Show preparation help - Page 1

Hello All,
Happy New Year.

We just got about 3 montha ago a male2.5 yrs show dog.

All at our club says he is very well constructed and in stance is first class, however they also say he does not move as well as he should given his construction.

He is not motivated and puts no effort into his gait.

Any ideas on what we can do to motivate him to excite him to allow him to put out the best in movement
thanks F

Food can often be a good motivation for puppies.

Put him on the lead and have a helper walk in front of him with something tasty eg. cooked sausage, cooked liver or something else that he likes to eat  (if he is not motivated by food try his favorite toy) always do this prior to feeding him, let him pull out and every few feet let him have what ever you are using to motivate him. Most of all make it fun and only do it for a few minutes at a time and always end with a game.
Don't forget to practice stacking him as well.   Have fun he is still a baby.

Have you tried having someone else trot him out and you call him towards you? Will he get more animated when you call him? I am no expert, just a suggestion.

He is not a puppy, but food might work.  But If he likes balls and toys, an old squashed ball on a rope, or a tug may be more effective to get him going, reward him and let him play with the ball after half a lap initially,  either you or  someone else he likes to play with should call him with the toy, with the other person holding the lead and releasing him at the proper moment.

Another good way is  for you to hide, say behind a tree, or whatever, a little ahead of him, call him with a whistle he will look up and run forwards to try and find you,  you appear and reward him, disappear again.. ...You need two people for al of these methods, the person holding the lead will try to keep him walking or trotting correctly rather than lunging forward or galloping.

Good luck.