Hi Shelley, the handle length I have at present is 24 inches, I'm 5ft 6". If the handle lies flat on his back in the down position, the handle end where you grasp will be just past where his tail begins, so that's the walking spot for me when working with him. Another school requires that the handler walk up near the front shoulder position. We just saw another type harness handle, Europe, I think. There was a short piece on TV this evening, and this handle was more a v shaped handle that pivoted at the v point, attaching to the harness between the dog's shoulders. The handle seemed so free moving and rather strange. I'm still trying to work out how it would feel being so flexible in movement from side to side. Regards Valerie