Frequently Asked Questions
1. How do I measure for a custom collar?
Refer to 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 are choose a collar for a dog who is younger than one and a half years old, chances are he will gain some size in the neck circumference.
Type of coat - Thick or longer coated dogs may need extra room for their fur to assure a comfortable fit fo your dog's new collar.
Purpose of the item - A tighter fitting collar will assure a secure fit of the item for training and working with your dog, while a looser fit is appropriate for using the item around the house of for 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 simple 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 strong sinew 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. Can I leave my Leashes by Design collar on my dog all the time?
The only type of collar we recommend for all day wear is a standard (non-tightening) buckle collar. You can also use a slip-snap collar, but only if the snap is hooked to the dead ring (not the sliding ring). Any collar can be potentially unsafe, however martingale and slip collars pose a slightly greater risk of injury if left on your dog while they are unsupervised, as they can become caught and tighten around your dog's neck. If you decide to leave a martingale collar on your dog, the collar should be fitted so that it cannot choke the dog if the loop is tightened all of way. No collar should ever be left on a crated dog, not even a standard buckle collar.
5. 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 care:
These items can be easily washed in a sink of warm water with a little dish soap. They can also be placed in a lingerie bag in the washing machine and washed on a delicate cycle in 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 over time, although this will vary with frequency and conditions of use. You can easily clean your metal beads by wiping them with a soft, gentle silver polishing cloth. Glass and plastic beads require little maintenance and can be easily cleaned by wiping them down with a soft cloth. Keeping anti-tanish paper or cloth (available from jewelers and home supply stores) in the same bag with beaded leads will prevent tarnish once that 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 personal jewelry as well. Use an old toothbrush to clean between the beads if needed.
6. 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 make the product work better for you and your dog. Any repairs or changes to your item may require an additional charge, including return shipping.
7. How long will it take to get my order?
All orders are made in the order they are received (with the only exception being prong collars, with are normally made once per week). 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.
8. What are the shipping costs?
Currently, we are shipping all items via United States Postal Service. As of July 20, 2009, all regular order will be charged a $6.00 shipping and handling charge. Orders which require larger boxes or heavier items (i.e. multiple prong collars), may have a higher shipping charge, up to $12.00.
If you request an item to be shipped via a particular carrier, we will try to accommodate your request; however, you will be responsible for any additional charges.
9. 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.
10. What if I need to change or cancel my order?
If you have placed an order 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.
11. How can I pay for my order?
All orders are handled via e-mail or telephone. For telephone orders, please call (865) 356-3603, Monday thru Friday, between 9:00am and 5:00pm (Eastern Standard Time).
Payments are handled one of three ways - credit card (via PayPal only), money order or personal check, whichever is easiest for you. If you have never paid with PayPal before, I will send a separate "invoice e-mail". This e-mail will have a "Pay Now" link on it, which will help you process your credit card. However, as some people do not like putting their credit card information into a computer, I always make money orders and personal checks an option.
1. How do I measure for a custom collar?
Refer to 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 are choose a collar for a dog who is younger than one and a half years old, chances are he will gain some size in the neck circumference.
Type of coat - Thick or longer coated dogs may need extra room for their fur to assure a comfortable fit fo your dog's new collar.
Purpose of the item - A tighter fitting collar will assure a secure fit of the item for training and working with your dog, while a looser fit is appropriate for using the item around the house of for 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 simple 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 strong sinew 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. Can I leave my Leashes by Design collar on my dog all the time?
The only type of collar we recommend for all day wear is a standard (non-tightening) buckle collar. You can also use a slip-snap collar, but only if the snap is hooked to the dead ring (not the sliding ring). Any collar can be potentially unsafe, however martingale and slip collars pose a slightly greater risk of injury if left on your dog while they are unsupervised, as they can become caught and tighten around your dog's neck. If you decide to leave a martingale collar on your dog, the collar should be fitted so that it cannot choke the dog if the loop is tightened all of way. No collar should ever be left on a crated dog, not even a standard buckle collar.
5. 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 care:
These items can be easily washed in a sink of warm water with a little dish soap. They can also be placed in a lingerie bag in the washing machine and washed on a delicate cycle in 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 over time, although this will vary with frequency and conditions of use. You can easily clean your metal beads by wiping them with a soft, gentle silver polishing cloth. Glass and plastic beads require little maintenance and can be easily cleaned by wiping them down with a soft cloth. Keeping anti-tanish paper or cloth (available from jewelers and home supply stores) in the same bag with beaded leads will prevent tarnish once that 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 personal jewelry as well. Use an old toothbrush to clean between the beads if needed.
6. 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 make the product work better for you and your dog. Any repairs or changes to your item may require an additional charge, including return shipping.
7. How long will it take to get my order?
All orders are made in the order they are received (with the only exception being prong collars, with are normally made once per week). 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.
8. What are the shipping costs?
Currently, we are shipping all items via United States Postal Service. As of July 20, 2009, all regular order will be charged a $6.00 shipping and handling charge. Orders which require larger boxes or heavier items (i.e. multiple prong collars), may have a higher shipping charge, up to $12.00.
If you request an item to be shipped via a particular carrier, we will try to accommodate your request; however, you will be responsible for any additional charges.
9. 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.
10. What if I need to change or cancel my order?
If you have placed an order 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.
11. How can I pay for my order?
All orders are handled via e-mail or telephone. For telephone orders, please call (865) 356-3603, Monday thru Friday, between 9:00am and 5:00pm (Eastern Standard Time).
Payments are handled one of three ways - credit card (via PayPal only), money order or personal check, whichever is easiest for you. If you have never paid with PayPal before, I will send a separate "invoice e-mail". This e-mail will have a "Pay Now" link on it, which will help you process your credit card. However, as some people do not like putting their credit card information into a computer, I always make money orders and personal checks an option.