Puppies And Show Leads

[Rachel]

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Hi all,

is it acceptable or even preferable to show a young pup on a slack show lead? I think I spoiled my last puppy's confidence in keeping her on a taught show lead (as advised by my ringcraft class) and consequently she always appeared to be being slowly throttled whenever shown and in a Pavlovian response, whenever the lead was put on! She hated showing and in the end so did I. I gave up!

Do whippets need to be shown on a taught lead and if so, should I begin now or leave her to be herself and slowly introduce it as she gets older? I think this is a crucial time to decide how to proceed with her show training as she is a very outgoing pup, but want to make the right decision. Any thoughts gratefully received!

Incidentally, having watched Crufts last night, I was pleasantly surprised to see jumping up, having a shake, breaking gait as being accepted by the showers, and actually enhancing the dog's performance due to the dog being supremely relaxed. My old ringcraft class severly put down any 'subordinance'. If I show my new pup in all her exhuberance will she be marked down or should I have her conform more with stricter use of the lead??

ooh err missus!

TIA Rachel

 

[seaspot_run]

I can't speak for the UK, but I feel that Whippets look better moving freely and relaxed on a looser lead unless there is something very wrong with their gait and/or head carriage.

But the style seems to be to show them terrier-like and strung up in some circles.

 

[native]

Hi all, is it acceptable or even preferable to show a young pup on a slack show lead? I think I spoiled my last puppy's confidence in keeping her on a taught show lead (as advised by my ringcraft class) and consequently she always appeared to be being slowly throttled whenever shown and in a Pavlovian response, whenever the lead was put on! She hated showing and in the end so did I. I gave up!

Do whippets need to be shown on a taught lead and if so, should I begin now or leave her to be herself and slowly introduce it as she gets older? I think this is a crucial time to decide how to proceed with her show training as she is a very outgoing pup, but want to make the right decision. Any thoughts gratefully received!

Incidentally, having watched Crufts last night, I was pleasantly surprised to see jumping up, having a shake, breaking gait as being accepted by the showers, and actually enhancing the dog's performance due to the dog being supremely relaxed.  My old ringcraft class severly put down any 'subordinance'. If I show my new pup in all her exhuberance will she be marked down or should I have her conform more with stricter use of the lead??

ooh err missus!

TIA Rachel

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

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Hi Rachel,

first of all, how old is your puppy?

I start training (well of sorts) at 6-8wks, little walks with a short stand & lots of positive voice & a treat, ON A THICK COLLAR & LEAD. By the time they go into the ring(baby class 3 - 6mths) we have progressed to a thin parachute show lead, which is not strung up tight like a Terrier, important note a "happy" young puppy will make a good show dog just give them time.

Regards

Anne

Birrarun Kennels, Sth Australia