Leash Runner
| Job Requirements | Be able to walk back and forth repetitively and be able to bend over to pick up a leash |
This is a good job for a young child who is old enough to follow instructions, but not quite sophisticated enough to be a Timer
That being said there are lots of adults out there who would rather do this job than any of the other ringside positions.
The Leash Runner's job is to pick up the leash (and collar sometimes) left behind by a handler after they have started their run. The leash is then taken to the exit gate where the handler can pick it up in order to exit the ring with the dog under control
Often at times when a trial is organized the exit gates will have a leash stand where the leashes can be hung. A leash stand can simply be a fence post in the ground or at some trials clubs has used an object that sort of looks like a shepherd's neame (curly at the top with a hook, striaght shank). Other clubs use a bucket for this purpose.
Some do's and don'ts of being a Leash Runner
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Don't block the Scribe's view of the Judge! This can result in a missed signal or other frustration.
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Do wait for the dog and handler to leave the line before picking up the leash
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Don't pat, talk to or otherwise distract the dog on the line! This won't make you very popular with the handler and really isn't fair.
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Don't jangle tags on collars when you pick up the leash and collar. This falls under the "don't distract the dog" heading above. Dogs can pick up on the sound of their collar and decided to investigate instead of pay attention to their handler.
- Do be aware of what is going on in the ring. For intance: if there is a lengthy delay of start (conversation with the Judge going on, malfunctioning timer unit needs a correction, papers and butterflies blowing about the ring, etc.) you the Leash Runner might suggest to the handler that the leash go back on their dog and that they "stand down" from the line to relieve stress.
While a Leash Runners might be considered "entry level" there's a lot of pride that can be take here for doing the job well. There's leash runners and then there are Leash Runners.