Rent safe and private dog parks hosted by locals

  1. Home
  2. Blog
  3. Dog Training
  4. How to Train Your Dog for a Dog Show

How to Train Your Dog for a Dog Show

Haley Young photo

Haley Young

June 29, 2024

Dog Training

How to Train Your Dog for a Dog Show thumbnail

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!

Before you start training: Dog show basics

What exactly is a dog 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.

What dogs can enter a dog show?

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!

Will your dog enjoy a dog show?

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:

Equipment you need for a dog show

The right collar and leash

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:


  • An “all in one” style show lead. This leash is all one piece—the line makes a loop at the end with a slider to keep it fastened around your dog’s neck. “All in one” collars are particularly common for small breeds.
  • A martingale collar and show lead. Martingale collars were originally designed for sighthounds whose heads are smaller than their necks. They’re sometimes called “limited slip” collars. They tighten up enough to keep your dog from slipping out, but they have a minimum size where the loop won’t get any smaller (unlike a choke chain). These are a great choice for medium and large breed dogs.

dog at show

Clear communication with your 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:


  • Reinforcement your dog loves. While you won’t actually use treats or toys in a competition, you should absolutely use them during your training! Keep your dog’s motivation up through positive training by generously rewarding them for a job well done.
  • A reward marker like a clicker or verbal “yes” to mark exactly what your dog did to earn a reward. This makes it possible for you to communicate clearly during training sessions (even if you’re unable to deliver a treat precisely when your dog offers the right behavior) which makes the learning process easier on everyone!
  • An understanding of your dog’s body language. The same way you want your pet to listen to your signals, it’s important you can listen to theirs. Pay attention to the things your dog does when they’re nervous (maybe ears back and tail down) or excited (sweeping tail and high head) so you can keep them comfortable as you train.

Skills your dog needs for a dog show

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

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.

How to train your dog to perform the right gaiting behavior:


  • You can begin with your dog on or off lead.
  • Lure your dog to walk at your left side using their favorite reward. Small training treats work great for this!
  • Once your dog becomes familiar with the picture of walking at your side, adjust your own pace. You want to move at a speed that encourages them to trot.
  • Position your lure to keep your dog’s head held high. Note: Unlike heeling, where it’s generally desirable to have a dog looking at their handler, you always want your dog’s head facing forward in conformation. This enables the judge to see your pet’s movement in profile!
  • Over time, slowly fade out your lure in favor of a hand signal or verbal cue.
  • Eventually you can decrease your rate of reinforcement (give treats less frequently) to get your dog used to covering longer distances without constant rewards.

Stacking

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:


  • As soon as you enter the ring
  • Before being moved as a breed group
  • Individually for the judge’s examination (small dogs will stand on a table while medium and large breeds will stay on the ground)
  • For the final lineup with the other competing dogs

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.

How to train your dog to be hand stacked


  • Hold a treat in your hand. Allow your dog to nibble on it as you use your other hand to adjust their feet.
  • If your dog is too focused on the food constantly in your hand, consider wearing a treat pouch instead. This way you can periodically reward them for staying in place and allowing you to move their limbs without distracting them too much.
  • Put your dog’s front legs into position first. Reward them frequently!
  • Then move your dog’s back legs, continuing to reward them for staying calm throughout the process.
  • Hold your dog’s legs near the hock, not the feet themselves, when you hand stack them. Your pet is more likely to adjust their entire body if you touch their paws.
  • Once your dog is in position, slowly build up duration. Take your hands off of them and reward them for staying in place.
  • If at any point your pet seems uncomfortable, take a step back in the process. Increase your rate of reinforcement and consider breaking things into even smaller steps (for example, instead of moving their leg right away, maybe you just work on touching it, then gently holding it, and so on).

