Stacking

[Valentine]

I am just wondering how you train a dog to stack? None of my dogs will do it...they get too excited. I know i'm not showing or breeding any of my dogs, but it would be nice, for pictures.

[targonrotts]

i start by teaching the stand/stay.
from sit, i lure them to a stand with a treat and say the word.
as they get better, i use my hand on collar and belly and then treat,
then it gets to the point where i say the word and move my hand forward and they stand.
if too hyper for treat, use dry dog food kibble instead so not so hyper. or try a toy.
lots of patience and praise, you'll get it.

[JemarsSerena]

I taught Serena by leading her nose out with a treat. When she started to follow it with her nose she would have to stand to get and then I say "stand". If she doesn't stand right away I would nudge her underside with my foot. Once up, praise and treat.

[pluto]

Stacking is as much of an art as it is science,If you have a puppy from birth (hence most likely a breeder) then start to do "Fun" table stacks at about 4 weeks or so , get them to stack (never be rough) and encourage them with treats , a bit of hard work at this age will pay big rewards later in life . Once you get to the the 12 weeks and over then basically work on Stay and the Sit command however do not " punish or be harsh to the dog as at this age the dog is teething and may not find it fun to train . After that is basic repetition and a lot of hand work . I table stack them till about 4 months of age and then switch to the "Porto Stacker" for another 3-5 months . Once the dog is able to stack on the porto Stacker I incline the porto stacker or stack with the "steps" so the dog gets his weight and balance just like I want it to be . Once that is done and provided you have kept it FUN for the dog , your dog will show well given he is good with other dogs and people !!

[Sharon Marples]

We use the "Happy Legs" to train our pups on. It also works for older dogs. The bottoms of the "legs" have magnets on them and the surface they are placed on is metal.

I'm attaching a photo that shows a 6 week old pup on the Happy Legs.

You can do a search on google for happy legs and come up with their website. I've also had friends that made their own. Just be sure that they won't fall over when the pups or dogs are placed on them. They are not in-expensive, but work well and last forever if taken care of properly. All of the pups that we train on them stack beautifully in the ring or out......

[luvmybts]

Didnt JudiW used to suggest food cans? Like a cans of green beans or whatever, lol. Cheap alternative. Just a thought. Especially if you'll never use the happy legs again.