I don't know why I didn't think to mention it earlier, but you can always stand on the end of the leash instead of holding it;-)) Make sure you do it with the ball of the foot, or your heel, otherwise it will slip through and the dog will be off sniffing another dog's butt or chasing butterflies. But, if you can do this, it takes care of at least one of the problems that newbies find vexing.
Regional Director for Massachusetts, International Positive Dog Training Association
Director, SeniorCare Pawsitive Connections Program
AKC CGC Evaluator #3669
Therapy Dogs, Inc. Tester/Observer
Sioux, CGC, TDInc.
Maska, CGC, TDInc.
Sequoyah, CGC
Fergie, Retired Lap Dog, Age 19
Dancer, CGC, TDInc. (1989-2006) #1 Heart Dog
"If you talk to the animals they will talk with you and you will know each other. If you do not talk to them you will not know them and what you do not know, you will fear. What one fears, one destroys." - Chief Dan George
"The fidelity of a dog is a precious gift demanding no less binding moral responsibilities than the friendship of a human being. The bond with a true dog is as lasting as the ties of this earth can ever be." ~ Konrad Lorenz