How to train your dog to free stack


  • Begin with your dog in a standing position. If they naturally sit or struggle to remain still, reward them often. Let them know that standing pays well in this context!
  • Once your dog is able to stand for a reasonable interval, start teaching them how to move their paws into a precise position.
  • You can teach your pet to move their back legs by stepping towards them. Mark and reward any shift of motion backward, which will eventually lead to them adjusting their rear paws into alignment.
  • You can do the opposite to teach your dog to move their front legs. Instead of stepping towards them, take a step away. Mark and reward as soon as they move their front feet!
  • Once your dog gets the hang of moving their paws, you can add a hand signal or verbal cue (like “step” or “back up”) to communicate more clearly.

Being physically examined

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.

dog with medal

How to train your dog to tolerate a judge’s examination


  • The younger your dog is when you start getting them used to being handled, the better!
  • Begin by regularly touching your pet and praising them for staying calm. You can start by giving treats while you have hands on them and work to where you only give the reward at the end.
  • Take things slow, and move confidently. Over time, work up to examining your dog’s teeth, torso, and, if they’re male, their testicles.
  • It can be helpful to give your dog a heads up that they’re about to be touched. For example, some handlers say cues like “mouth please” or “show me your teeth” before examining their dog’s bite. This can create a greater sense of predictability and trust in the show environment, especially while your dog holds a stationary stacked position.
  • Once your dog is comfortable with you touching them in these ways, ask your friends and family to do the same thing. Closely watch the process to make sure your pet is comfortable. Reward frequently and don’t be afraid to take a step back if needed!

General show dog training tips

Remember why you’re showing your dog in the first place

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.

Reach out to a mentor or support network

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.

Fade off of food reinforcement and increase your criteria slowly

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.

Keep training fun!

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.

Trainer that reviewed this article

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

Haley Young photo

Haley Young

June 29, 2024

Dog Training

About Sniffspot

Sniffspot is a community marketplace that enables anyone to rent land by-the-hour as a safe and private dog park.

Follow us

Find Sniffspot on your favorite social media

TiktokInstagramFacebookYoutube
Related articles
Explore the Rottweiler: Genuine Tips from Real Dog Owners thumbnailExplore the Rottweiler: Genuine Tips from Real Dog Owners
Explore the Dachshund: Genuine Tips from 9,000+ Owners thumbnailExplore the Dachshund: Genuine Tips from 9,000+ Owners
Get to Know the Vizsla: Real-World Tips from Owners thumbnailGet to Know the Vizsla: Real-World Tips from Owners
All categories

Most recent articles

Explore the Rottweiler: Genuine Tips from Real Dog Owners thumbnailExplore the Rottweiler: Genuine Tips from Real Dog Owners
Explore the Rottweiler: Genuine Tips from Real Dog Owners thumbnail

Explore the Rottweiler: Genuine Tips from Real Dog Owners

Explore the Dachshund: Genuine Tips from 9,000+ Owners thumbnailExplore the Dachshund: Genuine Tips from 9,000+ Owners
Explore the Dachshund: Genuine Tips from 9,000+ Owners thumbnail

Explore the Dachshund: Genuine Tips from 9,000+ Owners

Get to Know the Vizsla: Real-World Tips from Owners thumbnailGet to Know the Vizsla: Real-World Tips from Owners
Get to Know the Vizsla: Real-World Tips from Owners thumbnail

Get to Know the Vizsla: Real-World Tips from Owners

Get to Know the Greyhound: Real-World Tips from Owners thumbnailGet to Know the Greyhound: Real-World Tips from Owners
Get to Know the Greyhound: Real-World Tips from Owners thumbnail

Get to Know the Greyhound: Real-World Tips from Owners

Explore the Belgian Malinois: Insider Tips From Real Dog Owners thumbnailExplore the Belgian Malinois: Insider Tips From Real Dog Owners
Explore the Belgian Malinois: Insider Tips From Real Dog Owners thumbnail

Explore the Belgian Malinois: Insider Tips From Real Dog Owners

Explore the Beagle: Genuine Tips from 9,000+ Owners thumbnailExplore the Beagle: Genuine Tips from 9,000+ Owners
Explore the Beagle: Genuine Tips from 9,000+ Owners thumbnail

Explore the Beagle: Genuine Tips from 9,000+ Owners

Top dog guides per area

Dog training guides

  • How to Deal With Food Aggression in Dogs (Facts + Infographic) thumbnail

    How to Deal With Food Aggression in Dogs (Facts + Infographic)

    Does your dog ever growl when you walk by their food dish? Maybe they get possessive of treats, carrying them far away and giving you side-eye when you start to approach — or snarling at your other pets or children if they get too close.

