Training in the Dainty Acres studio

The Prequel- The "In-Gate-Wait":

The "In-Gate-Wait": The Conformation Dog Show Ring Experience, a Prequel to the "Ring- Entry". "The Waiting Place"

Dana Taylor here with Dainty Acres Italian Greyhounds. We are still working on the 5 parts of the Conformation Show Ring Experience. This month we are working on our In-Gate-Wait. the ingate wait is like a prequel to the 1st Part, The Ring-Entry. It is so exciting! Actually it is about me and my dog standing still in a Free-Stack, nothing too exciting for anyone but me and and the Ring Steward.

Part 1 - The "Ring Entry"

Part 1: "Ring Entry" - The Conformation Show Ring Experience

We are using a video clip from our last show to study and dive deep into just the first 10 seconds of the ring experience. We will slow the video down and list the parts. Lets watch the clip and make a list! 1. STAY - Stand attentive and ready at the in-gate 2. COME- Enter the ring straight and attentively at a trot toward the dot 3. TRANSITION- Transition to a straight and balanced free-stack 4. FREE-STACK- Square and balanced free-stack

Part 2 - The "Go-Around"

Part 2: The "Go-Around" - The Conformation Show Ring Experience

In the ring all the show dogs are all lined up waiting for the Judge. The Judge will ask the exhibitors to go around the ring. I am calling that the "Go-Around". This is where the Judge will watch the movement of the dogs. All the dogs will be at the trot, a medium gait in speed, where both front feet alternate a full extension upon each step. We want the dog balanced, attentive, tracking on a straight line and in a light and uphill frame.

Part 3 - The "Stacks"

Part 3: "The Stacks"- The Conformation Show Ring Experience

As we wait our turn to go on the table for the Judge’s examination of my dog, we will be moving closer as each dog and handler take their turn on the table. We will go from a state of no-motion in a Free-Stack, to motion as we walk a few steps back into a Free-Stack as we wait for the line to move again. I need some commands that can freeze motion and release motion. Join us today in the Dainty Acres Training Studio as we practice our “Stacks”!

Part 4 - The "Down and Back"

Part 4: the “Down and Back”- The Conformation Show Ring Experience

The Down and Back” is one of many patterns a Judge will ask the handlers to do following the table examination. Judge is still evaluating just my dog, so I want this to not only show good conformation, but I also want to show my dog’s ability to work well with me. I am one of those few handlers that like to show a dog on a loose lead. I want to show off my dog’s natural carriage, gate and beauty.

Part 5 - The "Line-Up"

Part 5: The "Line-Up - The Conformation Show Ring Experience

We are going to be repeating what we worked on in the previous 4 videos. Using the same trigger hand signs and words to tell my dog what I want. In The Final Line-Up We go from "No-Movement" to "Movement" to "No-Movement" and repeat that over and over again. We will use our trigger words, transitions and hand signs to move around as the judge calls us. We may be asked to Go-Around again, So in this case we will go from a nice Free-Stack (No-Motion) to a spry trot (Motion).

Dainty Acres Italian Greyhounds