[MelB]

My male springer, Sniper, has been doing so well in his obedience training but we struggle with the stand for exam portion.
Sniper is extremely high energy, so for him to stand still is very hard and asking a lot. I take him out and let him run before we work so that he's ran some energy out but he still struggles with that stand.
What I have been doing is using the clicker I have him sit, I then direct him to stand (which he does, he has that part down), and then I tell him to stay, count to 3 or 5 and then click and treat. The problem is that we can't seem to get past the count of 5 before he shifts a foot. Since I am clicker training I just go UH! and start over again. Today he did a bit better at it, but not by much. I know to take things slow and not go beyond his threshold, but does anyone have any tricks they have used to reinforce that stand stay command?
If it wasn't for this part of his training he'd have been in the ring long ago. This is holding us up! LOL. He doesn't sit down, or move far, just moves a foot or picks up one foot which he can't do in the ring. I do not stack him as that seemed to make him more uncomfortable, I ask him to stand and press on his back to set his feet and then I give the stay command and hand signal, stand up and count, and click and treat like crazy when he does stand still and does not move a foot.

[TooneyDogs]

The usual proofing is on leash....pulling with slight pressure to make him 'dig in' and hold his stand. Lots of praise for 'resisting'. I've heard where some have used small wooden blocks or even tin cans to stand on (not my first choice).

Be sure that you are NOT making eye contact....focus just above the dog. Remember, you can also use the 'Stay signal' of crossing your arms (only if you leave heel position with your arms crossed). I used the stop sign hand signal/body block during practice.