Level 2Exhibitor
Getting your dog used to waiting
Learning to pause before the ring
You're ready, your dog is too… but the previous class hasn't finished. While you wait, he pulls towards his neighbours, pesters you or spins in circles.
Waiting can be learned! Two skills are useful: staying briefly in a position on request, then knowing how to relax during a longer break. In this second situation, your dog can change position and make himself comfortable.
Here are nine tips for preparing for these moments.
Beginner — Discovering short pauses
1. Start in a quiet place
At home, choose a time when your dog is available. His needs for a toilet break, water and rest should be met.
Sit next to him with a comfortable mat on the floor. At first, simply aim for a few quiet moments.
MyDogShow tip: start away from distractions to make it easier to learn to be calm.
2. Make the mat a pleasant landmark
Let your dog discover the mat. Reward his interest, then his being on it, without pushing him or keeping him in place.
When he settles on it willingly, encourage a comfortable position. The mat can then go with you on outings: a little piece of home in a new environment!
3. Give short exercises a clear ending
To learn to hold a position, ask for the one your dog knows best. After a brief moment, reward him while he is holding it, then say a release word, such as "free".
This signal tells him he can move. Choose a word that is different from your usual praise and use it consistently.
Intermediate — Waiting a little longer
1. Lengthen the duration in small steps
Add a few seconds when the previous step becomes easy. Alternate slightly longer attempts with very short successes.
If he leaves his position before your signal, calmly start again with an easier duration. Don't scold him: you may have asked too much, too soon.
2. Also reward spontaneous relaxation
During a break on the mat, watch for small changes: your dog stops staring at you, settles comfortably or rests his head.
Quietly drop a small treat near him. Avoid enthusiastic praise that would get him excited again. Here you are encouraging relaxing without waiting for a constant instruction.
3. Change location while lowering your expectations
Try another room, then a quiet outdoor spot where dogs are allowed.
Bring your mat and start with a shorter pause than at home. Then add a light distraction, such as a person walking past at a distance. If your dog can no longer settle, move away from the distraction.
Advanced — Preparing for waiting at a show
1. Repeat a short "pause then go" sequence
During training, alternate a few steps of showing, a calm pause next to you, then a fresh start.
This educational suggestion helps prepare for the transitions on the big day. Keep the sequence easy: the aim is for your dog to be able to wait without being constantly ready to pounce.
2. Prepare a comfortable setup
For longer breaks, bring a suitable mat, water and a spot away from the traffic.
Your dog can sit, lie down or shift his weight. Keep precise position-holding for exercises that need it.
MyDogShow tip: clearly distinguish the stillness you ask for during an exercise from simply settling down comfortably.
3. Plan for breaks
A long day calls for several opportunities to go out, move around and find calm again. Learning to wait does not replace these needs.
If your dog becomes restless, check his comfort and how demanding the environment is before repeating a cue. For a break, aim for relaxation; for a short exercise, go back to a request he can succeed at.
The right benchmark
Your dog is making progress when he can wait next to you, settle comfortably and set off again without rushing.
A successful pause lets him catch his breath before the next activity.