How to Train a Chihuahua for Show

Sassy is a champion Chihuahua show dog, with a wall full of ribbons and trophies to prove it. What's her secret?  Well besides having excellent conformation, representative of her breed's standards, Sassy is a triple threat! She not only has the physical characteristics and personality that judges look for, but she also knows her three show behaviors: gaiting, stacking, and how to be examined by the judge. This means that she knows how to trot smartly beside her owner, showing off her movement, stand still on a table in the correct position, and remain calm when being handled by the judge. 

These are all behaviors Sassy had to learn, but they are generally not hard to teach. You just need to get your Chi accustomed to what is expected and practice it, so she is comfortable with performing. Most handlers, including owners of show Chihuahuas, use clicker training and positive reinforcement to teach their dogs show behaviors. If your dog is prepared for what is expected of her at a show she will show off her natural attributes better, giving her all the advantages at show time to put her in the winners' circle.

Your show Chihuahua needs to stand still for grooming, be calm around other dogs and people, stand still with her legs together, and allow a judge to handle and manipulate her. Your Chi will need to be able to circle the show ring in a line with other competitors, and by himself, at a smart trot at your left heel. 

This may sound straightforward, but it's not as easy as it sounds. For example, when "gaiting", you want your dog to move out with a spring in his step and carrying his head and tail high. Your Chi will be required to keep up with your left leg, and move in line with other dogs, and by himself, with lots of distractions present.  

Standing still and being examined by a judge will also require your Chi to be calm when a stranger handles him and other, strange and sometimes excited dogs, are moving about in close proximity. Your dog will be required to stand in the correct position to be examined which is called "stacking".  There are two types of stacking, hand stacking and free stacking.  In free stacking, your dog positions himself in the correct position to have conformation judged. In hand stacking, your Chi will allow you to manipulate him into position to be judged and examined.  Many owners use clicker training and positive reinforcement to lure and shape appropriate show behavior so their Chi learns what is expected of him. Practicing around other people and at informal shows can also give your little dog experience with the sights and sounds of a show so he will not be startled or taken by surprise on show day.

You will want to check out breed standards for your Chihuahua, so you are familiar with what characteristics and behaviors the judge will be looking for on show day.  You can go to practice shows or attend a Ringcraft class to help you understand how dog showing works and give your Chi some much needed experience. Small dogs like Chihuahuas need to “stack” or stand on a table, so practicing this on a table at home is a good idea.  Small dogs usually use a Resco collar in the show ring, which is an all-in-one collar with a loop and slider, to allow the loop to be snug on your Chihuahua's neck.