I took Holly to ringcraft last night (it was her 5th week) and for the 1st time she spent the entire session with
all 4 feet on the ground

Normally she spends at least part of the time, pulling like a train standing upright on her back legs!!
I've changed Holly to a slip collar? (half chain/half fabric) and she's really settled down on it. Last night I held a small pot of hotdog sausages by my left hip and she walked almost perfectly to heel the whole time it was there. My plan is that over the next few weeks the pot will be replaced by an empty pot and then by a empty hand.
If I can't get her onto an empty hand and I have to make do with an empty pot, how will the judges react to that? Are you allowed to carry something in your hand to settle your dog or should I aim to carry the pot in my pocket? The pot I'm using is a small specimen pot from the hospital so it is fairly discreet

Thanks
Fiona
x x x