I have been getting a lot of inquiries about how to go about teaching clicker conformation classes.  It
    seems that there are a lot of people out there who agree with me that this could be a really good way
    to go with our (and our clients) show dogs.

    Before getting into the real meat and potatoes of teaching conformation classes I want to make a
    couple of points.

    First, it is important to let the clients in your pet dog classes know that conformation exercises can be
    helpful for pet dogs as well.  There is certainly nothing wrong with a pet dog learning how to move on
    a light lead without pulling, stand and stay and accept gentle handling from a stranger.  These things
    can actually be helpful and beneficial to pet dogs in our community so let the public know that their
    "non" show dogs are welcome too!

    Let the people in your pet classes know that there is a mixed breed club that offers conformation for
    mixed breeds.  The Mixed Breed Dog Club of America has matches and specialty shows where mixed
    breeds may compete in conformation, obedience, rally and much more.  The mixed breeds are
    required to be spayed or neutered and not ever bred.  Conformation is for everyone, not just
    purebreds anymore.

    I allow all age dogs in my clicker conformation class.  If I have young puppies I will be modify the
    exercises to accommodate a puppy (such as giving them lots of opportunities for breaks and play
    time).  

    I do not require that the owner have any previous clicker training experience.  I am assuming that they
    have no clicker experience and teach them how the technique works and how to use the clicker.

    During the 6 week course students are taught what behaviors are necessary for show dogs as well as
    other important information such as what to wear, what class to enter and how shows actually work.

    Here is my basic outline for my 6 week clicker conformation class.  The first two weeks are laid out in
    the outline and the last two weeks are spent practicing the things we have been working on.

    Week 1 -   Study your breed standard.  - Students are encouraged to     obtain and study  breed
    standard.
    Nothing in life is free. - Students are introduced to this concept.
    Finding the dogs rewards. - Students are encourage to experiment with
    reinforcers.
    Discuss clicker training. - The technique is explained.
    Charge the clicker. - Students are taught how to get started.
    Name recognition. - We begin by teaching name recognition.

    Free stacking - clicking any standing.
    Gaiting - clicking dog moving on left side off leash.  Then with leash on.
    Gentle handling.

    Week 2 - Hand stacking - Students are encouraged to do the same routine every time, make sure the
    dog is comfortable with gentle handling.  Talk about having smooth hands over body, move front legs
    at elbow and back legs at hock, move front legs back rather than forward.
    Table dogs - make sure dog is comfortable on table, place on front of table.
    Free stacking - click and treat standing and practice moving towards and away from dog to
    encourage movement.
    Gaiting - put leash in left hand, clicker in left hand and treats in right hand, move and click and treat
    moving with you.  If dog pulls, say "uh-oh" and start over.

    Week 3 - Practice down and backs with handler saying "let’s go" or putting it on cue.
    Practice patterns: down and back, diagonal and triangle.
    Walking into a stack and using food to keep dog in position.
    Hand stacking.
    Free stacking.

    Week 4 - Practice down and backs with handler saying "let’s go" first.  Begin to add more verbal
    encouragement and click and treat less often if your dog is getting it.
    Practice walking into a stack.
    Work on hand stacking.
    Work on free stacking.
    Work on stand stay.
    Examinations.

    Week 5 -  Talk about what to wear, what class to enter, how the judging program works, how the
    classes work, etc.

    This is my basic clicker conformation course.  I find that this works for me quite well.  You can tweek it
    to make it work for your and your clientele.  In addition to our clicker conformation course we offer
    weekly drop in conformation classes once people have an idea of what to do.
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Teaching Clicker Conformation Classes By Vicki Ronchette