Leather Dog Leads/Leashes

Discover the Leather Traditional Lead—where sophistication meets enduring quality for every walk and adventure. This classic leather leash is built for function and longevity.

Premium Quality: Crafted from durable, high-grade American leather that becomes more supple with use. Like a fine heirloom, this leather leash improves with age!

Comfortable Grip: Expertly beveled edges ensure a smooth, comfortable hold.

Reliable Hardware: We use only premium stainless steel and solid brass hardware, so you can trust your leash for lasting performance.

Built to Last: No stitching or rivets to wear out, ensuring long-term durability and consistent function. Handmade in Colorado, USA.

Thoughtful Design: small 3/8 and medium 1/2 inch wide leads feature elegant leather braids at both ends, adding a touch of sophistication, while large 5/8 and XL 3/4 inch wide leads feature a braided handle have sturdy screw posts at the dog-end.

Info about leather and width/size can be found below, see Materials & Guarantees.

The Atlas Leash™ is a super long (over 9 feet) multifunctional leash that can be configured a dozen ways. It's the most useful dog leash ever created! Discover why The Atlas Leash™ is the last leash you'll ever need to purchase. 

BLD’s special edition design supports Atlas Assistance Dogs®

We partnered with our friends at Atlas Assistance Dogs® to develop one leash that does just about everything to make life with service dogs more convenient. Specifically, a leash that can be worn to free up your hands, be short, long, and in-between.

The Atlas Leash™ is not just for service dog handlers! Anyone can enjoy the convenience and fine quality of the Swiss army knife of dog leashes.

What makes this leash so special?

1. It’s the first ever Hands-Free Leash with TWO ways to wear that fits any size person and dog: over-the-shoulder or as a belt around the waist
2. When worn over-the-shoulder, this leash has TWO length options
3. The Atlas Leash™ can be configured from EITHER END so you can find the perfect arrangement for you and your dog

• 15% of each purchase is donated to Atlas Assistance Dogs; Learn more at atlasdog.org

Info about leather and width/size can be found below, see Materials & Guarantees.

Extra size info: 

Occasionally we have awesome leather that is a little thicker or wider than our standard offerings.

M/L 9/16" (15.2 mm) is just a little wider than half-inch. It's a great width if you like a bigger/wider leash with medium hardware.

THICK: Sometimes we have extra thick leather! This heavy-weight leather offers a sturdier feel without extra width, it's close to 1/4" (6 mm) thick.

Features and Benefits

Five O-rings are strategically placed along the length of this leash to offer the most configurations possible. This means that you can take the snap at either end of the leash and clip it to any of the O-rings to make your leash nearly any length you need! “Double Up” the leash by clipping TWO rings at once for even more variations.

• 112 inches (2.85 meters) in overall length
• Makes a 4 ft, 6 ft, 7 ft and 8-foot-long leash
• The belt feature utilizes an adjustable-ring-fob that allows the leash adjusted to fit any size
• When worn over-the-shoulder, this leash:
• Fits people of all sizes and heights
• Can be shortened while wearing
• Use one end to create a smaller cross-body-loop with 58 inches of leash from your hip to the dog; it shortens to 23 inches
• Configure from the other end to create a larger cross-body-loop, with 54 inches of leash from your hip to the dog; it shortens to 28 inches
• Walk 2 dogs (Traffic Lead, available separately makes a great handle) 

• Use for dual-control: clip both ends to a harness (front and back); or clip one end to the regular collar, and the other end to a training harness or halter.

Videos

The 8-Way Lead™ is our most popular leash design for people who are serious about quality dog gear. This European style, multi-functional lead is so versatile it’s like having eight leashes in one!

Our 8-Way Leads features a bolt snap at each end, 3 fixed rings, and one loose ring. This leash does NOT HAVE A FIXED LOOP HANDLE, rather, it has a bolt snap at each end so you can use the leash in any configuration. This means that you can form a loop handle by clipping the bolt snap at the "handle-end" onto the first fixed ring. As with all leashes handcrafted in our own workshop.

