Karen. Welcome to the site. First no real problem. It is when you start sewing leaving the end of threads to do their own thing. All of the above are best ways to handle the problem. The method Ckcowl has told you is also the way you will always begin you top quilting either walking foot or free motion.
The leader is also useful to test machine stitch size on ,in UK where I am they are called pigs.putting at the end also means ready for next start.
Do you chain piece. This would also prevent problem. Ie just before you finish one piece insert the next and continue it also saves on the thread.