Conformation Training for a German Shepherd

To successfully compete in the conformation ring, also known as the breed ring, the German shepherd requires more than training. The dog's overall appearance must adhere to the breed standard set by the American Kennel Club or the club that hosts the dog show. Within the conformation ring, the German shepherd will be judged on its bone structure and appearance. To successfully compete, the dog requires not only the perfect look but also basic conformation training.

  1. Requirements

    • German shepherds competing in the conformation ring earn points. When enough points are collected, the dog earns the title of "champion" and can successfully be bred to pass down its genetically perfect appearance to a new generation. When a dog competes in conformation, it is only judged on its appearance. The dog must have the perfect look before it can even consider competition. No training will give the dog the look that is required to compete. The dog is or isn't born physically perfect. If the dog does not have physical perfection, it can't compete in conformation.

    Show Quality

    • Conformation training begins when the German shepherd is no more than 8 weeks old. The breeder will evaluate the puppy and if it appears to be a miniature replica of the breed's required standards, it will be declared "show quality."

    Stance

    • The puppy is taught to stand for treats and not to sit down. It is encouraged to step forward to receive its treat. In the conformation ring, the puppy must stand with its front paws even. The back paw steps forward in front of its other back paw. This stance helps to showcase the German shepherd's topline to the judge. The dog must hold the stance as the judge runs his hands over it, checks its teeth and, if it is a male, exams its testicles. Without two descended testicles, the male will be disqualified.

    Evaluation

    • From the time the puppy is young, it must learn to stand while strangers touch the dog from head to tail without objecting during the evaluation. This can be a difficult function for a male German shepherd, who often have aggressive tendencies. If the dog grows or bites the judge, it will be disqualified. The puppy must also learn to run out in front of the handler on the leash. Teaching this is different than teaching a dog to heel. In the conformation ring, the dog runs forth on the leash to show off and does not heel beside the handler.

    Match Show

    • Most dog breed and kennel clubs host one match show a year. A match show is only for fun. It helps the dog learn what the conformation ring will be like and what is expected of the dog. Match shows are a wonderful way to train a dog to compete successfully.

    Head and Ears

    • German shepherds have control of their ears. When teaching a German shepherd to stand in the conformation ring, the handler will often place small bites of liver in their cheek. This makes the young dog look at the handler's face as it awaits a treat. The dog's ears will automatically stand up in anticipation of the tasty morsel. This helps showcase the dog's head as the judge evaluates all the dogs in the rings.

    Point Show

    • The German shepherd's first real dog show usually takes place when the dog is 6 to 9 months old. The judge understands that the dog is just a puppy and does not expect it to behave perfectly. As the dog ages and wins points in the conformation ring toward its championship, the judge will expect the dog to grow up and act dignified as it struts through the ring and stands to be examined.