Stacking Puppies

[Labbies]

I am new to the world of showing and I was currious how you go about getting young puppies to stack for a photo and what is the earliest that you are able to get them to do it. I've just seen photos of some very young puppies and I was just wondering.

[krisinme]

Just two words...
Cream Cheese

[Canyon Labradors]

And having a digital camera where you can take 50 shots of one puppy helps too...

[imported_Bluesouthlabradors]

I am new to the world of showing and I was currious how you go about getting young puppies to stack for a photo and what is the earliest that you are able to get them to do it. I've just seen photos of some very young puppies and I was just wondering.

We start around three weeks of age, once they are on their feet a tad. We like to use yogurt to tease them and walk them into a self stack. Once they do this the yogurt is in front of their noses for a few seconds and then click with the camera. Once they have doen this for awhile, and they are 5 weeks old, we start to hand stack their feet for placement if they are not already in that position. then click many pictures to get the best one.We continue to do this while they are growing and on a table top at the edge with their front feet. they learn quickly that any good behaviour is reinforced with something positive like a treat or yougurt or the cream cheese.It does take time and patience to get that right picture.
Here are some pictures of puppies between 3-5 weeks old being stacked. it sometimes is not easy.

[Carrollfamilylabs]

I totally agree with BlueSouth.. it is a little trying and using a mirror in front of you as well (so you can see the puppy stacked up) is a great tool as well when just learning. Also if you purchase the DVD "The Puppy Puzzle" by Pat Hastings you will learn a ton about not only stacking your litters but what to look for as well. Good Luck and if you need another set of eye's I let me know.. .

[CaliforniaLabLover]

I so have puppy fever right now...LOVE those little black babies!!!

[sarah]

I so have puppy fever right now...LOVE those little black babies!!!

ditto - they're adorable!