The most important thing is to get really trained well on how to keep that neckpiece up high on the neck. Just below the ear. Yorkies have delicate tracheas and you don't want to cause an injury.
So practice, practice, practice, setting the loop correctly. Yorkies in fact all dogs should be shown on a loose lead. You don't want to use that lead to force up the head, or if you will using that lead to keep the dog's head lifted. Instead train your dog to keep their head up, through your voice, rewards, treats, etc. And don't let any-one tell you that the head carriage of a Yorkie should be set at 90 degrees. That is incorrect. Carried high yes - even at times approaching 90 degrees but essentially what you are looking for at a moderate speed trot the underside of the jaw is carried parallel to the ground.
You will also need to know how long the lead needs to be. Here is how to measure. With your left arm. bend your elbow to approximately 90 degrees and measure from your hand to the ground the distance. Purchase a lead of that length or you could go six or so inches shorter. After the neck piece is in position you gather up the extra lead in the palm of your hand.
As novices stay away from the beaded leads, until you are very comfortable with the plain leads, in holding the extra lead in your palm.
Most pro handlers do not use the fancy beaded leads in the rings. Many prefer the plain old fashioned colors. They want nothing to distract from the appearance of the dog. So a dull brown, or black lead is often used.
Don;t worry about being a novice in the ring. AKC now has special classes that novices can enter their dogs in. The judges are asked to be very supportive of novices in the ring. The other fact is quite simply, unless you are a very talented novice, most of us recognize immediately a novice in the ring. lol not a problem.
But back to the kangaroo leather leads. They need to be conditioned after you buy so that the leather becomes soft and supple. A good leather conditioner should be purchased. It is why I almost always go with a cotton fabric lead. I like the feel of cotton in my hand for the wee dogs.
If you have anymore questions just ask. ANd most importantly have fun in the ring
