Posture and Stance

[Paul (Dozer)]

I was wondering if I could get some info on correct posture of a Rottweiler and dogs in general. When I see dogs being showed, thier legs always seem to be kicked way out behind them. I've heard that this is corrcet posture for dogs, however my dog rarely stands like this except when very alert (ie: he sees an animal in the yard) and I hardly ever see other dogs stand like this when relaxed.

Does this need to be taught, or should a dog always stand liket his? Is it a serious problem that could indicate hip problems, or just the equivilent of a person 'slouching'. I remember my parents always had to tell me to stand up straight

[Judi W]

the show pose is so that the judge can easily see the dog's structure - angulation (or lack thereof), straightness of front and rear, shoulder layback and layon........ in otherwords the framework of the dog. A dog that is correctly put together requires very little posing if any and will free stack into correct place. They are taught however to give that "alert" look and to hold the position for a period of time. And yes, there is somewhat of the "don't slouch" involved as well.

[rottielover2004]

Judy is there a special way to train that stance, because harley hates to stand still, let alone trying to pose him, lol

[Judi W]

Are you going to be showing him?

[rottielover2004]

the breeder was really hoping I would show him, I am still debating it

[Judi W]

Make sure you attend some shows observe what is done and what works and what doesn't. Then after evaluating the pup, start out teaching him to hold ears and stand still for treats before you worry about setting him. he will need to learn to extend the time he waits for the treat a bit at a time while continuing to give ears and expression. At the same time but separately, teach him to show his bite and teeth while maintaining a standing position. Then several times a day run your hand down his back and briefly touch his testicles.

After you've got that then ask about where the feet belong.

[rottielover2004]

how in the heck do you actually get the ears proper without toys in the ring ????, I have been to many shows, they look like they enjoy it, but honestly I can not picture harley standing still that long in proper position, lol

[Judi W]

Bait is used in the conformation ring. Also just in daily living, the dog is rewarded for giving expression by being told he is beautiful and a good dog without bait as well. Get to some shows and study. It will make everything much clearer to you and thus easier to work toward.

Get the pup evaluated to see if he has potential first though.

[rottielover2004]

where do I get him evaluated, other than a breeder ?????

[MontanaRott]

When we got Guerin, we had no intention of pursuing conformation. We got him for obedience and whatever else struck my husbands fancy. After a few people we know and trust, told us to get him into conformation, Phil started handling classes with him. He was 8 months old or so by then. He should have been started earlier, but we had no idea, he would have show potential.
Phil worked/works with him EVERYDAY on stacking and giving ears, showing his bite and standing for exam.
It is well documented in my older posts the struggles Guerin had in mastering the SFE and showing his bite.( thank you Judi and Sharon and a lovely judge named Rita Munson for all the help in that area!)
The stacking, and giving good ears, is just now coming along after MONTHS of work and studying others at shows, looking at pictures,working with him in with a mirror, and posting shots here, of their efforts and asking for critiques, not to mention getting to every Show and Go and Fun Match, available. Guerin happens to bait better for a squeaky toy then food.
Judi has given you great advice, and after your dog is evaluated and if you decide to pursue conformation, take some classes, study others at shows, look at pictures, find a mentor, and PRACTICE, PRACTICE, PRACTICE. It is a ton of work, but if you have a dog that is worth showing and you have the interest, it is very much worth it! And hey, keep coming here and asking for help.

[Judi W]

"If" the breeder actively shows and has a good eye, yes that would be a good person. If your own breeder has finished dogs and is currently showing use your own breeder. Often you will find people in your training classes who also show in conformation and will know structure and movement. I know that I am certainly not the only one in our club that titles both ends.

Now, I will tell you in all honesty, those little boys do not always look their best at some young ages! So, you must take that into account. Personally, I look at the profile, angles and topline and movement. If I like that I am pretty confident it will hold.

[SABELLESMOM]

My breeder lives too far away for me to have used as they matured. However, with my first girl, 2 handlers came to me asking if they could show her. So I knew. Then, our first trainer and her husband both showed.

The other club, we had a judge help with the training for a short while. Then, everyone in the class shows. Quite a few have finished their dogs and have fore and aft titles.

So GOOD LUCK with showing! I find it quite fun.