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Originally Posted by maggiesmom_2007  Okay here goes.
Mind you this is what I do and it has been working well for me. The first book I recommend is Tricks of the Trade by Pat Hastings. It has alot of very useful info . Also a book by Pat Hastings is Another Piece of the Puppy Puzzle.
Okay the first thing you need is a show lead one that has a kindness collar, it's not really a collar just a piece of material that prevents the dog from damage to it's trachea. the next thing you need is a favorite treat. I use chicken breast boiled.
If you have more than one pup take them out individually so they get one on one time for training. I start out taking a piece of chicken and letting them taste it then take it away and let the lead go under the chin so that it's not over the head. and I coax them to walk praising them when they do and if they stop or do the bucking against the lead I show them the chicken again. I keep training to 5 min intervals. Then we go sit and play. The total training and playing lasts about 30 minutes. I like to switch up walking and standing still . For table training it is basically talking and treating the pup each time you put it up on the table. Start with letting the pup check out the table and work towards getting him/her to stand. I also like to get them to stand anytime I can. Sometimes just sitting at my desk I will stack them on the desk or in my lap. Once they get about 5 months I like taking them to shows to get them acclimated to the sounds and we have a wonderful outdoor mall that I like to take them to for socialization. |
I too like the book by Pat Hastings.
The kindness leads can be bought at most shows that come near your area. They also can be ordered on line.
Make sure you know how to place the lead on the neck.
Show handling classes are great if you can find some in your area.
I stack Yorkie puppies on my lap, at least a couple of times a day. And treat/reward... I use special treats for show ring that they only will ever get there. I use some lamb, or some chicken, or a teeny bit of cheese.
First is getting them used to the "stance position", next is to have them "stay in that position".
There are some on line videos that show you "how to stack".
As the puppies become older 4+ months, and have learnt how to stand and stay, I will place their paws on some pieces of wood about 2" above the table top, and then stand in front of them and treat. This will help to teach them not to move their legs. They actually sell a fancy steel, magnetized set of rounded paw lifts. I've not bought one yet, but it is on my wish list
One very good exercise for gait and to strengthen up the muscles is cavaletti training ...yes the kind that is done with horses. I use cut up old brooms. Try for at least eight pieces. The distance you start with is the height at their withers.
I practice with the pup everywhere, indoors, backyard, at the pet store, when we go to the vet, etc etc. I too take them to shows at about 4+ months, and try to use the rings after show is over.
Free stacking is amazing if you can train your pup to do. Most Yorkie exhibitors how-ever do kneel and "help" their dog to stack. I've only seen a couple of exhibitors do this. Razzle will free stack very well.
Like anything else, focus on you is taught along with all the other things.