"...I just have another thought re leashes - in SAR we usually get a custom length biothane lead made. There is a ring on the leash handle and it is the length of your waist (or if really skinny and want longer, two wraps). It means we always have a leash on us that is totally out of the way and quick to grab if needed since you wear it like a belt (just, not through pant loops, usually, lol)."
I'm a little confused about how this works. Does each handler have this type of leash? Does the club provide them? Please elaborate.
Linda
SAR is Search & Rescue
We work in wilderness environments, many our dogs work off leash, airscent. But you sometimes come up on cliffs, roads, trains, etc, and want to be able to quickly leash your dog. We can't just brush break deep woods carrying things, and getting stuff in and out of pack takes a second. So we get leashes sized to wear clipped around our waist. It doesn't snag or drap or get in the way. [K9NOZ is who we use.
http://k9noz.com/ He does all custom work. he does have purple biothane

]
It was just an idea since leash runners may not happen, it's simple and very quick - faster than digging a leash out of a pocket or fannypack.
Heck you could tie your own out of paracord or something too. Just make sure to tie in the clip and loop.
paramedic in an ER, I know that will not be the case for a long time. I might have to skip trials as much as I hate to and just do VT for awhile. Although, the travel itch is really starting to hit me. I might just take some smaller chances and just do a dog travel mini vacay later this year. I will have to see how everything plays out.
So much yes. Being in SAR means knowing a lot of first responders - and *last* responders - the people who pick up & deal with the dead bodies. I won't drop my guard until the last responders are ready to relax. If you look at Alabama, our second peak is predicted to be longer and bigger than first

To me, it makes much more sense to if local areas are allowing meets, then stick just to your club and do VT days, easier to manage and keep exposure much lower than full trials where people often travel distances and hotels and eating out etc.