My newfoundland is now 14 months old. We have been regular attendees at training both for obedience and ringcraft. He is great on his normal lead although he does need a martingale harness to reduce the 'pull' but on his ringcraft lead all he wants to do is eat it or get it in his mouth and play tug of war. I get frustrated and it all ends in a battle. He currently uses a rolled leather half choke with a 12" rolled leather lead. Does anyone have any suggestions as to how I can improve the situation so that I will be able to show him.

I knew he was a real conundrum and it looks like no-one can help.

What have you tried so far? :) I would clicker train it myself. Get a toy or food, show the dog lead and collar, click and reward, put collar half way over dog's head, click and reward, put collar on dog, click and reward, put collar on, ask dog to move one step (movement may trigger the excited grabbing), click and treat for not biting the lead. Remember to mix it up and sometimes go back to showing the dog the lead and click and reward so that he realises that any part of the action of you placing the collar over the dogs head, moving the dog around is an opportunity to gain a reward by acting appropriately. You may find that getting to new places will stimulate him to "act up" and this is where you need to build the behaviour back up again.

Just build it up so he knows that he has access to all the fun he wants by choosing not to grab at his lead.

He is a baby, and a lovely one by the sound of it :) you don't want to crush his spirit. Use his attitude to your advantage :)

If you'd ever seen me in the ring, however, you'd disregard all of that :D

Jess

A good ringcraft should be able to offer options to try, what have they suggested?
What is your dog like with treats to take him away from this behaviour? Sometimes baiting a dog is a good distraction technique.
The other option if you feel you are out of options is the show dog whisperer, I don't work for her and not affiliated to her, however I know she has worked wonders with some dogs. Been myself to be told my handling isn't actually that bad, it was the confidence I needed and a few little tips on things.. A whole day out at £100, worth every penny if you have a difficult dog :-)

Don't bait a Newf unless you want pools of drool, not good for the right look in the ring and judges hate handling a frothy face.
They are almost all strung on round leather slip collars up around the nape of the neck.

Does not stop you baiting when training, after all people do not use clickers in the ring but they may well train with them.

Michael Coad is doing an education day on showing and handling on 3rd August in Malvern, you can book through the South Wales Scottish Terrier Club and can book to take your dog for individual help I think. This might help with getting some tips. It's for all breeds not just Scotties!
I can understand your problem as although my puppy is still very much a little baby he likes to chew the lead as moving and sits instead of stands as soon as we come to a halt! I use treats but these are not used in the ring so much so hoping we can reduce as time goes on.