Building a presentation: finding the thread with your dog

A presentation is built in training by giving the dog simple landmarks. On show day, these landmarks help you respond to the judge without extra fuss.

Your goal: let the judge see your dog easily, standing, moving and during the examination. Think of three building blocks: stand, move, be examined. Learn them separately, then put them together.

Beginner: easy-to-understand foundations

1. Choose one cue per action

Use short words, always the same: "stand" for the position, "let's go" to move off, "wait" for a short stay. Say the cue once, help your dog if needed, then reward success. Repeating "stand, stand, stand…" mostly turns the word into background noise.

2. Work each block separately

Start with a comfortable stand. Then a few moves. Gradually get your dog used to being touched by a calm person. For the examination, go in small steps: a hand on the shoulder, a short handling, a reward.

3. Prepare a flexible little routine

In training, try: a few steps, stop and stand, reward, break. At a show, adapt to the judge's instructions: the order may vary. Your first challenge: a calm start and a calm stop.

Intermediate: link the moves without losing your dog

1. Work on transitions

A dog can trot well and stand well yet struggle to go from one to the other. Before stopping, prepare your slowdown and give your cue. Give it time to find its feet. Avoid braking hard with the lead.

2. Find your pace

The right speed depends on the dog and the gait expected for its breed. Running faster does not make movement more convincing. Get filmed from the side at several speeds. Look for even, comfortable movement with as loose a lead as possible.

3. Get it used to different settings

When exercises are easy in a quiet place, gradually change the setting: other ground, a person nearby, then more activity. Add one difficulty at a time. If your dog can no longer focus, increase distance or shorten the session.

Advanced: make the presentation clear and adaptable

1. Think of the judge's view

When stacked, position yourself so the outline is visible. When moving, follow the requested pattern and don't get between dog and judge. Check on video: can we see your dog easily, or do your legs and hands hide part of it?

2. Refine within the standard

Work on a stance suited to the breed and your dog's build. A spectacular pose can give a less faithful picture of its outline. If you need to replace a foot, do it gently, then let your dog settle.

3. Have a plan when things go wrong

Lost attention? Go back to a known cue. Stance falling apart? A few steps may help it reset. Practise changing the order of exercises with a partner playing the judge.

The little exercise to remember

A comfortable stand.
Even movement.
A prepared stop.
A brief touch from a calm person.
A reward and a break.

End on an easy success. A good presentation is a dog the judge can see and a handler who knows how to support it. These tips are training suggestions, not a method imposed by the FCI.