12/11/2025
⭐️ Wanted to post for educational purposes. We’ve had this come up a few times. Fortunately we have been around and had the privilege to attend and speak to prominent show persons and see some of the trainings etc (not that I regularly train this).
I do however know there is a difference between your regular obedience and preparation for conformation.
There seems to be some lack of knowledge of that here locally.
So I wanted to share my two cents.
Obedience vs. Conformation
You have to train smart if you plan to show 🦮
When a dog is headed for the show ring, not all obedience carries over and some of it can actually work against you.
Obedience builds focus, confidence, leash manners etc which help a show dog.
But automatic sits, tight focused heeling, and constant eye contact can hurt a dogs ability to stack, gait, and present naturally in the ring. This will cost you points 👏
Your dog must be able to move freely; we don’t want to overwrite what’s natural and overly micromanage. Yet we also understand the dog must have manners.
At Sheepdog K9 Consulting, we strive to tailor obedience so it supports, not conflicts with your dogs future goals and will always be honest and help where we can, and lead and guide you to the right resources where we can’t. 💪🏻
Train with intention. If your dog is show bound the foundation matters. Let’s build it the right way from the start. 🐶
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