July 2016
Barefoot Leather is just about to move to a new purpose built Herefordshire workshop where they will continue to offer a wide range of (individually made to order) collars and leads
Please take a minute to check out www.barefootleather.co.uk and explore their range of quality handmade products which include guitar straps and straps for classic car luggage, bags and belts plus a wide range of hand made, hand-tooled dog collars and leads.
Tuesday, 5 July 2016
Wednesday, 14 October 2009
Barefoot Leather - Bespoke Lurcher Collars
Ray Hatley trained as a harness maker and has been making high quality leather dog collars for almost forty years. He always uses the very best quality leather and fits solid brass buckles and dees.
Because every collar is individually made by hand all types of dog are catered for including greyhound, lurcher and whippet collars, terrier and small dog collars right up to German Shepherds, Irish Wolfhounds, Deerhounds and Mastiffs.
Collars can be any size, colour and can even be hand tooled or carved with your choice of design. The dog's name can be embossed and a matching lead made to suit your needs.
Just call Ray on 01885 488993 for a 'no obligation' chat or visit: Barefoot Leather to choose from a wide range of well made collars.
Because every collar is individually made by hand all types of dog are catered for including greyhound, lurcher and whippet collars, terrier and small dog collars right up to German Shepherds, Irish Wolfhounds, Deerhounds and Mastiffs.
Collars can be any size, colour and can even be hand tooled or carved with your choice of design. The dog's name can be embossed and a matching lead made to suit your needs.
Just call Ray on 01885 488993 for a 'no obligation' chat or visit: Barefoot Leather to choose from a wide range of well made collars.
Choosing a new collar for a lurcher
When choosing a collar for your lurcher there are some special considerations you need to be aware of:
1) Many lurchers have a neck that is bigger (in circumference) than their head
Lurchers (especially males) generally have thick muscular necks and long thin pointed heads, with ears that can lie absolutely flat to their head. This means if a lurcher is frightened by something whilst out for a walk (and some are terrible babies) it may panic and simply back out of a loose collar. Make sure the collar fits snugly without being too tight (see measuring below).
2) A badly chosen lurcher collar can injure and possibly break the dog's neck.
It is said that a large lurcher can accelerate from 0 to 35mph in 3 seconds. Lurchers are bred to chase and hunt so they can be expected to show 'considerable interest' in cats or rabbits. As the dog reaches the end of its lead the collar can jerk its neck with considerable force. To protect the dog's neck/back from injury a lurcher collar should span two vertebrae. This means a minimum width of two inches. All Barefoot Leather lurcher collars meet (and exceed) this standard.
1) Many lurchers have a neck that is bigger (in circumference) than their head
Lurchers (especially males) generally have thick muscular necks and long thin pointed heads, with ears that can lie absolutely flat to their head. This means if a lurcher is frightened by something whilst out for a walk (and some are terrible babies) it may panic and simply back out of a loose collar. Make sure the collar fits snugly without being too tight (see measuring below).
2) A badly chosen lurcher collar can injure and possibly break the dog's neck.
It is said that a large lurcher can accelerate from 0 to 35mph in 3 seconds. Lurchers are bred to chase and hunt so they can be expected to show 'considerable interest' in cats or rabbits. As the dog reaches the end of its lead the collar can jerk its neck with considerable force. To protect the dog's neck/back from injury a lurcher collar should span two vertebrae. This means a minimum width of two inches. All Barefoot Leather lurcher collars meet (and exceed) this standard.
3) Measure your dog's neck correctly.
Take a tape measure around the neck and just behind the ears (where the neck is narrowest). The collar will naturally sit here when the dog pulls against the lead. To ensure comfort, slip two fingers under the tape measure before reading off the length. If the length is too great the dog will soon learn to slip backwards out of the collar.
'Breaking in' a new leather collar
New leather collars can be a tad unyielding. A smart dog will soon work out that it is easy to slide backwards out of a stiff collar so it is sometimes necessary to soften the leather a little before the dog wears it.
Good quality leather collars will already be quite supple. All you need to do is rub a little Skidmore's conditioning cream into the front and back of the leather to add moisture and a beeswax sealant. This will make the leather supple and water resistant and, as Skidmore's is made entirely from natural materials, it won't harm your dog.
Check out: Barefoot Leather - we send out worldwide every day.
Good quality leather collars will already be quite supple. All you need to do is rub a little Skidmore's conditioning cream into the front and back of the leather to add moisture and a beeswax sealant. This will make the leather supple and water resistant and, as Skidmore's is made entirely from natural materials, it won't harm your dog.
Check out: Barefoot Leather - we send out worldwide every day.
Choosing a lead
The main thing to consider when choosing a new lead is the weight of the dog and the speed at which it can accelerate. Make sure you choose a lead that is strong enough to stop your dog instantly without breaking.
Good quality, well made leather leads have been used for centuries because they have a certain amount of elasticity or stretch which cushions the dog from the worst effects of a 'snatch'. Properly looked after a good leather lead will last the lifetime of the dog and more.
Always make sure the lead fittings are well designed and ensure the clip cannot be undone accidently. Beware: some cheap 'white metal' trigger hooks or clips will break under strain. Always look for solid brass, nickle-plated solid brass or stainless steel which won't rust or deteriorate.
Check out www.barefootleather.co.uk to find out more
Good quality, well made leather leads have been used for centuries because they have a certain amount of elasticity or stretch which cushions the dog from the worst effects of a 'snatch'. Properly looked after a good leather lead will last the lifetime of the dog and more.
Always make sure the lead fittings are well designed and ensure the clip cannot be undone accidently. Beware: some cheap 'white metal' trigger hooks or clips will break under strain. Always look for solid brass, nickle-plated solid brass or stainless steel which won't rust or deteriorate.
Check out www.barefootleather.co.uk to find out more
Contact us:
All leads and collars are hand-made in our Herefordshire workshop
Please call 01885 488993 for a chat or check out www.barefootleather.co.uk
an email to: enquiries@barefootleather.co.uk will work too!
Please call 01885 488993 for a chat or check out www.barefootleather.co.uk
an email to: enquiries@barefootleather.co.uk will work too!
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