Possible Clues:

• Just the right amount of speed for crossword compiler keen to arrive on time
• Step ahead of dog, one temporarily leading
• One establishing standard with due respect to myself?
• One goes to the front in a race to walk dog
• I step in front of leader
• Step in front of dog, the leader
• One has lead to walk dog
• Leader
• Power shown by excellent dog, early leader in race
• One who takes the lead, initially (with due respect to me?)