Some dogs are naturally built structurally to be able to free-stack well. The majority are not but they can be taught to put their feet and legs in places that please you as the handler, whether you use a clicker or something else to help them. There are only a couple of judges (not breeders) off the top of my head that don't like you to even touch the dogs on the ground, although they will let you set the dogs up on the ramp. I personally feel type is more important than being able to stand well but you could also argue that structure and type are a package or that structure is part of type. I guess if it doesn't look like a Bulldog but can stand nicely, then you'd have to ask if it's really a Bulldog? Probably more than you wanted, but it's what came to mind.

Jay

I've never been asked to free stack Cartman in the ring, but I do think it's a good idea to have a dog that knows how to free stack and that will let you stack him/her on the ramp.

I like to use the clicker to teach free-stacking. It's really easy. You just start by clicking/treating for just standing and then eventually you will only click/treat for a more square stance. If you want to raise your criteria even more for a free stack, then you can start clicking/treating for each paw movement and then eventually you'll have a dog that will move each paw with a simple look. This takes a while, but it's a pretty cool behavior.

If you're having issues with stacking him yourself, then you can use the clicker for that as well. When you say he's a mess when you try to stack him, is he moving, sinking into your hand, not having a confident stance, etc?

Lindsey Vincent (APDT#76072)
The Collected Canine
Dog Behavior Consultation Service
Van Buren, AR
www.thecollectedcanine.com