British Dalmatian Club

spottedladdy · Joined: 05 Feb 2008 Posts: 64 Location: Hertfordshire

I have a black spotted dalmatian, and I'm struggling to find out what type of showlead I need, could anyone reccomend a website with this lead ?

Thank you
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Nothings more arradicate then the Dalmatian

Flygirl · Posted: Fri Nov 07, 2008 8:16 am Post subject:

This is the website that I used.

http://www.showleads.co.uk/showsets.asp
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Liz, Jack, Rosie, Merlin, Sally and Jazz

www.elizabethsampsonpiano.co.uk
www.dalstorm.co.uk
www.nuadalseurope.co.uk
http://tyrodal-nuagene.blogspot.com/

Dalregis · Joined: 26 Mar 2004 Posts: 684 Location: Middle England

I would use a fine leather one ( as illustrated on the suggested site) but personally I prefer to stick to black or dark brown which always look smart. I have a black one with a gold- coloured chain similar to the one on the site.
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Pat Wilson

spottedladdy · Joined: 05 Feb 2008 Posts: 64 Location: Hertfordshire

thank you for the information, it says at the bottom about the size of lead, it is either
0.6
0.7
0.8 metres long . whwat size should I choose ?
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Nothings more arradicate then the Dalmatian

Flygirl · Posted: Fri Nov 07, 2008 3:00 pm Post subject:

I'm not sure of the answer to that as the first one I got was for ringcraft training when Rosie was a puppy, but this page should help. Also I'm sure someone with show experience on this forum will soon advise.

http://www.showleads.co.uk/services.html
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Liz, Jack, Rosie, Merlin, Sally and Jazz

www.elizabethsampsonpiano.co.uk
www.dalstorm.co.uk
www.nuadalseurope.co.uk
http://tyrodal-nuagene.blogspot.com/

jabbadal · Joined: 26 Jul 2004 Posts: 554 Location: Wiltshire, England

Hello,
Length of the lead is entirely a personal preference and also depends on how you show your Dalmatian.
If you show on a loose lead, standing and running, you may want it slightly longer, than if you use a tight lead. If your lead is too long and you use a tight lead, then it does tend to look unsightly wrapped around the hand and be uncomfortable for you.
Sometimes, if you've got a youngster, you may start off with a shorter lead for more control, but change to a longer lead used loosely when you feel your Dalmatian is trained and knows what to do.

I would experiment at home with a normal lead and pratice how you do it. Then decide what is the comfortable length for both you and the dog.

Some exhibitors like a longer lead and are prepared to put up with it wrapped around the hand, so they can give their dog a longer lead, when relaxing before and after their class. Others like to change their show lead to a normal lead straight after showing.

I think the main points to keep in mind when choosing a show lead, is that it isn't too bulky, so it shows off the neck and head, but it is strong enough for your own particular Dalmatian's needs.
Colour is your own preference, but should compliment the colour of your dog or show them off. Flashy or brightly coloured leads can often be distracting to the judge when looking at your dog, you really need your dog and all his/her best points to stand out to the judge.

If you are quite new to showing, you may find that as your experience grows, that you will develop your own favourite lead which works well for you and the dog, which can sometimes be a totally different lead to the type you started off with!

I remember going through many different types of show leads when I started with my first dog, hoping he would either show better or be placed higher! Now I know more, I am able to train my dogs better, so the choice of lead doesn't matter so much.
It's all a very big learning curve and such fun!!
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Diamonds may be a girl's best friend, but I'd rather have a DALMATIAN!!!

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Pitch · Joined: 27 Sep 2008 Posts: 21

I have one of cotton, a brown one but this one is really sharp in your hands and i have a brown leather one with a chain, I really like this one, not to long because I show with the lead rolled in my hand. I bought it on a show because i wanted to fit right away.

Grtz Suzan, Paco, Pitch and Phoenix

spottedladdy · Joined: 05 Feb 2008 Posts: 64 Location: Hertfordshire

Thank you very much everyone ! I actually managed to get hold of a leather black slip lead at discover dogs and it is perfect ! i have now planned to enter our first show on 29th december, luton canine society.!
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Nothings more arradicate then the Dalmatian

Pitch · Joined: 27 Sep 2008 Posts: 21

Good luck on your first show, very exciting to do it for the first time. I was so nervous at my first shows, could'nt eat and smoked way too much haha

grtz Suzan, Paco, Pitch and Phoenix

spottedladdy · Joined: 05 Feb 2008 Posts: 64 Location: Hertfordshire

have you got any good tips at all you could help me with please
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Nothings more arradicate then the Dalmatian

lucy&mabel · Joined: 14 Jul 2007 Posts: 32 Location: Swindon, Wilts

The most important thing about the 1st show is to enjoy it. You will be nervous but try not to let that travel down the lead to your dog.

Make the show fun win or lose as long as its fun your dog will love showing and want to show more, if your dog doesnt enjoy it they wont show at all!

I did learn a trick, have a breath mint (I always have polo's) before you go into the ring. apparently your dog can smell your nerves in your breath and eating a mint takes this smell away. Don't know if it works but it makes me feel slightly less nervous.

I have been showing for just over a year now and I still get nervous Mabel on the other hand loves showing.