  • Comprehensive Guide to Scent Training for Dogs (Facts + Infographic) thumbnail

    Comprehensive Guide to Scent Training for Dogs (Facts + Infographic)

    As almost every dog owner is aware, the nose of a dog is an amazing thing. Just as they can pick up sounds we can’t hear, their sense of smell and ability to pick up scents is well beyond ours. In fact, dogs have 40 times the number of olfactory receptors as humans.

  • How Much Does it Cost to Train a Service Dog? thumbnail

    How Much Does it Cost to Train a Service Dog?

    More than 80 million Americans rely on their service dogs to help them navigate the world. Task-trained assistance animals perform a huge range of life-changing—in many cases, life-saving—services: These dogs act as eyes for visually impaired handlers, provide mobility support, alert to seizures and blood sugar crashes, interrupt anxiety attacks, remind their people to take medications, and so much more.

  • What is and How to Handle Potty Training Regression thumbnail

    What is and How to Handle Potty Training Regression

    You thought your dog was house trained. Your home was clean from puddles of pee, those dreaded middle-of-the-night bathroom breaks were behind you, and you loved every minute of dog ownership… until your four-legged best friend started using the bathroom inside again. What’s going on?

  • Coprophagia: Why Does Your Dog Eat Poop? thumbnail

    Coprophagia: Why Does Your Dog Eat Poop?

    Ah, poop. We humans think it’s disgusting… but many of our dogs seem to love the stuff. If you’re wondering why your canine companion tries to eat feces (either their own or that of other animals) you’re not alone!

Dog enrichment guides

  • The Best Dog Water Parks in the United States thumbnail

    The Best Dog Water Parks in the United States

    Do you have a water-loving dog looking to burn some energy? There are countless dog parks to visit throughout our country — but some of them become far too hot in the midday sun to be safe for your pets to play. That’s why we’ve put together a list of some of the best dog water parks throughout the United States! At these locations, your pup can frolic, splash, and swim to their heart’s content.

  • Best Toys for Herding Dogs thumbnail

    Best Toys for Herding Dogs

    * All Sniffspot articles are reviewed by certified trainers for quality, please see bottom of article for details *

  • The Best Dog Toys for Aggressive Chewers (Facts + Infographic) thumbnail

    The Best Dog Toys for Aggressive Chewers (Facts + Infographic)

    Does your dog destroy every toy you give them? Is your house littered with remnants of fabric and stuffing of all different sizes? Are you tired of investing in “indestructible” toys only for your pup to still dismantle—or worse, get bored of—them in just a few days?

  • Dog Exercise Calculator: How Much Exercise Does Your Dog Need? thumbnail

    Dog Exercise Calculator: How Much Exercise Does Your Dog Need?

    You’ve been told your dog needs regular exercise. There’s a reason “walking the dog” is a classic daily activity: Frequent excursions give your pup a chance to experience the world, maintain a healthy weight, and — most importantly — spend time with you! Consistent physical activity can also improve their strength, muscle tone, coordination, and mental ability over time.

  • Complete Guide To Herding With Dogs thumbnail

    Complete Guide To Herding With Dogs

    * All Sniffspot articles are reviewed by certified trainers for quality, please see bottom of article for details *

Dog reactivity guides

Sniffspot community guides

  • The State of Public Dog Parks Across the United States thumbnail

    The State of Public Dog Parks Across the United States

    From 2009 to 2020, there was a 40 percent increase in the development of public dog parks. Designated spots for canine exercise have become commonplace in every major city in North America — many pet owners won’t even consider renting an apartment that doesn’t have its own fenced-in pet area for their canine companions.

