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Permalink Reply by Joanna Kimball on February 9, 2010 at 2:29pm

Shelley can probably tell you more about the leads and collars that her dogs work best on, but here's my experience:

- The collar material (leather, cord, or chain) depends on which your dog works best on. My Danes always did better on leather or cord; the corgis have tended to do better with chains. You will have to experiment. When they have the right thing on, they are responsive and easy to control but not intimidated.

- Chokes on Cardigans. Martingales are for dogs that are supposed to be working directly under your hand, like toy dogs and the small nonsporting dogs. If the dog is supposed to be to your side, a choke offers much more control.

- Generally I prefer to have a loop on the show lead rather than a clip. I've heard far too many stories of clips being undone by accident as the handler is adjusting the lead or the collar, and I also think it looks a lot nicer to have a clean, minimal look to the collar/lead joint.

- Material for the lead depends on what the handler can work. You have to be able to gather the lead and hold it entirely in one hand, and use only that hand to shorten or lengthen. I adore a well-worked bridle leather lead, but it takes weeks or months to get it supple enough. A paracord lead is easy and fast.

- Kangaroo leads (with or without beads) are the BEST, but again they need to be worked and softened and you have to know how to gather them. I find that beading is wonderful if the beads are placed where I naturally grab the lead (in other words, one bead cluster near the collar where I grab when hand-stacking; one to grab where the dog should be beside me on the go-round; one where I can let the dog really move out in front of me). If they're in the wrong place, or if they make it difficult to gather up the lead, they are a handicap.

- Generally Cardis work on 3' leads. Some people go longer but then you've got more trouble in gathering and extending. But your daughter needs to experiment to see what length is good for her and easy to gather and let out. George Alston recommends putting your keychain (heavy with keys) on the lead and then practicing gathering and then letting out the lead until you can do it without the keys jingling even a tiny bit. I've done this myself and it is great practice.

- Do not fall into the trap of matching the lead to her clothing or getting a showy or crazy lead. Leads should match the dog and be discreet and flattering. A brindle would be appropriately shown on a white lead, beige, dark brown, black, or a nice kangaroo brown/black or white/brown combination. The lead is there first and foremost to control the dog and then to make you look professional and respectful (basically the same reason we wear nice clothes in the ring - shows respect for the judge and for the sport). It's not there to make a statement about how much money you spent or to attract the attention of the exhibitors or judges. If you want a fun lead, the place for it is in the performance rings, where there is a more casual dress code and the tug leads and stuff are for fun.

It's very, very exciting to be starting out and I think you will have a WONDERFUL time. Please post lots of pictures!

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Permalink Reply by Sky and Lyla on February 9, 2010 at 9:46pm

Oh, I'm interested in hearing this as well! I just got my first show dog and have been having fun looking online at different show leads, but I don't know what is best. The Kangaroo leather leads are nice!!

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Permalink Reply by Wind Dial on February 9, 2010 at 10:59pm

This is just what I found to work well for me and what I personally like. I'm not an expert by any means but for my Pembrokes and the Frenchies I show I use a 32" slim black nylon and I do like the loop end rather than the snap but I have one of each. It is just as long what I will ever need, any longer and and I will have too much to extra to worry about. The slim black is discreet and not drawing to the eye in most circumstances. I attach it to a well fitted snake chain. I do not get all fancy thats for sure, I like to keep it simple.

I am also rather short too so I probably use a slightly shorter lead than your average person. Joanna mentioned a 3 ft lead which for a normal height person probably works.

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Permalink Reply by Norman Dale on February 11, 2010 at 12:00pm

Well thanks so much -- I ended up ordering a kangaroo slip leash from Needs n Desires [sounds like a very different kind of merchandising than dog show stuff doesn't it? :-)

By the way, they have both Canada and USA stores

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