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Originally Posted by pluto  I have a 3 y/o rottie , who has been trained european style for sieger shows , and has never been shown at all breed shows either hand stacked or free baited . Basically he isnt alert nor does he get into place unless he is double handled and if one touches him he gets too excited and starts to play . What would be the best sollution to get him to show better in the new circumsthanses. |
First of all, have lots of patience!
With an older dog like this, it can be both harder and easier at the same time. Harder because he has never had to stand and stack and hold it. Easier because he should know some of the commands already, such as "stay" and "stand."
First of all, I would exercise him before practicing the stack. Get him very relaxed, almost tired so that he will be easier to work with as you begin this training. Then work on one thing at a time. Start with the words "stand" and "stay." Don't worry where his feet are at the beginning. Just get him to the point where he will stand and stay where you have him. Then, once he has that down pat, start placing his feet where you want them. Place either the front ones or the rear ones, still using the stand and stay commands. Once he will do that, then go to the other set of legs and do the same. If you do a search on here or Google for "Happy Legs" you will find their website. You can look there to see what they look like and maybe come up with an idea of your own to use in the same manner.
It will just take lots of time and practice. As you stand and stay him, lift up on his collar a bit just to let him know he is to stay in place. Hold a piece of bait or a toy out in front of him so you can get his attention and a nice facial expression. If he lunges for the toy or bait, then put them away and just hold your hand out so he will focus on it.
I'm sure that with a bit of time, he will come around and will be hand-stacking perfectly for you. Keep us posted as to his progress and be patient!
