How to Stack Your Small Breed Dog on the Judging Table

Watching a professional handler effortlessly stack a dog for examination on the table during their class, many new handlers find it easy to believe that this is a relatively simple and straightforward task. In reality, it is the pro handler's years of experience that make their movements seem so graceful and polished while accomplishing this deceptively difficult move.

Presenting a dog on the table for examination is in many ways more difficult than stacking the dog on the ground. The handler of a small breed dog must pick the animal up off the ground without ruining the grooming of the dog and make the lifting and positioning appear smooth and fluid. The dog must not struggle or give any sign that he is uncomfortable with the process, which must be done both quickly and efficiently.

Work with your small breed dog from a very young age, acclimating him to being picked up and put back down until he is unconcerned with the process. Introduce him to tables of all kinds so that he can become comfortable being that high above the ground. Never do anything unpleasant - nail trimming, vaccinations, etc - to a puppy on the table, lest he begin to associate being placed on an elevated surface with bad things. Do give lots of treats to him while he's there, and reward him for remaining calm and collected.

Once the pup is used to being picked up and placed on a table, you should begin teaching him to stand for examination. Place him near the front of the table, then slowly and smoothly pick up each front foot and move it to the front edge of the table. The foot should be close enough to the edge that the pup cannot move his foot forward at all without stepping off the table. Use the front edge of the table as a line to ensure that the pup's front feet are both properly straight and under him.

Then, holding him in place with a hand on his collar, position his hind feet - again using slow and smooth movements - until they are in the proper position behind him for your particular breed. It helps to have someone to help with this who can stand back from the table and tell you when the pup's feet are in the proper position.

Work with the pup on a regular basis until he is fully comfortable with you moving his feet around on the table. When he holds the pose, give him lots of praise and treats. Once he will hold the stack on the table, have your assistant play the role of the judge; approaching the table, examining the dog's bite, running her hands over his back and if he is a male checking that he has both testicles properly descended.

After long hours of practice, you should be able to pick up your dog, place him on the table, move all his feet to the appropriate places, and have him hold the position while a judge looks over his teeth and does a hands-on exam.

When the judge is finished with her examination, you will have to pick your pup up off the table and smoothly place him on the ground in preparation to move for the judge. Don't forget to practice this part as well! Your pup is already accustomed to being picked up and placed on the ground, so this is the easy part. Just be sure that you have his collar adjusted so you are ready to move him out right away, and be careful of his grooming while you complete the move.