How to Train a Puppy for Shows
- 1). Name your puppy as soon as you receive him. Puppies easily learn their names and yours will begin to associate himself with the name you give him.
- 2). Teach her to look at you on command. When showing your puppy in the ring, she needs to be able to focus on you and to pose. Start by teaching her that commands offer a pleasant experience. Use the word that you want to mean focus, such as the word "treat." Use it from the very first days that you have your puppy. When your puppy is fed, repeat the word that you have chosen. She will quickly learn that the word is associated with positive things. As she gets older, the word "treat" will mean that she needs to stop and look at you; at that point, you can offer treats from your hand.
- 3). Stack him properly. Stacking is the stance that your puppy will need to take while in the ring. Stacking allows the judges to look at the puppy and see if his composition follows that of his breed. As soon as you get him, stand him up and align his body properly. Hold him in that position as you count to 20. The next time you do it, increase the number you count to. Gradually increase the amount of time you hold him in the stacking position. Reward him each time at the end of the counting. Your puppy will soon learn the way he is to stand to please you.
- 4). Introduce her to new people on a regular basis. When your dog is in the show ring, judges will not only be touching her, but will be moving her and lifting her gums. Make sure that your puppy will be comfortable with this by introducing her to plenty of people who will move her and lift her gums.
- 5). Socialize him with other dogs. In the show ring, he will be one of many dogs competing. If seeing other dogs overexcites him or causes aggression, he will not be judged in the best light. He will need to learn to have control around many other dogs.
- 6). Lead her with a loose lead. Practice having your puppy walk with a loose lead right beside you. A good way to start is to put the lead on the puppy and then walk away. Allow the puppy to follow you with her lead on, but without you applying any tension to it. Once comfortable with the lead, you can lift it and begin working with your puppy to walk alongside you. Having a treat hidden in your hand is a great way to make sure your puppy stands beside you while walking.
- 7). Groom your dog frequently. Your dog will need to look his best during the show. Grooming should be comfortable for your puppy. The only way to get your dog comfortable is to get him used to it. Constant grooming and touching of your dog helps him to associate grooming as a positive experience.