Show Experts my Hubby Needs Help

[Giselle]

LOL. The stacking part is actually pretty good, but a little less manhandling would probably be good Sooo:

- Use a different lead for casual walking vs. showing. Also, use a different cue for stacking. A lot of dogs will confuse a stack cue for a sit cue because they look very similar (raised hand). Using different leads and cues will prevent Ajax from confusing stacks from sits.

- Also, ask hubby to watch Ajax as he gaits him. Your hubby's moving in a very quick, short-stepping manner that causes Ajax to pull in and tighten up his movement. GSDs need flowing strides that really allow them to reach with their arms. Tell hubby to move deliberately, powerfully, and not to rush it. It does require running with a different style than one would normally run (keep left forearm parallel to ground and right arm out to maintain balance).

- Experiment with Ajax's speed to see which speed gives you the most dramatic gait. You want to see maximum reach, and you probably won't get that unless you go a tad slower.

I also don't know if GSDs are supposed to be on a loose or tight lead, but my experience tells me that tight leads are alright with GSDs, so maybe experiment with that to see which lead enhances Ajax the most.

Also, tell hubby to watch and study:
http://video.westminsterkennelclub.o...yer/?id=216528

[shepgirl]

Shepherds have to move ahead of the handler on a longer show lead and the handler moves in stride with the dog in a flowing stride.
For stacking, this could mean the difference between losing or inning. Judges rarely like manhadling...the dog is taugh to move out on his own and with the command stack they pretty well place themselves since the stacking is a shepherd's natural stance. A bit of placing the legs a tad is acceptable