Choosing a whippet collar

Choosing a new collar for a whippet

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When choosing a collar for your whippet there are some special considerations you need to be aware of:

1) Many whippets have a neck that is bigger (in circumference) than their head

Heavy whippets (especially males) can have thick muscular necks and long thin pointed heads, with ears that can lie absolutely flat to their head. This means if a whippet is frightened by something whilst out for a walk (and some are terrible babies) it may panic and simply back out of a normal collar.

2) A badly chosen whippet collar can injure and possibly break the dog's neck neck.

It is said that a whippet can accelerate from 0 to 35mph in 4 seconds. Whippets 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 whippet collar should span two vertebrae. This means a minimum width of 1.5 inches.

All Barefoot Leather whippet collars meet this standard

Check out Barefoot Leather to find out more

'Breaking in' a new leather collar

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New collars are often quite stiff and unyielding. A smart dog will soon work out that it is easy to slide backwards out of a stiff new collar so it is 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.

Check out Barefoot Leather to find out more

Choosing a lead

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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 'trigger hooks' will break under strain. Look for solid brass, nickle-plated solid brass or stainless steel.

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Contact us:

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All our leads and collars are hand-made in our workshop in Ludlow. We do not import collars and leads and we do not sell inferior quality goods.

Please call 01584 873633 for a chat or Check out Barefoot Leather

an email to: ray@barefootleather.co.uk will work too!