The American Beagler Forum

I have a 6 month old pup. She is already started and I am convinced she will do well. I must also mention she is one of the prettiest dogs I've ever seen. I thought I would go ahead and start showing her on the bench in the puppy class.

My problem is she will not stand. I have set up a small table in the back yard and we try every day. She just squirms around.

I don't know where to start.

You can try something called baiting. You'll need a really tasty treat that can be eaten quickly, like a cut up hot dog. Hold the treat up over her head, if she stands up, tell her "good girl, Stand!" and give her the treat. It doesn't have to be a nice looking stand, just so long as she is standing. After a little practice, don't tell her "good girl, Stand" or give the treat until she is standing in a nicer position. Then when she is used to standing, you can let her nibble at the treat in you hand, and fix her legs or tail into a better position. Then give the treat. You'll notice when you say Stand she'll start to stand nicely.
Good luck to you, I think its great that a field beagler wants to pay a little mind to conformation and show that his dogs have a good chance in the show ring.

I agree with "guest" give her a treat, it also takes time, if your dog wont set still dont yell at her, talk to her nicely, some people use shocking collars to, but i just use the treats and talking to them nicely.. it seems to work with our dogs

make sure your tabble not wobly it will scare your pup

i start out working with them on standing on the ground first then i move to something about a foot of the ground when it is standing good on it i move to something that is up to my waist so i can stand and work with them i also reward them with a treat after they start to stand good.

PUT YA 2 5 GALLON BUCKETS A FEW FEET APART USE A 2BY 6 THAT WAY ITS NOT FAR TO FALL,ONLY BUCKET HIGH PUT HER ON THE BOARD MAKE HER STAND STILL IF NOT KICK A BUCKET OUT FROM UNDER HER,IF SHE IS AS SMART AS PRETTY IT WONT TAKE BUT A FEW TIMES SHE STAND LIKE A STATUE ALL THE LUCK

I'd hesitate using Bucket method. You don't want a scared dog on the bench. Combine the other posts. Start on the ground & use treats. Hold the treat near dog's nose but don't let her get it for a few minutes. Are you using a collar & lead? Use a proper choke chain or slip noose collar right below her ears & hold her head up while baiting with the treat & praise her. When she starts to stand only hold her a short time & when she gets still give her the treat. Use short practice times. Practice on the ground & eventually go to a bench. If you frighten her with a wobbly bench or kick buckets out she'll always be nervous on a bench. Conformation judge is also looking at dog's demeanor & nervousness won't help. Your pup is only 6 months & a beagle so be patient with her. Learning other commands like stay & stop might help.