[Sharon Marples]

As with the others, the first thing is to keep it fun!

What we normally tell puppy owners is to work first on just getting the dog to stand and stay. Don't worry where his feet are at the beginning. Just get him to stand and stay for a few seconds at a time, then treat him and praise him up.

Once he has gotten the hang of standing and staying, then gently work on placing his feet so he is standing square. Place them one at a time, telling him to stand and stay with each one and being very gentle about it. As you place the back legs, keep a bit of pressure on them and gently rub them so he gets used to having people work on his back legs. You also need to get him used to the testicle exam. Just be gentle. As he gets used to having you handle his legs, then you can start to extend the back legs out a bit.

Teach him to trot without jumping and leaping around. He should move next to you or he can even be out in front of you just a bit. Just not in front enough where he can cross over and trip you. Most handlers like the dog to gait next to them as they go around the ring.

If you can get him to stand and stay, have him so he will trot next to you and let you look at his teeth, if the handler is at all experienced, they can get the rest done :-)