  • How This Family is Affording Their Dream Property Through Renting it Hourly to Dogs thumbnail

    How This Family is Affording Their Dream Property Through Renting it Hourly to Dogs

    Thousand Oaks, California has been a safe haven for Sniffspot host, Jen, since childhood. Having grown up in busy Santa Barbara, Jen, an introvert from an early age, would seek out solitude and serenity away from tourists attractions and droves of people visiting from elsewhere. “My grandparents own 60 acres about a 30 minute drive from here, and I grew up spending every summer and every holiday visiting them on the ranch,” Jen explained. “In Santa Barbara, we wouldn't go to the beach on the weekend because that's where everybody was, so you'd find places off the beaten path where the tourists weren't. For me, the ranch was just my happy place.” 

  • Host Tips: Ellen K. What Makes Sniffspot Successful for Me thumbnail

    Host Tips: Ellen K. What Makes Sniffspot Successful for Me

    Ellen is the host of Country Pasture Getaway, one of Sniffspot's most popular sniff spots. She has taken the time to write up the lessons she has learned about how to be a great sniff spot host.

  • How this Oregon Farmer is Making a Business From Renting Her Land to Dogs thumbnail

    How this Oregon Farmer is Making a Business From Renting Her Land to Dogs

    Just 20 minutes outside of the busy city of Portland, Oregon, and settled right on the banks of the Columbia River, you’ll find what countless visitors have flocked to the area in search of – mountain views, crisp, clean air, and running water for miles. What you might not expect to find, however, is a hidden oasis designed just for dogs and their people, owned and operated by a farming couple and enjoyed by visitors on two legs, and four.  

  • Host Tips: Fran T. Providing Great Guest Service at our Spot thumbnail

    Host Tips: Fran T. Providing Great Guest Service at our Spot

    Fran is the host of Ranch Setting, one of Sniffspot's most popular spots. She has taken the time to write up the lessons she has learned about how to be a great Sniffspot host.

Top dog trainers in the US

City dog parks guides

  • The Best Indoor Dog Parks in the United States thumbnail

    The Best Indoor Dog Parks in the United States

    Looking for a space to play with your dog no matter what the weather’s like outside? Look no further than our list of the best indoor dog parks in the United States! These climate-controlled spaces are growing in popularity as pet ownership increases throughout the country. As a bonus, many of them also offer dog training, boarding, grooming, or daycare services on the premises.

  • The Best Off-Leash Dog Parks in the United States thumbnail

    The Best Off-Leash Dog Parks in the United States

    Looking for the perfect place to play with your dog? We’ve got you covered! It’s hard to narrow down, but we’ve put together some of the best off-leash dog parks throughout the country so you can plan your next adventure — along with a checklist of what to bring, what to know beforehand, and some frequently asked questions.

  • The Best Las Vegas, Nevada Dog Parks thumbnail

    The Best Las Vegas, Nevada Dog Parks

    Looking for the perfect place to play with your dog in Las Vegas? We’ve got you covered! Take a look at the best local dog parks to plan for your next adventure in Sin City.

  • The Best United States Dog Parks thumbnail

    The Best United States Dog Parks

    Looking for the perfect place to play with your dog? We’ve got you covered!

  • The Best Portland, Oregon Dog Parks thumbnail

    The Best Portland, Oregon Dog Parks

    Looking for the perfect place to play with your dog in Portland? We’ve got you covered! Take a look at the best local dog parks and plan for your next adventure in the City of Roses.

Dogs breeds

  • Explore the German Shepherd Dog: Genuine Tips from Owners thumbnail

    Explore the German Shepherd Dog: Genuine Tips from Owners

    Discover the German Shepherd Dog, a breed celebrated for its intelligence, loyalty, and versatility. Known for its impressive size and smooth, graceful movements, German Shepherds excel in various roles, including as guide, therapy, bomb detection, and police dogs, while being a devoted family companion.

