Gaiting Your Poodle in Conformation

Poodle Pulse🐩 How to Properly Gait Your Standard Poodle in the Ring 🏆

Gaiting is a critical component of conformation showing, as it demonstrates your Standard Poodle’s movement, structure, and overall soundness. The goal is to present your dog’s natural, balanced movement while keeping him or her engaged and focused. Proper gaiting shows how well your Poodle conforms to the breed standard and its overall fitness. Here’s a step-by-step guide to ensure you’re presenting your dog at its best.

1. Understand the Ideal Movement for a Standard Poodle

Before we get into the steps, it’s important to know the desired movement for the Standard Poodle in the ring:

Front movement: The forelegs should reach forward with a long stride, but remain straight. The shoulder blades should glide smoothly without excess swinging.
Rear movement: The hind legs should drive powerfully from the rear, with strong rear drive and minimal side-to-side motion.
Topline: The dog’s topline should remain level as they move, showing a natural, steady gait.
Overall impression: The dog should move effortlessly with balance, fluidity, and style, demonstrating both function and grace.

2. Preparing for the Gaiting Sequence

To set yourself and your dog up for success in the ring, follow these tips:

a. Lead and Collar

Use a slip lead or show lead that allows you to maintain control without interfering with your dog’s movement.
The collar should be properly fitted—snug enough to stay in place but not tight enough to restrict the dog’s movement.

b. Focus on Presentation

Ensure your dog is stacked properly and in top grooming condition. A handler with a well-groomed dog in the right trim will move with more confidence and ease.

3. The Basics of Gaiting

Follow these steps to ensure smooth and effective gaiting in the ring:

a. Positioning Yourself

Stand on the right side of your dog, keeping a comfortable distance for optimal control.
Keep your head up and body straight to project confidence.
Hold the leash with a firm, yet relaxed grip to guide your dog without pulling.

b. Walking with the Dog

Begin by walking at a steady, brisk pace—you should walk slightly ahead of your dog, but not too far. The goal is for the dog to naturally follow your movement.
Avoid using large steps or abrupt motions that might disrupt your dog’s stride. Stay in rhythm with your dog’s natural pace.

c. Ensuring Proper Gait

Move forward at a consistent speed that showcases your dog’s natural movement. A fast gait can make the dog seem overly stiff or hurried, while a slow gait can look sluggish.
The dog should maintain an even, coordinated stride. Ensure the front legs are reaching out smoothly, while the rear legs should be driving forward with power. The topline should remain straight and level.

4. The Triangle and Down-and-Back

a. Triangle Gait

This is a common movement pattern used in many dog shows, particularly in AKC and UKC.
Start by walking your dog in a triangle, which involves the following steps:
- Walk forward straight away from the judge at a brisk pace.
- Make a left turn.
- Gait the dog to the diagonal to show the judge the dog’s side view.
- Make another left turn and walk back towards the judge, showing the dog’s front.
- Stop before you get too close to the judge.
Focus on maintaining your dog’s natural movement during the entire pattern. If the judge is watching closely, they’ll assess the dog’s balance, movement, and overall structure.

b. Down-and-Back

A down-and-back is another essential gaiting pattern, particularly in AKC.
- Down: Start in front of the judge, gait your dog toward the the opposite corner at a steady pace.
- Back: Make a 180-degree turn and walk back toward the judge.
When walking back, be sure to stay in line with the judge and avoid weaving or veering off. This pattern helps judges assess your dog’s front and rear movement from both directions.
Stop far enough from the judge that the dog can be clearly viewed.

5. Adjusting the Gait for the Judge’s Requests

Judges may ask you to perform different actions to assess the dog, depending on the ring setup or the dog’s movement:

a. Slower Gait

If the judge asks for a slower gait, it doesn’t mean to come to a crawl; it means to adjust to a controlled pace where the dog’s movements remain fluid but not rushed.

b. Fast Gait

If a faster gait is requested, keep your dog’s stride long and smooth without breaking into a trot. The dog should maintain balance and structure even at higher speeds. Ensure the topline stays level and the dog remains focused.

6. Common Mistakes to Avoid

Here are a few common pitfalls to watch out for when gaiting your Standard Poodle:

a. Jerking the Lead

Avoid yanking or jerking the lead, as it can throw your dog off balance and cause unnecessary tension. Instead, guide gently with your hand.

b. Poor Leash Management

Make sure the leash is not too loose or too tight. A slack leash could cause your dog to wander, while a tight leash will restrict movement.

c. Over-correcting Your Dog

Don’t overly correct your dog’s movement by pulling them into position too forcefully. Let your dog’s natural gait shine through and offer subtle corrections when necessary.

d. Stopping Too Abruptly

Don’t stop abruptly after gaiting; the judge will want to see your dog’s last movement clearly. Slowly ease into a stop to avoid jarring your dog’s stance.

7. Practice Makes Perfect

Regular gaiting practice will help your dog become more accustomed to moving confidently in the ring.
Use treats and praise during training to reward the dog for keeping a steady pace and presenting its best movement.
Practice different patterns—T-patterns, down-and-backs, and even moving in circles to help your dog learn to adjust to various setups in the ring.

Pro Tips:

Stay relaxed and composed. Your dog will mirror your energy, and a calm handler creates a calm dog.
Practice gaiting in various settings, including on different surfaces, to build your dog’s confidence.
Pay attention to your dog’s footfalls. In the ring, the judge will be assessing the movement from all angles, so aim for a balanced, effortless gait.

By following these steps and practicing regularly, you’ll be able to present your Standard Poodle’s movement in the best light, showcasing its structure, power, and grace in the show ring. Good luck! 😊