Behind the Scenes: Raising a Show Dog with Leland APBTS

When people see a polished American Pit Bull Terrier in the show ring, they often only notice the shiny coat, confident stance, and flawless movement. What many don’t realize is the months of preparation, training, and bonding that go into raising a successful show dog. At Leland APBTS, we believe the journey starts early—long before our puppies ever step paw into the ring.

In this post, we’ll take you behind the scenes to show exactly how we raise, train, and prepare our Pit Bull puppies for the world of conformation shows. From teaching the perfect stack to fine-tuning gaiting, every step of the process is designed to bring out the best in our dogs while keeping training fun and positive.

The Foundation: Starting Show Training Early

One of the most common questions we get as APBT breeders is: “When do you start training your puppies for the show ring?”

At Leland APBTS, show training starts earlier than most people expect—usually around 4 to 5 weeks of age. At this young stage, puppies are naturally curious and eager to learn. We use this window of opportunity to introduce the basics in a gentle and positive way.

The very first skill we teach is stacking—the correct foot position that highlights a dog’s structure and conformation. Using a high-value treat (known as “bait” in the show world), we guide our puppies into the proper stance. Sessions are kept short, only 5–10 minutes, to match their attention span.

These early experiences aren’t about perfection—they’re about making training fun, rewarding, and something the puppies look forward to. By laying this foundation early, our dogs grow up seeing training as a game rather than a chore.

What is a Stack and Why is it Important?

If you’ve ever watched a dog show, you’ve seen handlers position their dogs into a stack. But what exactly is it?

A stack is the correct standing position that best displays a dog’s structure according to the breed standard. For American Pit Bull Terriers, this means showing off their strong, balanced frame, muscular build, and confident presence.

There are two main types of stacks:

• Hand Stack – where the handler physically places the dog’s feet in the correct position.

• Free Stack – where the dog moves into the correct position on its own, guided only by the handler’s cues.

At Leland APBTS, we start with the hand stack and gradually transition into teaching a free stack, which demonstrates not just the dog’s structure but also their training, focus, and natural confidence.

Building Confidence Through Positive Reinforcement

Every part of our show training relies on positive reinforcement. This means we reward desired behaviors with treats, praise, and encouragement. Instead of forcing our puppies into position, we guide them gently and reward them for trying.

This approach creates dogs that:

• Love training sessions.

• Associate the show ring with fun and rewards.

• Perform confidently without stress or hesitation.

The result? APBT show dogs who aren’t just well-trained but also genuinely enjoy showing off their skills.

Teaching Puppies to “Free Stack”

Once puppies understand the hand stack, we move on to the more advanced skill: the free stack. This is where the handler uses the leash and body language to guide the dog into position, without physically moving their feet.

Learning to free stack takes patience and repetition. Puppies practice standing tall, holding their position, and focusing on their handler. Over time, they begin to naturally move into a beautiful free stack with little prompting—earning plenty of treats and praise along the way.

A dog that can free stack confidently in the ring demonstrates not just great conformation but also excellent training and focus.

The Art of Movement: Gait Training

Stacking is only half the story. Movement is just as important in the show ring. Judges want to see how a dog carries itself, how smoothly it moves, and whether its gait reflects correct structure.

At Leland APBTS, we introduce gait training early on. Puppies learn to walk and trot on a loose lead, keeping pace with the handler. We focus on teaching them to:

• Move at the correct speed to highlight their best stride.

• Keep their head up and body relaxed.

• Transition smoothly from a stack to gaiting and back again.

Just like stacking, gait training starts small and builds over time. By repeating these exercises consistently, our dogs learn to move gracefully and confidently in the ring.

Why Consistency Matters

Raising a show dog isn’t a one-time effort—it’s about months of consistent training. Puppies at Leland APBTS practice regularly in short sessions that build muscle memory. Over time, these small steps lead to big results.

By the time one of our APBTs enters the ring, they know exactly what to do: stack correctly, gait smoothly, and respond to subtle cues from their handler. Most importantly, they do it with enthusiasm because training has always been a positive, rewarding experience.

Balancing Training with Puppyhood

While show training is important, so is letting puppies be puppies. At Leland APBTS, we balance structured training with plenty of playtime, socialization, and exploration. A happy, well-adjusted puppy makes a stronger, more confident show dog.

We make sure our dogs:

• Spend time socializing with people and other animals.

• Experience different environments and surfaces (grass, mats, gravel).

• Build confidence outside of the show ring.

This well-rounded upbringing ensures that our Pit Bull puppies grow into not just excellent show dogs but also wonderful companions.

Preparing for the Show Ring

By the time our dogs are ready for their first show, they’ve had months of practice in:

• Stacking (hand and free).

• Gaiting on leash.

• Focusing under distraction.

• Enjoying the ring environment.

The show ring can be an exciting and sometimes overwhelming place for a young dog—bright lights, new smells, and lots of energy. But because of their structured, positive training, our dogs walk in with confidence, ready to shine.

The Bond Between Handler and Dog

One of the most rewarding parts of raising a show dog is the bond that forms between handler and dog. Training isn’t just about mechanics—it’s about building trust and communication.

Our dogs learn to read subtle cues from us, whether it’s a hand signal, body movement, or even eye contact. In return, we learn how to bring out the best in them. This partnership is what makes the show ring experience so special.

Why Our Method Works

At Leland APBTS, our approach to raising show dogs is simple but effective:

1. Start early – Build good habits from the start.

2. Keep it positive – Training should always be rewarding.

3. Stay consistent – Short, regular sessions build lasting skills.

4. Balance training with life – Happy, socialized puppies make confident show dogs.

This method has allowed us to raise APBTs who excel in the show ring while also being loving family companions.

A Look Ahead: The Future of Leland APBTS Show Dogs

Every puppy we raise has the potential to make their mark in the show ring. But beyond ribbons and titles, what matters most is the journey—the hours of training, the bond we build, and the pride of watching a dog shine.

At Leland APBTS, we’re excited to continue producing top-quality American Pit Bull Terriers that embody the breed standard, love the show ring, and bring joy to their families.

Final Thoughts

Raising a show dog isn’t just about teaching skills—it’s about nurturing confidence, building trust, and celebrating the unique spirit of each dog. From the first stack at 5 weeks old to the confident trot in the ring, every step of the journey is filled with dedication and love.

At Leland APBTS, we’re proud to share not just the results you see in the ring but also the behind-the-scenes process that makes it all possible. Whether you’re an aspiring show handler, a fellow breeder, or simply a dog lover curious about the journey, we hope this glimpse into our training inspires you.

Because in the end, every champion starts the same way—with a puppy, a treat, and a whole lot of heart.