Leashes by Design

1. How do I measure my dog for a custom collar?

Please see our complete measuring instructions HERE.

Please keep the following considerations in mind to help you decide which
size will work best for your dog:
Age - If you choosing a collar for a dog who is younger then one and a
half years old, chances are he or she will gain some size dimensions in the
neck circumference.
Type of coat - Thick or longer coated dogs may need extra room for
their fur to assure a comfortable fit of your dog's new collar.
Purpose of the item - A tighter fitting collar will assure a secure fit of
the item for training dogs and working with them, a looser fit is
appropriate for using the item around the house or extended wear.

2. Is kangaroo leather better than regular leather?
If you have never used a kangaroo braided leash, you are definitely
missing something wonderful. These leashes become buttery soft with
use, without losing their strength or structure. They are also much lighter
than traditional leather leashes and much more flexible.

Kangaroo leather fibers run horizontally with the skin, as opposed to
randomly as in cow hide. This creates the great tensile strength of
kangaroo leather. It is said to be 4 times stronger than cow skin. It is
also extremely abrasion resistant and has a superior finish. It is simply
superior to any other leather available.

3. How many strands of kangaroo leather do I need?
This answer depends solely on the type of dog you own. The majority of
show collars and leads are made with 4 strands of kangaroo lace. Most
exhibitors use these because they are thin, lightweight and unobtrusive
in the ring. However, many of these same exhibitors will train with 6 or 8
strand equipment, especially if they have a mid to large size dog. While
these items are slightly thicker than the 4-strand leads (see a
comparison here), they are still extremely soft and flexible. They also
allow a stronger correction because of the strength and thickness of the
lead.

Regardless of the number of strands we use, we don't want to take
chances with your pet's safety. This is why we braid all of our kangaroo
products over a double nylon core. These cores are strong, flexible,
kink-resistant and practically indestructible.

Even if you plan to show off your custom braided collar or leash during
your daily walks around the neighborhood, please keep your type and size
of dog in mind when ordering products. Small dogs may only require 4
strands (approximately 1/8 inch wide), while larger dogs (or dogs that
pull) would benefit from the thickness and strength of a larger diameter
product. I guarantee that the extra width will not diminish the beauty of
the item.

However, realize that there is a direct relationship between the width of
the lead and the size/strength of the dog. If you try to show a 100
pound dog on a leash that is too thin, you will hurt your hand and the
dog before the lead breaks.

Leashes by Design is not responsible for injury to, or loss of your dog as a
result of using our products. Please exercise caution with using any
dog-related item. Each consumer is responsible for determining the
suitability of these products for their individual situation. Consumer
accepts all responsibility by purchasing and using these products.

4. How do I care for my new lead and collar?

Leather Care:
Keeping your new collar or lead well cared for will greatly extend its life
and help keep it looking great. It is recommended that all leather items be
kept clean by wiping them with a soft, dry cloth after use. This helps to
get rid of any dirt or sweat from your hands that may have gotten on
your product during use. With regular use and maintenance, your lead will
become soft and supple. As with any leather item, an occasional
application of your favorite leather conditioner will help keep your item in
good condition. Lexol is a good cleaner and conditioner and can be easily
found at your local tack or hardware store. After cleaning, let your item
dry naturally, out of direct sunlight and away from a heat source.

As with any leather item, water can cause damage, such as mildew or
mold if it is not properly dried. Avoid getting your item repeatedly or
extremely wet - especially braided kangaroo buttons. Please do not allow
your dogs to swim or get extremely wet (i.e. baths) while wearing our
items!

Paracord and Fleece Care:
These items can be easily washed in a sink of warm water and a little
dish soap. They can also be placed in a lingerie bag in the washing
machine on cold water. Wring any excess water from the item and lay it
flat to dry (out of direct sunlight).

Bead Care:
All natural metal beads, including silver, copper and brass, will tarnish,
although this will vary with frequency and conditions of use. You can
easily clean your metal beads by wiping them down with a soft, gentle
silver polishing cloth. Glass and plastic beads require little maintenance
and can easily cleaned by wiping them down with a soft cloth. Keeping
anti-tarnish paper or cloth available from jewelers and home supply stores
in the same bag with beaded leads will prevent tarnish once they are
polished.

The best product we have found to clean your metal beads is called
Radiance 2000. This can be purchased on various Internet sites (i.e.
Amazon) or their company's site at www.gemcarejewelrycleaners.com.
This cleaner does not harm your leather and has been used for many
years on horse equipment. To clean beads, put a small amount of cleaner
on your finger and dab the product onto the bead. Let the product dry
for several minutes and then rub it off with a soft cloth. This cleaner
works wonderfully on your jewelry as well. Use an old toothbrush to clean
between the beads if needed.

5. Can I return my order?
We strive to satisfy each and every customer. However, due to the
custom nature of a lot of our items, all custom braided orders are
nonrefundable. If you are not happy with your purchase at any time,
please feel free to email us explaining the situation. We will do everything
we can to rectify our error or made the product work better for you and
your dog.

6. How long will it take to get my order?
All orders are made in the order they are received. Due to the intricate
nature of some designs, orders may take approximately 2-4 weeks to
complete. If there is a delay in your order, we will notify you via email.

If you are in immediate need of your items, please contact us via e-mail
or phone and other arrangements may be able to be made. Any extra
shipping costs due to rush orders will be borne by the purchaser.

7. What are the shipping costs?
With the recent gas increases, it has become very expensive to ship via
ground with UPS and FedEx. Therefore, most items will be shipped USPS.
Because of this change, we felt it necessary to reduce our shipping costs
to you, as it is not our intent to "make" money on shipping charges.

As of April 15, 2008, all regular orders will be charged a $5.50 shipping
and handling charge. Orders which require larger boxes may be an
additional charge. For example, fleece leads or tugs purchased in larger
quantities will not fit into a standard box. Also, heavier orders (for
example - multiple prong collars) may have a higher shipping charge, up
to $9.50.

If you request an item to be shipped via a particular carrier, we will try to
accomodate your request; however, you will be responsible for any
additional charges.

8. Do you ship products out of the country?
We will ship products internationally. Customers are responsible for
additional shipping costs, as well as any duties or tax associated fees at
the point of entry.

9. What if I need to change or cancel my order?
If you have placed an order and and need to make any changes or cancel
the order you must do so within 48 hours of placing your order. In this
case, please email us immediately with your change or cancellation.
Contact us here .

10. How can I pay for my order?
All orders are handled by telephone or email. For telephone orders, please
call (865) 356-3603 between 9am-5pm (Eastern Standard Time).

We accept MasterCard, Visa, Discover and American Express. All credit
card payments are securely handled through PayPal. We also accept
checks and money orders.