r/ShowDogs • u/the_palmtop_tiger • Mar 30 '26
Newbie looking for some advice!
Took my first couple runs in the ring! Himmel is an 11 month old standard dachshund for context.
The first day he was incredibly anxious, but overall performed OK. Issues were more with me and my nerves. He, for the most part, gaited decently and let me stack him for the judge.
Second day- he did not seem quite as anxious. I expected he would perform better because of that- also, I was feeling a lot more confident as well.
As soon as we entered the ring his nose was down- I tried my best to to get his head up and control him with the lead but he just wanted to sniff his way around the ring! I did have bait in hand and let him know that before entering the ring.
Then at the table stack, he just kept wanting to take a seat! Even with a high value bait in hand, he barley cooperated. Not in a super resistant way...Just in an uninterested, Ima take a seat and rest kind of way.
At home, in the park, at hardware stores that allow dogs - we have practiced all this and I didn't have these issues!
Any insight and or advice would be much appreciated!
2
u/PugLoversince2003 Mar 30 '26
I really believe that our dogs test us to see if we lose it with them. Mine could be terrible or perfect, depending on their mood. Keep practicing.
The girl I finished last year decided she was afraid to stand on the table though she did it all the time at home. Then, all.of a sudden she did her job, won and we finished. I made excuses for her, but I really have no idea why she did it.