When do you start stacking?Question:For all of you who breed/show, at what age do you start stacking your dogs. I have noticed different stacks for GSD's vs. Other dogs. Answer: I starting attempting to stack Sheena's pups when they were about 4 or so weeks old. The sooner the better. Nicole & Ronan Answer: I prefer training my dogs to free stack, but do begin working with them when they're young, starting roughly at four weeks with bathing and grooming to get them accustomed to being handled, having their feet placed, that sort of thing. At around four months they start their handling classes, and that's as much to expose them to excitment as anything else. One might call me a lazy trainer in this respect, but with my breed, less is generally more. A bigger training concern is that they learn to gait straight. The rest emphasizes having a wonderful time. If they feel good, they'll look good. Once a puppy learns that jumping around like a little idiot won't get them the bait, they start to settle and self stack. A little normal behavior mod takes care of exact foot placement, although they usually require some assistance with the hands on exam part. I'm very indulgent with puppies, expect the judges to be as well. When they've become used to everything, I'll work on a Stay. When that happens depends on the showing schedule and temperament of the dog. It all comes together eventually, with patience and an eye on the things that are important besides points. Answer: I start stacking young. This isnt as much a " training time" as I do it at the cookie times of the days or dinner times etc. ( with the borzois) They get us to having their legs handled etc . With the shepherds it starts young. And actual real hands on from the start. Some pick up the proper position quicker than others. Using my left hand to help balence the back right leg. The stack should always be the same position with the right leg back. Answer: But I have seen GSD dogs in a different stance or stack tham man of the other dogs in the ring....are both stacks acceptable? Also....I noticed in one of the thread a few months back someone was stacking a boxer on small pieces of wood. Answer: OK ...I feel really silly asking this..but what is stacking?? Answer: Stacking is like when you put them in show position for conformation shows, like westminster. Answer: I thought it might have something to do with that.. Thank you! Answer: German shepherds are stacked different then the other breeds. There is the three point stack for GSD and the Four point stack for other breeds. I start stacking at about 6 to 7 weeks,but it is just a game we play.I place the feet,they hold it for a few seconds and then we play and treat. Some people use the blocks.Happy legs http://www.happylegs.com/ I don't as I don't use these for 1 my dogs are structurly sound enuff to stack on their own,and I feel this is a quick fix for dog who are not structurly sound(as it forces them to stand in this postition for fear of falling off them)again just my opinion. |
|