  • Explore the Labrador Retriever: Real Tips from Owners thumbnail

    Explore the Labrador Retriever: Real Tips from Owners

    Discover the Labrador Retriever, a breed celebrated for its playful nature, affectionate temperament, and trainability. Labradors are known for their friendly demeanor and adaptability, making them perfect family companions and versatile working dogs. As one of the most popular types of retrievers, Labs are ideal companions for various lifestyles and are recognized by the American Kennel Club (AKC) as an excellent breed for families.

  • Explore the Golden Retriever: Genuine Tips from 9,000+ Owners thumbnail

    Explore the Golden Retriever: Genuine Tips from 9,000+ Owners

    Discover the Golden Retriever, a popular breed celebrated for its affectionate, playful, and trainable nature. Considered a large dog, Golden Retrievers were originally bred in Scotland for hunting and retrieving game beginning in the 1860s. Today, they're recognized by the Kennel Club and the American Kennel Club (AKC) as one of the most beloved companion dog breeds.

  • Explore the American Staffordshire Terrier: Genuine Tips from 9,000+ Owners thumbnail

    Explore the American Staffordshire Terrier: Genuine Tips from 9,000+ Owners

    Discover the American Staffordshire Terrier, a distinct breed celebrated for its playful, friendly, and loyal nature. Often confused with the Staffordshire Bull Terrier, a separate breed of British origin, the American Staffordshire Terrier (AmStaff) is considered a medium-sized dog. While both breeds share some similarities, the AmStaff is generally larger and has been developed as a distinct breed in the United States.

  • Explore the Australian Shepherd: Genuine Tips from 9,000+ Owners thumbnail

    Explore the Australian Shepherd: Genuine Tips from 9,000+ Owners

    Discover the Australian Shepherd, an AKC breed celebrated for its trainable, playful, and affectionate nature. Despite its name, the Australian Shepherd is actually a native breed to the United States, originally developed to breed on farms and ranches. Considered a medium dog, Australian Shepherds were bred for herding beginning in the 1950s. As one of the high-energy breeds, Aussies are known for their boundless energy and need for regular exercise, including aerobic exercise.

Top dog names in the US

  • Top 1,000 Most Popular Dog Names thumbnail

    Top 1,000 Most Popular Dog Names

    Looking for the perfect dog name for your new pup? We have created filterable lists of dog names from our database of hundreds of thousands of Sniffspot users. You can filter by gender, breed and state to find the most cute, unique and creative dog names.
  • Most Popular Male Dog Names thumbnail

    Most Popular Male Dog Names

    Looking for the perfect dog name for your new male pup? We have created filterable lists of male dog names from our database of hundreds of thousands of Sniffspot users. You can filter by gender, breed and state to find the most cute, unique and creative male dog names.
  • Most Popular Female Dog Names thumbnail

    Most Popular Female Dog Names

    Looking for the perfect dog name for your new female pup? We have created filterable lists of female dog names from our database of hundreds of thousands of Sniffspot users. You can filter by gender, breed and state to find the most cute, unique and creative female dog names.
  • Most Popular Golden Retriever Names thumbnail

    Most Popular Golden Retriever Names

    Welcome to our comprehensive list of Golden Retriever dog names, curated from our vast database of Sniffspot users. Filter through hundreds of thousands of options by gender, breed, and state to discover the most adorable, original, and imaginative names for your beloved Golden Retriever.
  • Most Popular Labrador Retriever Names thumbnail

    Most Popular Labrador Retriever Names

    Welcome to our Labrador Retriever dog names page! Here you can browse through filterable lists of names for your beloved furry friend, ranging from cute and classic to unique and creative options. Our database of hundreds of thousands of Sniffspot users ensures you'll find the perfect name for your Labrador Retriever, whether you're seeking a name for a male or female, based on breed or state.

Top dog rescues in the US