you like. You can do this all the time, just keep it short and simple. and right before he get's tired and when he's still loving it stop. this will keep hima sking for more. Good luck in the ring!