Leather Leashes for Training

by The K9 Guy, 11-02-12

As a quick post this week I thought I'd talk a bit about leather leashes. Many of the clients I see enjoy using my leather leashes during sessions, and sometimes have questions about them. When using a leash for training, I do recommend a 5-6' solid leash (non-retractable). Whether you use a leather leash or a nylon leash really doesn't matter to the dog, but leather is more comfortable and easier on human hands.

The nice thing about leather is that it softens with age and use, while retaining strength. I use natural (not dyed) 5' leather leashes that are 3/4" in width. A good quality leash will initially be very stiff. To help "soften" a new lead as quickly as possible, AND assure the best longevity, I personally follow a simple ritual. This ritual involves generously applying neatsfoot oil to any new leather leash.

During the initial application, make sure you pay attention to working oil into the bends and seams around the hasp and handle - work oil into both sides of the leash (smooth and rough sides). After the leash is well oiled, let it hang or sit somewhere for 24 hrs - outdoors in the sun is best if weather permits. I generally use my bare hands to apply the oil, but be sure to dispose of any oil soaked rags/materials if used as neatsfoot oil can spontaneously combust. A typical 5' lead will soak up about 1/2-1 oz of oil per application.

Once the leash has a day or so to let the oil soak in, I generally repeat oil application 1-2 more times. Follow-up applications assure good penetration of oil to all areas of the leash. After the final application, and another day or so for letting everything soak in, I will start using the leash. For a few days it will feel a bit "oily", but any excess surface oil typically wears off the leash in a few days.

With the oil working in the leash as it is used, the leash will become more supple with time. The more the leash is used, the more quickly you will find your leash becoming a favorite. Using a leash 1-2 times daily should find a leash feeling pretty nice after 2-4 weeks. Bending and handling the leash without a dog attached will also help hasten softening.

I do occasional re-applications of oil when a leash seems to be drying over time - the more a leash is used in wet environments, the more frequently you may need to reapply some oil. Always pay special attention to the areas around the hasp - this end of the leash often will drag in wet grass and receives the most stress during use. Cracks and tears are the most common signs it's time to retire a leash - generally after many years of use.

Following these procedures should assure a long and enjoyable service life with a leather leash. Remember that a soft leather leash can seem a good chew toy to some dogs - a determined dog can chew through a leather lead very quickly. Also, if you can't find neatsfoot oil, Meijer in our area carries "glove oil" in their sporting goods department which is primarily neatsfoot oil.