Stand 

Purpose

The Square Stand is a simple but highly effective foundation exercise. It teaches your dog how to hold their body in a balanced, neutral position — essentially “good posture” for dogs.

A correct stand builds:

• Postural stability
• Symmetry through all four limbs
• Core engagement
• Awareness of limb placement
• Strength in the stabiliser muscles

It also forms the basis for many other exercises, including transitions, weight shifts, and paws‑on work.

Equipment Needed

• Flat, non‑slip surface
• Optional: stacking blocks or small platforms to guide paw placement - targets which they place their paws on without you moving them into position will speed up their progress.
• Treats

How To Do It

1. Start with your dog in their natural stand position.
2. Gently guide them into position — it’s absolutely fine to lightly move a paw or adjust their body.
3. If they can’t step straight into perfect form, aim for “better than where they started” and shape gradually over time.
4. Stacking blocks or small platforms can help by giving your dog clear targets for their feet, lure them slowly onto the targets. 
5. Reward frequently for stillness and correct alignment.

What Good Form Looks Like

Viewed from the front:

• Front paws in line with the shoulders
• Hind paws in line with the hips
• All paws facing forward

Viewed from the side:

• Topline level
• Forearms and rear pasterns vertical
• Head and neck neutral - muzzle parallel to the ground

Overall:

• Symmetrical stance
• Dog looks balanced and steady

Building Duration

Before your dog can hold correct form, keep the stand very short — no more than 3 seconds. This prevents them from practising poor posture.

Once they can consistently stand in correct form:

• Add 1-2 seconds every 1-3 sessions
• If they wobble or lose form, reduce duration and build more slowly
• Some dogs progress every session, others every few — both are normal
• If there is no progress after 3 weeks, seek guidance from a professional

Important:
Do not add balance equipment until your dog can hold a correct Square Stand for 30 seconds on solid ground.
When you introduce equipment, halve the duration and rebuild gradually.

Common Mistakes & Troubleshooting

• Dog stands too wide or too narrow
  Gently adjust paws or use stacking blocks/platforms for clearer targets.
• Dogs back paws are too far forward
  Gently adjust paws or use stacking blocks/platforms for clearer targets.
• Dog looks up, down, or sideways
  Hold the reward at nose height directly in front to encourage a neutral head and neck.

Breed Variations

Some breeds naturally stand differently — aim for their version of correct form.

• Bedlington Terriers, Whippets, and other sighthounds: may have a natural topline curve

Correct form should always respect the dog’s natural structure.

Repetitions & Sets (General Guidance)

• Start with 3–5 second holds
• 2–3 repetitions
• 1–2 sets

Progression strategy:

• Add duration gradually
• Reduce reps as duration increases
• Work up to 60 seconds depending on the dog’s ability

Stop before your dog tires — quality should remain consistent.

Safety Notes

• Avoid slippery floors
• Keep movements slow and controlled
• Stop if your dog shows signs of fatigue, shifting, or discomfort