Congratulations on your new boy!! How exciting!
I have to say I agree with Gemy about the leads.
When I put a show leash on I want my dogs to be on top of their game. To them, that leash means they keep their heads up and walk like they are worth a million bucks. In other words, when the lead is on its time to perform.
When I take my boys out for walks I always use a harness over their wrapping jacket. This way they can walk, smell and play without developing any bad habits. They know the harness = time off, so to speak.
My boys have always been pets first. In retrospect, it didnt work out as well as I would have liked it for my older boy--he wasnt food or toy motivated so when he went in the ring he had no drive to perform for me. To him, showing was more of a chore. For my 16month old its another story. He is such an attention hog and food/toy motivated to no end he loved showing and has been known to "make-out" with a few judges in his time!
As for the beach, I say go for it! But if you are going to do it you might as well let them go all the way because you have a good washing/oiling/rewrapping in your future anyways!!
May he always have sand-holes to dig
