make it fun!!!!!

[SuzieQ]

Hi everyone,

I have been working on training for the conformation ring with my now 7.5 mo female. I would like to know what different people do (techniques) to "make it fun" for the dog while training. I have used squeaky toys, lots of bait, praise...., but at times she does not seem at all enthused or impressed. Would love lots of feed back on different things everyone has found to make it fun. Look forward to all responses.

[targonrotts]

i make the conformation training as short and sweet as possible.
i bring out a very tasty treat or ball, stack the dog, praise the stand-stay, show treat, and as soon as i get a good expression, i reward and end that session.
other times, i do not stack. i just free bait while i say stand stay and reward as soon as i get that pose.
same with gaiting. i use a word like go. and when i want some moving ahead, i throw something straight ahead and reward when they run ahead.
but i only use a few minutes max at a time.
i practice showing the bite separately. as part of going over the pups whole body and reward good behavior.