For those of you that don’t know, we are headed to Indianapolis next month to compete! Steve will be in the youth class. We recently started practicing and this is our early on attempt at stacking. In this photo, I was hiding in front of him hoping that he would stretch out to look for me a bit. I think I will practice having him stretch out his neck a bit more at home maybe by stretching for a treat? he always seems to be so bunched up…but dang if he isn’t still such a good looking dog!
I know his foot positioning is a bit off, but the great thing in all of this is he does very well standing still while having people move around his legs 🙂 how are we looking Carole?
Julie, this is a huge improvement over last week’s photos! You take long-distance lessons very well!! If Steve will set up like this in a week’s time, don’t worry so much with his foot positioning – your handler will take care of that.
Play hide & seek with Steve. Go hide and then make a noise so that he looks for you. When he is up on his toes, looking in your direction, let him win by having your handler release him and let Steve come to you. Once he’s there have a big party – if he likes to play tug, do so. Same way with your handler/helper moving him. You are hidden and as Steve is on the opposite side of where you are hidden, while he is coming your direction make your noise. A couple good passes and then pop out and let him “find” you and have another party. Never call (make your noise) when he is going away from you. The Double Handler (you) need to be hidden and/or in front of your dog.
Get Steve conditioned to a noise maker as we discussed. Purchase at least two of the same so that when you are at the show someone can help you double handle him. That way you and one other person can work each side of the ring depending on the position of the judge and your dog.
Keep up the great work!
Just read your intro again – skip the trying to get Steve to stretch out his neck by offering him a treat. For the Sieger Show the key to Steve looking forward & alert will be him looking for you while you make your noise as you play hide and seek.
Okay, good deal. Now to find something to use as a noise maker!! Thank you so much for all your help!
Julie K – check your email. 😉
Good job Julie with Steve. Good job giving long distance stacking lessons Carole, good advice!.
I am so excited for you to see him again. And to finally meet you of course!
You guys are meeting up? Jealous!
Great job getting some training in prior to the show. You and Steve will do great. Good Luck and keep us posted on how the show goes.
Thank you! What’s funny is I think the sheep herding is actually helping – it gets him used to running out at the end of the leash 🙂
He is looking good-keep us posted on his progress.