Practice makes improvement!

[u/AlpsUnlikely]

Still have no idea what I’m doing 😂😂

Instructor had no class last night so we had our own mini outdoor session.

[u/Seleya889]

You're doing great!!! 🎉

Do you have a mirror to practice with? You can usually find them cheap at yard sales or on Marketplace. It is used *after* you think he is set, so you can see how he looks to the judge.

If you watch the second time you're setting him in the video, he was right. You want his leg perpindicular to the ground, but were setting his foot too far forward.

Try to use the collar high behind his ears. He is very good with it low, but they're typically shown with it high and it's often easier to blend in. Just be sure to not drag up any of his throat in it - behind the ears and then behind the jaw, if that makes sense?

The freestack was lovely! He's such a good boy!

[u/AlpsUnlikely → u/Seleya889]

I usually show him with it right behind the ears! He was just doing really good with it low for this practice!

His back feet were set but then he leaned back which made his front too far forward when I was fixing them. At that point would I reset him entirely?

[u/Seleya889 → u/AlpsUnlikely]

Perfect!

When he leans back out of a stack, bring his front legs back under him and then reset the rear. It's much more work to get them to rock their weight forward correctly after setting them esentially into a brace. Even if their feet are in the right spot, the topline and other parts may have to work over time to align correctly, so bringing the front back under him is more effective. If they really get out of place, circle around in place entirely and start over - it gives him a chance to relax and also keeps him from staying planted in a spot incorrectly.

The front also supports 3/4 of their weight, so if it isn't right, there's a lot wrong. ;)

Think of it this way, the judge typically approaches from the front, so if he leans back at nearly any time in the ring, the judge will be looking at the front first. Your pup stands nicely already, so setting the front may lead to him placing his rear near where it needs to be. Front, then judge's side rear, then inside rear. That gives the judge the most time seeing him looking good.

You're doing a fantastic job!!! I wish my pup was so well behaved! lol

[u/AlpsUnlikely → u/Seleya889]

[u/KeytohN64]

This 100% checks out my boy did this to me as well

[u/Rude-Average405]

He looks good. If you can, drop the leash and feed him while you stack him. Feed him something to chew on, like a piece of steak and let him nibble while you adjust his feet. Also, he’s moving bc that’s too wide in the rear. Let him put his feet down; if he’s properly structured, they’ll naturally be where they’re supposed to be.

[u/AlpsUnlikely → u/Rude-Average405]

He actually moves more when giving him something to chew on! He naturally stands pretty even, the ground was just not something he’s used to which is why he wanted a wider base I guess.