[susan tuck]

I am an idiot & can't figure out how to get my puppy to stack for pictures. I tried all weekend! Obviously I do not plan to put my dog into any conformation type shows, but I sure would like to be able to stack him in that cool GSD stance for pictures. Can anybody give me some advise on how to do it, or does anyone know of an article on the web about how to do it?

Also, I heard somewhere that the person taking the picture should hold the camera so that it is on the same level as the dog, is that true? Any advise?

 

[Kristen Cabe]

I'd like to know, too! Jak is 11 months old and I'd love to teach him to stack, but I have no earthly clue how. He gets all licky and excited if I mess with his feet/legs.

I do know that putting the camera down on the dog's level generally does get you a better picture, whether you're stacking or just taking general pictures.

 

[Connie Sutherland]

I am an idiot & can't figure out how to get my puppy to stack for pictures. I tried all weekend! Obviously I do not plan to put my dog into any conformation type shows, but I sure would like to be able to stack him in that cool GSD stance for pictures. Can anybody give me some advise on how to do it, or does anyone know of an article on the web about how to do it?....Also, I heard somewhere that the person taking the picture should hold the camera so that it is on the same level as the dog, is that true? Any advise?

http://perfectionimages.com/kennel/show-info.html
See Section One

http://www.vaxxine.com/rarities/show handling tips.htm

http://www.extension.umn.edu/distribution/youthdevelopment/components/DA8209a.html
(scroll down to Stacking)

 

[Bob Scott]

Although I didn't read completely through the articles Connie posted, a dog (especially a young dog) can be made to stand still if you touch it in the flank or groin area. This is similar to a pup that locks up when an older dog wants to investigate it.
From there, you can work on positioning the legs.
Now! If your showing GSDs in the breed ring, you need an extra handler OUTSIDE the ring to keep the dogs attention. According to the rules, it's illegal, but GSD show folks never let that bother them. :wink:

 

[Connie Sutherland]

Although I didn't read completely through the articles Connie posted, a dog (especially a young dog) can be made to stand still if you touch it in the flank or groin area. This is similar to a pup that locks up when an older dog wants to investigate it.
From there, you can work on positioning the legs.
Now! If your showing GSDs in the breed ring, you need an extra handler OUTSIDE the ring to keep the dogs attention. According to the rules, it's illegal, but GSD show folks never let that bother them. :wink:

Is THAT how that aloof look is obtained??!! Aha!

 

[susan tuck]

Thanks Guys! Yes, I've noticed all the double handling, too (& I don't go to many shows!). Bob, I just tried "tickling" my pup & it works! Connie, I knew you would know where to go, you are better than an encyclopedia.

 

[susan tuck]

Hey Kristen, that's exactly what my pup does too! I think I'm going to practice getting him to stack, but I need a couple more arms so I can "tickle" his groin, hold his neck & place the feet all at the same time. Then I need another person to get his attention out front so he is putting his weight more forward & looking alert, and another person to take the picture. Sheesh!

 

[Sarah Hall]

The hardest thing when teaching stacking, is to get a dog to "free stack". That, obviously, is when a dog will get into a stack without need to be placed or held into the position. I usually stack a dog in more of the working stack, mainly just the right rear leg needs to be moved a little forward. The heel won't touch the ground like a show stack I show below, as well.
This is how I teach stacking.
First, teach the dog what stacking feels like:
Early training at 14 wks:

Adult training at 3 yrs:

Second, teach the dog to stand in place:

Third, give the stack command with dog still on lead, and step back:

Next, give the stack command, then the stand command, with the dog off lead:

And for all of you who want to teach a show stack, simply place the right foot much farther forward so the dog has to stand on it's heel: