I disagree. I've heard stories from handlers and owner handlers (on this list even, and others) where they've said the Judge asked for a loose lead, but they (the handler) would not give it, to hide a fault in the dog. Is it right? Technically no. Is it good handling? Yes and no. The dog may not place under the judge that asks for a loose lead, because they are hiding a fault of gait, but they will likely place under the judge that does NOT ask for a loose lead, because "all is fair" at that point. - Jackie In a message dated 1/9/2006 4:20:44 PM Central Standard Time, uwish@xxxxxxxxxx writes: Hi Pam: the handlers COULD and WOULD drop the leads if the judges WOULD and SHOULD tell them to do so.........all they have to say is loose lead please! - Jackie Marcato Shepherds Where it's about function, not flash ============================================================================ POST is Copyrighted 2005. All material remains the property of the original author and of GSD Communication, Inc. NO REPRODUCTIONS or FORWARDS of any kind are permitted without prior permission of the original author AND of the Showgsd-l Management. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. ALL PERSONS ARE ON NOTICE THAT THE FORWARDING, REPRODUCTION OR USE IN ANY MANNER OF ANY MATERIAL WHICH APPEARS ON SHOWGSD-L WITHOUT THE EXPRESS PERMISSION OF ALL PARTIES TO THE POST AND THE LIST MANAGEMENT IS EXPRESSLY FORBIDDEN, AND IS A VIOLATION OF LAW. VIOLATORS OF THIS PROHIBITION WILL BE PROSECUTED. For assistance, please contact the List Management at admin@xxxxxxxxxxxx VISIT OUR WEBSITE - http://www.showgsd.org ============================================================================