Teaching Free Stacking

DobeGirl07 · 06-27-2008, 03:22 PM

As most of you know, I am planning on showing my boy Lucius in the next couple of months. We have been working hard getting him ready. I have been working daily on stand, stacking,step, catch bait and watch. I am in the process of teaching him to free stack and to read my body language. I am a COMPLETE NOVICE when it comes to this so I am taking advice from my breeders, dobe friends, and of course you great people on DT!

So what is the best way to teach him to free stack? I would love to hear what you guys do to teach this? Do you first focus on the front feet or back?

I do go to a handling class once a week but she isn't very experience with Dobermans. I am in the process of hiring someone to help me privately who has lots of experience.

Oh I have also been doing some obedience with him at home and he is picking up very quickly by watching his big sister!

I am very proud of both of my dogs!

gracieface · 06-27-2008, 03:32 PM

at a class recently the instructor showed us how she is using a clicker to teach her dogs to free stack, so now I need to get a clicker- she starts small, adding in a bit more each session, start with placement of front feet, the look, then back feet. The breeder I started with also showed me to lean into my dog to back her up into a sit then walk her into a stand, rewarding what you want to see. found teaching "stretch" also helpful, but that one took some time, my dobes are just so food motivated! want to get to the food, hate waiting

DobeGirl07 · 06-29-2008, 08:41 PM

DobeGirl07 · 11-17-2008, 03:29 PM

Again on free stacking. Does anyone know if it works to use cinder blocks for training to free stack? I am trying to get my dogs to free stack and stand square in the show ring.

Julie W · 11-17-2008, 03:41 PM

Toledobes - CONFORMATION TRAINING TIPS by Michelle Santana

DobeGirl07 · 11-17-2008, 03:47 PM

Thank you Julie!

MichelleK · 11-17-2008, 04:41 PM

Some great tips here on stacking:

Conformation Stacking

And here on gaiting:
Conformation Gaiting

Sue Ailsby has some effective training methods - you should check these 2 pages out.

DobeGirl07 · 11-17-2008, 04:43 PM

Michelle, Will you be down in NC anytime soon? Would love to see Tyson!!!