This past weekend we worked a bit on stacking Freighter. He may eventually make it into the show ring so will need to learn how to stand correctly and hold still.
In July I posted pictures of trying to stack him. He did not like standing still.
Four months later, he has finally calmed down enough to stand still. These are what is known as “free stacks” where the dog sets itself. Some dogs need to be taught and some dogs can just do a nice free stack naturally. Freighter’s grandpa Thunder was a natural free stacker. It looks like Freighter may follow suit.
We also practiced “hand stacking” where the handler places the dog’s legs in the correct position. Freighter was not too cooperative. He kept stepping out of position. This is something we will have to practice with him. Also, he needs to learn a solid “stand” command since so much of his hunt test training has involved coming to heel and sitting.
Tomorrow…some follow-up.
I think Freighter is just a natural show dog….on his own terms of course. He is just growing into such a beautiful boy, it must make you proud. His demeanor just reminds me of the younger ones in a family……..more attitude! LOL!
I can’t imagine Doggy standing still, or me trying to put him in position, he wouldn’t stop licking. Freighter looks so big now, he’s gonna be a year soon right?
I’m pretty sure he’ll get there, I mean he’s just close to a year old right now, there is still a lot of learning time. Plus add in his natural ability and I think you have a find hunting/show dog right there!
Frieghter is well on his way to greatness.
Blessings,
Goose
He’s a handsome boy, for sure! I love it when dogs free stack; I think free stacking versus hand stacking is what they prefer in Europe, but I could’ve made that up. I’ve also heard it said that a dog who is conformationally correct has an easier time standing in the stacked position, as he/she is put together properly and it feels natural.
Guns better hurry up or Freighter will kick his butt out there. Freighter has really nice angles!
Don’t worry, we aren’t planning on putting him in the ring anytime soon.. Besides, he needs to grow his coat back first. 🙂
So interesting. I can’t imagine Finn ever standing still, much less poised and standing still. Your training is unbelievable!
He is so handsome…like Jen, I prefer the free stack. He is on his way to wonderful things.
what a gorgeous boy! Is there any particular method you use to help train stacking? I know of a few, but everyone kind of has their own way with dealing with it.
He’ll get it eventually and I’m sure he’ll turn out to be a natural, once the mind catches up with the body 🙂
He looks great! Leroy is a great free stacker, Sherman not so much! So for a stack is a Chessies tail suppose to be out or relaxed?
What beautiful lines! I love it when I see my Miss Mindy stand like that! So elegant!
LOL don’t you just love when they are first learning to stack, “what do you mean you want me to set my foot there, it is so much more comfortable to have it over here”
Love the last two, looks like he’s saying don’t tell me how to stand!! He looks like he is getting close to a free stack, bet he works that out on his own. Mica we only had to stack for beginning then she would just step into position on her own. He is just a beautiful (handsome) boy 🙂
Freighter’s got a tough job; standing perfectly still is really hard!
Back to the stacking/standing still, I start all my guys even the Labs out on the training table with the “whoa” command. If you look through my scrapbook photos page, there are some pictures of me working with them.
He is one awesome dog!!! Smart!
Nice work! The placed stack was easy for Moses back in our short time in the show ring, but the free stack was a trouble spot. Food bribery was definitely required.