stacking advice, please - Page 1

i can't get spunky to stay stacked long enough to snap a picture. as soon as i try positioning her she moves her legs or lays down. if she does stay put, she flattens her ears and that doesn't look very good. she keeps looking confused and finally we just give up. if anybody could give me some pointers at getting a successful stack from a dog that really could care less, please let me know, since i have no idea what i am doing. thanx.

I can't do a very good job either.  I think you need 3 peaople.  One to hold camera, One to stack the dog, One to get her attention off camera so her ears and face are in the direction you want,

This is what has worked for me, would love to get more opinions on this:  Stack everyday, without trying to take a picture.  Work on small moves and just get the dog comfortable with you placing her and her staying there, not that it is perfect.  Soon, you will be able to place her like you wish.  If you cannot get someone to get her attention, I sometimes hold a treat or something in my hand and right before the pciture, I throw it and let it bounce and they will perk up to it (and by this time they know they must stay.)  It is really a lot of work to get a good picture, especially with the younger ones.  You HAVE to get the dog comfortable with you manipulating them first!

this was about the best I could get on my own, a couple of days ago.  I also practiced positioning the dog has a stand stay.  In her case, the other dogs was running about the yard and I waiting to get the right pic...This was photoshopped, since the first one was crooked with a bad background.

thanx everybody. good picture rezkat5.

you know the REALLY frustrating thing, she snaps into stacks on her own all the time running around playing when I DON'T have a camera on me, lol.

lovemypoodle, watch how the pros do it! Here's a link to the Westminister dog show. You'll notice they almost all use treats to the the dogs to focus and bring their ears up!

http://video.westminsterkennelclub.org/player/?id=216528

If that doesn't work, try this, then click on German Shepherd:

http://www.westminsterkennelclub.org/2008/results/breed/index.html#herd

Thanks poodle,

Those stacks are getting there, but still not perfect.  But they will do for now!

For one person the best way is to catch the dog doing a natural stack since most dogs with correct conformation will frequently do that on their own.

2nd best is as stated work on a stay and do it quickly several times a day  - not trying to get a picture so she gets acclimated to the whole process.  You can also try tying her to a post or fence , get yourself in position and then throw a toy or ball in the direction you want her to face.

When taking a picture get down on the same level and aim at the front shoulder.  Also there are right handed and left handed dogs. Find what is natural for her.  Normally a dog is stacked with their left leg(viewed from the top) extended as if the dog was between you and a judge and on your left side. However if she is "right handed" it may be more comfortable for her to face the other way and thus easiest to get the picture.

Generally speaking two people are sufficient to get a good photo tho it may take a bit of time ( and those who get photos of tiny tiny pups stacked perfectly HAVE to be using chemicals imho).

Two ways to stack. The easiest is the walk into it. You lead the dog into the stack so she is setting herself up naturally. This usually results in a natural relaxed stack without the dog appearing extreme. Secondly you can hand stack a dog which is an art in itself and probably not amenable to great description in writing. The basics are standing the dog and then hand setting each leg where you want it. The trick is knowing what looks good for your dog and what is comfortable for your dog so she will hold it and also the trick is how to move the legs. Front legs should be lifted from the elbow. A dog handstacked can be put into a more "extreme" stretch of the hind leg which gives the appearance of greater angulation. The inside leg is then brought more forward to balance the dog and this often results in  the hock not being upright.

However you choose to stack once the dog is in the position you want, step in front of her and bait her with something to peak her interest and get her ears to prick. Standard in the showring is dried liver (yuck) but can be a toy or whatever floats her boat. I had a rock hound ( loved to carry rocks and play soccer with them etc - heck on the teeth). So for her I went in with a small rock or pebble in my pocket and bounced it up and down in my hand. Worked like a charm. Good luck.  Beth

It takes 3 people  :)) just  had some pics taken of my young 12 month old male    who is not trained yet to  keep the stack . I took the oppertunity when I had dog ffriends visit with a good camara   to get this shot . Still not perfect  I like it when no people are present in the picture and the lead is not wrapped around one hind leg < smile>  Also  a open mouth  and alert expression always looks better .

My preference is for a natural stack with three positioning points to observe; one rear leg with the hock vertical / perpendicular to the ground, the other with the foot inline under the croup, and the forelegs vertical / perpendicular and inline with the withers.