I've learned both the step forward and pop up stand. For me, having a bigger dog, it was just easy to get a step-forward, but I know if you go into Obed after rally, they prefer the pop-up.
I realized early with G, that I had to keep a consistent hand signal, so I would flatten my hand out, squeeze the treat between my ring and middle fingers as they are outstretched straight. Then I bring that hand in front of the dog, so it looks almost like I'm telling her "STOP", but my hand is horizontal as opposed to vertical. I reach across my body with my right hand, as opposed to the left hand, so she wasn't searching the hand closest to her for the treat. The only downfall is with a step-forward, you have to put the hand out farther, and I get G looking back at me over her shoulder, so keeping her from moving a foot while she turned needed to be finessed.
Others talk about gently putting some pressure on the back foot closest to you, if you can't get the dog to stand up to take the treat.
the one thing made clear to me is that once you're done with the stand, to be very sure to heel forward for a few steps before halting, otherwise, the dog will default to sit out of a STAND, and you don't want that at all. Keeping them moving straight out of the Stand reminds them that SIT is NOT the next thing in line. (Unless you call for it, but don't practice that way while you're still teaching - have to make sure the dog understands STAND first.)
Paige - dog.community moderator & Gracie - 6yr old Doberman
www.fortunatek9.com
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