Show training

Sada

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#1
Jack likes to move loose lead while showing, but I don't feel i have the control I need. The other problem is, if I have the lead is held tight he tends to not show well. He won't hold his head up.

I can always get him to move properly at home tight or loose, but at a show he tends to act up. I don't know if he is ring smart, he may well be, or if he just has alot of pent up energy but he has been improving alot lately. I always use a novel bait that he only gets when in the ring at a show so that he is interested.

It didn't help that there was a girl in season this weekend, I am sure, because he constantly wanted to sniff the ground while we were in the ring.

If anyone has any suggestions as to how to get him to move with his head up and be happy, I would greatly appreciate it.


PS. Unfortunately the one option I don't have, which would really help, is to take him to conformation classes (or any type of classes for that matter) because I work second shift and the classes are only offered at night.
 

Mayasmydobe

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#2
maybe... hmm I dont think i qualified to give advice for a show dog, but what I would do, is loop the leash under his chin so that when he drps his head, you can give a subtle reminder to lift it back up. and as soon as he lifts it up praise him.

But then again, I know absolutly NOTHING about showing, so I dont know if it would work or not.
 

rutylr

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#3
maybe... hmm I dont think i qualified to give advice for a show dog, but what I would do, is loop the leash under his chin so that when he drps his head, you can give a subtle reminder to lift it back up. and as soon as he lifts it up praise him.

But then again, I know absolutly NOTHING about showing, so I dont know if it would work or not.

That would work to keep his head up without constricting him.
I have the same problem as you hard to find AM classes.I drive an 1 1/2 to get to a class.
 

Sada

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maybe... hmm I dont think i qualified to give advice for a show dog, but what I would do, is loop the leash under his chin so that when he drps his head, you can give a subtle reminder to lift it back up. and as soon as he lifts it up praise him.

But then again, I know absolutly NOTHING about showing, so I dont know if it would work or not.
I've tried that and he tilts his head to one side. I am going to try again though and see if I hold the lead a little looser maybe he won't do it.

And just so you know, most people show their dogs that way because it does give more control.
 

Mayasmydobe

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oHHH COOL! So my advice wasnt to wacky resulting in a "WHHHHATTTT ARE YOU THINKING?!"
thats what I was expecting. lol

I hope you find something that works for Mr. Jack!
 
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#6
Have you tried putting a "tight" collar around the upper part of his neck where you want the show lead to sit, then going out to play with him?? This would get him used to having something tight around his neck (without choking him of course) and should help decrease the head tilt. They have puppy-type collars with plastic snaps that would work great for this. You want it to be snug without restricting any breathing.

Anyway, just an idea I had, dunno if it would work or not...BTW the game should be a lot of fun for him to help him forget about the snug collar and just enjoy himself.
 
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#7
Hand targeting. Teach him to touch his nose to your hand on command. After he can do that take it on the move. Practice at home first. Leash in your left hand, walk slowly, hold your right hand out in front of his face and tell him to "touch", or whatever command you use. Do this multiple times until you can get him to do it at a trot. This way, you have a fun, non-aversive way to get him to lift his head in the ring without tightening your lead.
 

SizzleDog

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#8
And just so you know, most people show their dogs that way because it does give more control.
It also can be used to hide a bad front (which Jack doesn't have) or throw off a front when they move - a double edged sword, unfortunately.

So how *did* the show go last weekend, Sada?
 

Sada

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#9
Thanks everyone for your help. I now have a few things to try.

It also can be used to hide a bad front (which Jack doesn't have) or throw off a front when they move - a double edged sword, unfortunately.

So how *did* the show go last weekend, Sada?
I have a feeling that is exactly what it may have done at times, throw off his front I mean.

The show when as it normally does. Jack is starting to show more though. I did get alot of good grooming and handling advice from the lady that had the other special. She showed me how to make him look like he has more bone. She also showed me how to show off his front and topline while stacking. I also got to see Ross in person. WOW!! His handler is a very nice lady. BTW. Ross took BIS on Sunday.
 

chanda

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#10
Thanks everyone for your help. I now have a few things to try.



I have a feeling that is exactly what it may have done at times, throw off his front I mean.

The show when as it normally does. Jack is starting to show more though. I did get alot of good grooming and handling advice from the lady that had the other special. She showed me how to make him look like he has more bone. She also showed me how to show off his front and topline while stacking. I also got to see Ross in person. WOW!! His handler is a very nice lady. BTW. Ross took BIS on Sunday.
did you take some pictures of the show????
 

Dekka

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#11
What about shaping what you want with his gaiting? C/T when his head is up. Make keeping his head up HUGELY rewarding? (without trying to force him too, and causing tension, which will change his posture and movement)
 

Sada

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#12
did you take some pictures of the show????
Unfortunately I didn't have time. Jack's breeder (ESetters10) said that her aunt may have gotten some pics, but I haven't seen any yet.
 

Sada

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#13
What about shaping what you want with his gaiting? C/T when his head is up. Make keeping his head up HUGELY rewarding? (without trying to force him too, and causing tension, which will change his posture and movement)
I think that may be what I am trying to do. I am tying to make the lead loose, but not so loose that I loose control, when he has his head up. And, of course, I treat and praise when his head is up.

We are also working on a "No sniff" command for when he has his show lead on. That way he'll learn that the show lead means he can't sniff the ground no matter how interesting something smells. This part will take awhile but we'll get it.

Thanks for the help!!
 

Dekka

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#14
Try the clicker, or a new word sound, that is more specific than just praise. Ie with the clicker you could click for the EXACT head carriage you want.
 

JennSLK

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#15
Watch that what ever you do doesnt make him look at you all the time while gaiting. This can throw off a front.
 

Sada

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#16
Watch that what ever you do doesnt make him look at you all the time while gaiting. This can throw off a front.
That is also part of my problem. I have learned that carrying bait in my hand while moving is not a good thing. Bait in the mouth makes it more accessible with out him seeing it. I have no problems putting it in my mouth as long as it doesn't taste bad.


Dekka said:
Try the clicker, or a new word sound, that is more specific than just praise. Ie with the clicker you could click for the EXACT head carriage you want.
I have tried the clicker, but I don't think I am coordinated to enough to figure out when exactly to click and then being able to treat right away. I am very clumsy when it comes to clicker training.
 

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