Square staking a dog

[gaited horse]

can someone post pictures of a square stack I show a border collie cross in 4-H but can't get the stacking right

 

[faykokoWV]

what's a squire stake or stack? I googled both and nothing came up?

 

[texasgal]

Are you talking about square stacking? As in standing a dog up square for conformation??

 

[gaited horse]

Quote:
yes my cat was helping me type and would not let me see the screen

 

[Redyre Rotties]

Okay, here is how it works. The front legs should be perpendicular from the front and the sides.

On the rear, the hocks or rear metatarsals should be perpendicular.

The rear feet should be stacked about 1 inch wider then the front.

Here are some examples....

The proper equipment is very helpful. I prefer a loop lead, not one with a snap on it. This way I never have to worry about the snap coming undone while I am showing a dog.

I prefer and use Resco leads, because they stay folded up in your hand. I buy the 48" length. I pry the clip off, cut the big end to a hand hold size, and tie a knot in the end. The other end I loop into the collar. A french choke or a rescoe using the slide to secure the collar is not recommended. These types of collars do not offer enough control for a Rottweiler in the ring. In addition, I must have a properly fitting collar that is not too loose in order for me to be comfortable in the ring. Collars that are too big/loose are too easy for the dog to slip/back out of when you have them up on the collar for exam.

Practice folding your lead all the way down and holding it with the collar like this.

Practice folding the lead, and necking up your dog (making sure the collar is right up at the top of the neck, with no loose skin hanging over in front of it) until you can do it smoothly every time.

It is important to keep upward tension on the collar at all times when you are stacking the dog. Not enough to make the dog uncomfortable or want to escape, but enough so that the dog stays where you put it. This is a hard thing to learn, especially when stacking the rear, so practice keeping your upward tension on the lead at all times when stacking.

Notice in this photo:

1) the upward tension on the lead, 2) I have moved the dog's head AWAY from the leg I am placing to take the weight off of it, and 3) I have the dog by the elbow. Never touch a dog's front leg below the elbow when stacking it.

Another thing to remember is that the ONLY leg you stack with your RIGHT hand is the RIGHT front. Try to stack the right front first. Notice I have switched hands to stack the left front.

The front stacked. I have her just slightly too close together here, the front legs should be perpendicular from both front and side.

Next is stacking the rear. MAKE SURE you keep the upward tension on the collar, or it will be like stacking jello.

I stack using the hock joint. Some people reach under the dog and use the stifle. You can do it either way. I prefer using the hock.

Left rear:

Right rear

Once you have the dog set up, stand in front of the dog facing it to bait the dog when the judge turns to look.

Your left hand would be holding the collar, with your right hand baiting the dog. As the judge comes to the dog, you step back to the dog's side, and present the head.

Note that I have slid the collar around under her chin, and I have the leash all folded up in my hand....

To show the bite, hook your middle 2 fingers of your right hand under the collar, and keep the collar snug at the back of the ears.

Use your thumb to pull down the lower lip, and the fingers of your left hand to raise the upper lips to present the bite. Be sure not to block the eyes.

Point the dog's nose upwards and towards the judge so they can see clearly. Keep your head out of the way.

Practice opening the mouth, and pulling the lips back so the P1s on the bottom can be seen. Your dog needs to be well trained to stand still and have the mouth examined before it goes to the AKC ring.

As soon as you are finished showing the bite, bait the dog so it does not turn it's head to look as the judge goes over the body.

It is also important to watch the class before you so you know what to expect, and to listen to the judge and follow all instructions.

 

[gaited horse]

Thank you

 

[EweSheep]

Good job of stacking the dog! My parents use that method when showing Collies.

That Rot is handsome! HUGE face and BLOCK body, impressive! Now lets see him move!

 

[Redyre Rotties]

*ahem*

It's a b.itch.

A multi High in Trial, multi BIS (UKC) b.itch.

and yep, she can move.

This photo is at 8 months of age on the way to winning a class of 21 puppy b.itches at our National Specialty in 2005.

 

[texasgal]

That was AWESOME .. thanks for taking so much time to show the proper procedures for that .. and beautiful dog!

deb