Collar, tag & lead recommendations?

[bendog]

My crew all need new collars. Something soft & light, but that I can attach a lead to (they don't pull - I'm too lazy to put 4 or 5 lots of harnesses on each walk when they are off lead 90% of the time anyway). And some good quality long lasting tags to go on the collars as the writing is rubbing off the ones they have now.

I'm also after some new leads for my dog walking business. Preferably double clip, but that isn't essential. Around 6ft long. Not too heavy, but most importantly - I need leads that will dry quickly. All this wet weather lately has made it a nightmare to get my leads dry and especially since I'm often using them twice or more in a row.

Obviously must be available in UK, and preferably not too expensive (remember I have to buy 4 collars so £20 for a collar might not seem much but it is when I have 4 to buy!)

[minkee]

I really, really like the Ezydog harnesses and leads. We got one of the 6 way leads the other day and it works out well - can be a 2dog lead among other things that's been really nice to use. However they are very much a 'I only buy one lead so lets make it a good one' sort of price, not a 'I need 10 and I need them now' price. I imagine their collars are the same too, though I also think they're on the chunky side.

I've bought tags from this place: http://www.wild4pets.co.uk/index.php?cPath=89_29_34 which again is not cheap, but I've only ever had to buy 3 - one for Scout at the old place, one each for S & B with the new address on. Red Dingo tags each time and they've lasted tremendously well. The smallest size is plenty to fit on SURNAME, PHONE NUMBER, HOUSENUMBER POSTCODE which is everything you need.

I was thinking about the leads and collars though - I wonder if you could write to some companies and say you're a dog walker who walks x dogs a week and whose customers value your opinion and you'd really like to use their leads and collars etc. You get a discount (and perhaps commission on any sales recommendations you make?) and they get a free sales person / exposure. Something like that anyway, I bet there are some deals to be made if you can find the right company to pair with.

[erin]

I buy collars, harnesses and leads from this lady https://www.facebook.com/groups/monkeydogwear/
complete with slide tags. I don't remember how much the collars were but not that expensive. I like her collars coz they're very light and very pretty Molly has been wearing hers for two years now and the collar still looks great. It's also machine washable which is great given the amount of fox poo I have to clean every... week

[minkee]

http://www.kumfi.com/index.php/onlien-store

My local trainer / friend buys and sells on leads and etc from there - she gets a discount for being a member of the APDT and thinks the guy who makes them is just brilliant. She says if you want her to buy some get in touch. Let me know if you're interested and I'll pass on her details. You could perhaps also get in touch and see if you can get a similar discount? Would be a nice way to add a little income if you can sell some double ended leads and or harnesses on to customers who could use them.

The harnesses are front, shoulder and back fastening, for any combination you need, too

[ClareMarsh]

I'm with Lou on the red dingo tags, I get mine from here and get them deep engraved http://www.collarsandtags.co.uk/red-din ... 38_40.html

Ted's haven't worn at all in two years and they go through the wash on his harnesses too

Not sure I'm much help with the rest of the stuff given all dog stuff is tiny

Edited to add: I wonder if you're better buying cheap dog leads on eBay for e.g. where you can pick them up for a few quid and getting more of them so you can use dry ones on each walk? I've had cheap leads off eBay for using as dragging lines and they're fine. Ted has one I'm still using as his normal lead

[Suzette]

I got my tag for Piper at Petsmart (though I don't know if you have those in the UK or not) at their tag kiosk and I chose a font with deep engraving. In three years, hers has gone through multiple washings (I usually forget to remove the tag when I wash her harness), runs through the woods, fields and in the ocean, creeks and ponds and just daily wear and tear. It is still almost like the day I got it! And it was relatively inexpensive (I paid $20 but I got one with Swarovski crystals on it ) but they have less expensive ones as well.

We are moving soon and I'll have to get her a new tag with the new address on it and it will be back to Petsmart to get another one for sure.

[ClareMarsh]

I paid $20 but I got one with Swarovski crystals on it )

Can you show us without revealing all your personal details. Piper is such a diva Actually come to think of it I haven't seen a photo of the little missy in a while now

Sorry Amy, this isn't helping you at all

[minkee]

Petnanny recommends these leads, Amy: http://www.zooplus.co.uk/shop/dogs/dog_ ... 94220#more

She says she usually gets size 2 - size one being too fine and size 3 and 4 not much bigger. That doesn't seem to be an option at the moment though.

[bendog]

Thanks everyone. Will get shopping tomorrow

[minkee]

I also sent you a 10% off code for zooplus if you decide to get them from there. I think I get some random points or something if you use it. There's tons of good stuff on that site though, don't get carried away now