Conformation can seem a simple sport at first glance, but there is far more to it
than jogging your dog around the ring! Both handler and dog must be trained in a
number of areas to be successful, including:
- Basic Obedience All show dogs must be experts in basic obedience. That is, they must
follow your commands and signals (sit, stay, stand, heel, etc.) without fail and
not be distracted by other people, dogs, or activity around them. The AthleticDogs.com
ebook series, Basic Training for the Athletic Dog, walks you through every fundamental
skill your dog needs to succeed in any dog sport.
- Stacking Both handler and dog must become proficient at stacking – placing the
dog in the stand position in a way that accentuates his or her features.
- Gait The movement of the dog is a particularly important feature of conformation
judging and must be practiced and mastered before competing.
- Grooming The handler must learn to work with the dog’s coat and teeth to ensure
the judge’s see the dog looking his or her best in the ring.
The AthleticDogs.com ebook, Training for Conformation, walks you step-by-step through
the specific skills both dog and handler need to master before competing in the ring!
Coming Soon!