A rewards-based training approach to Conformation
Learn how to click-and-reward your way to excellence in the ring. Training your dog this way makes him want to work for you. You’ll both have fun—and that happiness will show (pun intended).
Using a positive, modern approach, you will be coached on how to incorporate the use of a clicker to communicate with your dog. While not necessarily used for all things (and eventually is phased out once the dog learns the behavior), the use of a clicker can help teach an impressive hands-off self-stack. Other desirable ring behaviors, such as gaiting on a loose lead, standing for examination, etc. can be achieved.
Topics covered: Basic showing information, stacking your dog, self-stacking, gaiting on a loose lead, standing for examination, moving at a correct pace, patterns of movement in the ring, where to stand, ring etiquette and tips for showing your dog.
Lessons are tailored to your needs.
Comprehensive handouts and homework are provided for each lesson.
Investment:
Private Lessons: $95/hour
Semi-private lessons for groups of 2-3 dogs/handlers: $130 per hour
Does It Really Work?
Better than that. It works wonders. But don’t take our word for it. Here’s what a couple of Nancy’s clients have to say:
Aiko Shinseki & Astar
“I got my 12 week-old female Toy Manchester Terrier, Astar, in April 2007. Astar (Am/Int’l Ch. Spiceisle Summer Storm) was beautiful and showed like a show dog at 12 weeks. A beginner at conformation, I decided to do my training differently and managed to find Nancy Weller, CPDT, to help me with clicker conformation training.
Long story short, with Nancy’s excellent support and training, Astar began her show career at the tender age of 6 months and 1 day. She became an official AKC champion 3 months later. She finished her AKC Championship with 17 points, 4 majors and all in puppy 6–9 month class. In those 3 months, she earned enough breed points to participate in the December 2007 AKC Eukanuba invitationals.
The following year she won the AMTC Grand Puppy Sweepstakes, got a Group 3 placement, an Award of Excellence from AKC Eukanuba, and shortly thereafter became a certified Canine Good Citizen. At 7 months of age, Astar took a Best In Show Puppy and earned her International Championship title.
The journey has been incredible. And to think all I wanted was to find a high-quality small dog to do agility with on the weekends.” –Aiko Shinseki
Kato Kinder & Bumble
“I have had the good fortune to have Nancy Weller train my two show dogs and me, using clicker training for conformation in the show ring. Not only has our experience with Nancy been a positive one; she enabled me to focus on just having a great time in the ring. Numerous judges and exhibitors have commented on how happy my Chows appear at shows, exhibiting enthusiasm both inside and outside of the ring.
Nancy has taught each of my dogs how to free stack beautifully, taking much of the guesswork and anxiety out of this portion of showing for me. Now, when showing my current conformation bitch, I’m much less stressed in the ring. Nancy put the show handling puzzle together for us, allowing us to continue our training on our own. Her training completes the circle of the owner-handler-trainer.
I intend to take all my show dogs to Nancy for show ring work, for a positive experience that leads to a complete and confident show dog, imperative for going up against some of the top professional handling teams in the country.” –Kato Kinder
Contact Nancy to get started.
