I am learning to show my beagle in junior showmanship. He also is shown in conformation. He free stacks perfectly for our handler but when I try to do it his legs are completly off and he won't look forward. And when I bait him he jumps on me! Any advice???
2007-10-09 15:46:01 · 7 answers · asked by uhmuhmuhm 2 in Pets ➔ Dogs
My handler lives in a different state!
2007-10-09 15:52:09 · update #1
Free stacking a Beagle is actually easier than it is with most breeds. To the point that when we enter the ring we free stack instead of getting down on the ground to stack them. You also want to start out practicing when stationary, not at the end of a down & back.
My observation when most have a problem with free stacking is that they move the bait way to much.With a small dog like a Beagle you want to bait low otherwise you will roach the dog by having looking strait up instead of forward. So with the bait at your belt buckle if you find that you are consistently moving it more than about 6 inches, there is a problem.
When the dog jumps up on you, you are actually getting close. Just take a step toward the dog. The dog has to get down in order to back up.
Squaring a dogs feet takes a little practice with any dog. Right now both the dog and you need to learn how, so be patient. In simple terms to square the dogs back feet, move toward the dog making it take a step back. To square the front feet move slightly to the opposite side of the foot you want the dog to move. From there it is just a matter of learning how to finesse your movements.
Have fun and keep practicing!!
2007-10-10 02:42:20 · answer #1 · answered by tom l 6 · 2⤊ 0⤋
OK here is the story:
If he stacks for the handler and not for you then you need to lean the way the handler is doing it.
If that is not possible then your dog will need to become familiar with two differing styles of stacking.
If you know the correct procedure for stacking just work with the dog until he gets it right.
The handler is probably rougher than you, takes less guff and that is the rough you need to follow.
Ive been down the road if I can help just drop me a line.
2007-10-09 16:11:38 · answer #2 · answered by cashflow_2000 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Let's see... maybe try teaching him to stack using clicker training? Karen Pryor has an e-book on how to do it (see link below).
Otherwise, your handler's timing is probably excellent. Offer that bait only when he keeps his feet on the floor, then only when his feet are correctly positioned, then only when his feet and head are correct, then when he's stacked properly with a good expression. It will take a little time, but is totally possible.. he's already doing it for your handler!
2007-10-09 15:51:56 · answer #3 · answered by Sarah 2 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Have the handler or another handler work with you and the dog. I have lots of trouble getting my Dachshunds to free stack for me. They want to come to me because I'm their owner. If I take a step back, they follow.....
2007-10-09 15:49:39 · answer #4 · answered by gringo4541 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Freestacking any dog... the free stacking part is further down the page.
http://www.dragonflyllama.com/%20DOGS/Writing/confstack.html
I've found the part that talks about moving the bait in an arch in front of the dog to be very helpful.
2007-10-09 16:03:06 · answer #5 · answered by animal_artwork 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Practice practice practice. He is used to his regular handler but that means he'll get used to you quickly too.
If he stacks off, bait him forward, backward, or even fix his leg then treat him.
Keep practicing!
2007-10-09 16:04:58 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
He looks at the handler like a pack leader and looks at you as a fun member of the pack.
2007-10-09 15:50:29 · answer #7 · answered by Hoosier Daddy 5 · 1⤊ 3⤋