How do I take care of my lead?
Great question! A well cared for lead should last you many years. Here are some helpful tips.
First and foremost be realistic about what kind of lead best suits your dog. Most breeds will do fine on a 4 strand but larger or giant breeds should have a thicker lead like a 6 or 8 strand. Do not base your lead size decision only on the size of your dog though. Some dogs will pull a lot. I myself show a medium sized breed but use a 6 strand lead with one of my young males who is very rambunctious. Leather is a natural product and while stretching is part of the prep process in the making of your lead it will stretch more when you use it. The degree it stretchs depends on the amount it is pulled on. Please use your lead on a trained dog to prevent excessive stretching. Braided leads are not recommended as a training tool but something to present your well trained dog on.
Store your lead in something breathable like the bag it is sent in. Do not store your lead in a plastic bag or box.
Keep your lead dry. If you show in the rain wipe your lead down as much as possible when done.
Be mindful of getting foreign substances on your lead. We all have things like grooming products, bait, lotions, etc on our hands at the dog show. These are not good for your lead or beads. Wipe your lead down and clean it regularly with a good leather product. The ones pictured are great color safe choices. All lead orders will be sent with a jewelry cleaning cloth to clean and shine your beads.
If you have glass beads on your lead be mindful in the use and storage of your lead to not crack or break them. Please do not use your beads as a handle or pull on them. This may damage your beads and/or lead.
I hope this is helpful to keep your lead looking beautiful and to get you many years of use out of it.
