Have you ever dreamed of entering your four-legged best friend in a dog show? While it can be daunting to get started in the competitive canine world, many pet parents love trying this new activity with their companions.
Here’s everything you need to know about training your dog for their first show!
According to the American Kennel Club (AKC), the official term for dog shows is conformation. This refers to the “act of conforming” or “producing conformity”. Show dogs aren’t judged against each other but are instead compared to their respective breed standards.
The more closely a dog’s appearance and temperament match breed expectations, the greater their chances of producing predictable puppies! Though the sport has grown legs of its own over the years, prioritizing good breeding stock was the original motivation for conformation standards.
While most shows in the United States are through the American Kennel Club, there is also a United Kennel Club (UKC) and a Mixed Breed Club of America (MBCA).
Only intact, purebred dogs are allowed in AKC dog shows, which goes back to the original purpose of conformation to judge breeding stock. The UKC has an altered class for spayed or neutered purebreds, though, and most mixed breeds are eligible to compete through the MBCA!
Even if your dog is eligible for a dog show, they might not actually enjoy the experience. And that’s okay! If your pet gets nervous or struggles with changes in routine, conformation might not be for you. Most dogs who thrive in the competitions are confident, social, and happy to work in a range of environments.
If your dog isn’t eligible for a show or you don’t think they’ll enjoy being out in the ring, there are countless other activities you can try together. Here are just a few to consider:
Your everyday walking collar or harness probably won’t be successful in the show ring. Here are two common gear options for your conformation dog:
When you enter the show ring with your dog, you need to work together as a team. These things can strengthen your relationship and make sure you’re both on the same page:
In a conformation show, your dog will need to demonstrate three main skills: gaiting, stacking, and tolerating a physical exam.
It’s generally easiest to start working on these behaviors while your best friend is still a puppy—but even older dogs can learn new tricks!
Gaiting means your dog moves at a certain speed (in line with their handler), in a precise position (head and tail carried in regard to their breed standard), and without pulling on the lead while in the show ring.
The judge will evaluate your dog’s structure as they trot with opposite front and back legs moving in unison.
Stacking means your show dog stands in the proper position based on the written standard for their breed.
There are two kinds of stacking: hand stacking (where the handler or judge physically manipulates the dog into position), and free stacking (where the dog may be prompted to adjust their footing slightly but otherwise enters the position on their own).
Your dog will be stacked multiple times in each show:
Many handlers let their dog free stack for everything except the physical exam. Hand stacking your pet before the judge approaches can ensure they’re in the best possible stance.
Note: Your dog’s specific stack position will depend on their breed! Before starting to train either a hand stack or free stack, make sure you understand the guidelines in your pet’s breed standard.
Your show dog must also stay still for an examination. The judge will physically put their hands on your pet to evaluate their structure, including checking their teeth.
If your companion growls, snaps, or shows other signs of discomfort during this process, you risk being disqualified from the competition.
It’s easy to get overwhelmed when the stakes feel high. There’s nothing wrong with wanting your dog to place in conformation—but keep in mind the more important reasons (like trying something new as a team) you wanted to start showing them in the first place.
Everything you do with your dog should be about living a great life together. Time is short.
The right guide can make a world of difference in your new dog show journey. If you own a purebred dog, consider reading out to your dog’s breeder or a local breed club to ask about conformation! Many veterans are happy to help newcomers find their footing—and you might even find a group training class perfect for what you want to practice.
Slow and steady wins the race. No matter what dog show skill you’re working on or specific training process you’re following, it’s important to break things down into small, bite-sized chunks. Set reasonable expectations for both you and your dog.
Above all, the greatest joy is simply sharing life with your best friend. There’s nothing wrong with enjoying the thrill of a competitive dog show! But first and foremost, remember to enjoy your dog—independent of championships.
There is so much misinformation out there, and we want to make sure we only provide the highest quality information to our community. We have all of our articles reviewed by qualified, positive-only trainers. The trainers that review our content are reviewed by other trainers to ensure that we have the best quality filters on our content.
This is the trainer that reviewed this article:
Penny Locke
Proudly offering Positive Reinforcement & Force-free Dog Training
www.allabout-canines.com
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