Chapter 7
🐾 Now we make the exercise look trial-ready
At this point, the basic Stand is already built.
Now we only need to work on the small details that make the whole exercise look natural, clean and ready for the exam.
The first thing we focus on is the pace.
🚶 Bring your walking back to normal
During the build-up, we usually walk much more slowly and carefully than we normally would.
We also tend to:
➡️ move a little stiffly
➡️ keep the arms more controlled
➡️ reduce our natural body movement
That was useful during training, but now we need to gradually return to a more natural picture.
Start walking again the way you would during normal heelwork:
✅ normal pace
✅ relaxed body
✅ natural arm swing
✅ loose, fluent movement
👀 Watch how your dog reacts
The change in your movement can affect the dog more than expected.
For example, the dog may suddenly:
➡️ struggle to stop as firmly
➡️ make the hop less cleanly
➡️ become less stable in the Stand
So do not automatically assume that the whole exercise has become worse.
Instead, check what exactly is causing the problem.
🔍 Change one thing at a time
Ask yourself:
Is it the faster pace?
or
Is it the increased arm movement?
Depending on the answer, adjust only that one factor first.
For example, keep the pace slower but let the arms swing more naturally — or keep the arms quiet and only increase the pace slightly.
🎯 The goal
The dog should eventually be able to perform the same clean Stand even when you move completely naturally.
💡 The technical build-up should stay reliable, while your own body language gradually becomes more relaxed and exam-like.