Handling (continued..)
What do I do with the lead?
Ensure that you buy a lead that is suitable for the dog. Generally speaking the leash you use should be one that you have specially bought for the show ring. It is not the leash you would use to take the dog for a walk down the park. You dog will begin to recognise the lead and figure out that they need to behave differently to when out for a walk.
People will generally use a slip or parachute chain around the neck of the dog
and a fine leather or chain lead.
You need to be careful of the length of the lead. Generally you want to be able
to quickly roll the leash up into your hand - so you don't want anything too
long. On the other hand, you also need enough length so that you can allow your
dog freedom of movement as it moves around the ring.
You need to practice collecting the leash up in your hand. You should never have
the end of the lead dangling out of your hand as it detracts from the overall
picture that you are trying to create. Whether you run your dog on a loose leash
or a firm leash is dependent on how your dog works for you. Just remember that
the show ring is no time to practice a new skill.
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