6 ft. 8-Way Functionality Highlights

• Just over six feet long at approximately 82 inches/208 cm long from bolt snap to bolt snap.
• Can be shortened or lengthened to make variable lengths (6, 4 ½, or 3 ½ foot lead)
• Excellent as a hands-free leash that can be worn across your body by placing the leash over your shoulder (6 ft. version is approximately 4.5 ft. from your shoulder to the dog)
• Dual Control Option: you can connect one end of the leash to a training collar, and one to a regular collar
• Great for obedience training, service dogs, pet dogs, and for use with head collars or harnesses
• This multi-functional lead can be clipped to a collar or harness, or may be used as a slip-collar for effective yet gentle training

8 ft. long 8×8 Lead™

The 8 ft. long 8×8 Lead™ has all the same features, but is eight feet long with the handle configured, and approximately 105"/266 cm from bolt snap to bolt snap.

• This extra-long lead is designed for tall or larger people and/or short or small breed dogs
• It shortens to a 6, or 4 1/2-foot lead
• When worn hands-free over the shoulder, it’s approximately 6 ft. from your shoulder to the dog

Info about our leather and width/size can be found below, see Materials & Guarantees.

Extra size info:

Occasionally we have awesome leather that is a little thicker or wider than our standard offerings.

M/L 9/16" (15.2 mm) is just a little wider than half-inch. It's a great width if you like a bigger/wider leash with medium hardware.

THICK: Sometimes we have extra thick leather! This heavy-weight leather offers a sturdier feel without extra width, it's close to 1/4" (6 mm) thick.

Videos

Other Options

Belt option: we may have a few leashes made with this option - it will be indicated if available. The adjustable belt is created with an Adjustable Ring Fob on the center segment to wear the leash around your waist.

A BLD exclusive design helps you travel effortlessly and avoid the pat down at TSA.

This versatile, metal-free, premium leather slip lead is ideal for frequent flyers who travel with service/assistance dogs or pets permitted to fly aboard airplanes. It's perfect for working dog handlers who visit secure sites including courthouses -- this leash will not set off metal detectors!

• Versatile, hardware-free all-in-one leash/collar design ideal for traveling
• Conveniently pass right through security checkpoints and metal detectors
• Dog remains safely leashed while your belongings are screened separately
• Can be worn as a harness by looping the lead under the dog’s chest and back through the collar for more control
• Easy to use slip-collar and leash combo fits any size dog
  
• Artisan handcrafted in Colorado, USA from premium, full grain leather

Order early before you need it! Please allow 3-5 business days for your order to be shipped, and time for transit once it is with a carrier (USPS, FedEx, etc.). We do not offer overnight or next day service.

Please note: Six foot long leashes are made with two pieces of leather braided together 24 inches below the handle due to the inherent size limitation of leather hides.

Video

Sizing

Width:

• Small (3/8” / 7mm. width): Best for smaller and medium sized dogs.
• Medium (1/2” / 11mm. width): Great for medium sized dogs, yet sturdy enough for large dogs. *Most popular choice! *
• Large (5/8” / 14mm. width): Great for larger dogs, or those that like a heavier, sturdy feeling leash.

Length:

Choose the overall length of the leash: 4 or 6 feet. Remember your dog’s neck will use some of the length so the functional leash will be shorter. Six foot leashes will be made with two pieces of leather, with a braided splice 2 ft. below the handle.

Black leather collar and leash combination shown as a slip-collar on a mannequin dog, made with no metal for TSA-friendly, easy security screening.

Double-ended connectors for Ultimate Safety feature our Locking Carabiner Snaps to ensure your dog stays securely attached to their leash.

Walk your dog with peace of mind knowing that you have two points of attachment to keep your dog safe. These leather safety cords are a backup attachment for Houdini dogs who somehow wriggle their way out of their gear or shake loose from the leash or harness.

Made with our specialty Locking Carabiner snap. Simply clip one end to a collar or harness, and the other end to a leash, or any other gear. Designed for use with head halters, training collars, martingales, front clip harnesses, or any type of training tool as a fallback plan in case of a slipped collar or broken buckle, or failed leash snap. 

Locking Carabiner Snaps (LCS) that securely lock closed so they don't come off accidently. 

Ultimate Safety Connectors Choose single or double carabiners. ONLY AVAILABLE IN BRASS

• Small Ultimate: 3/8" wide leather, approximately 5.5" long for small to large dogs. Made with rivets.
  • Double Locking Carabiner Snap 
  • Single LCS, one bolt snap
• XL Ultimate: 3/4″ wide leather connector is approximately 7.5″ long (20 cm) for large and giant dogs. Made wit screw posts.
  
  • Double Locking Carabiner Snap 
  • Single LCS, one bolt snap

Using Carabiners

How to use Locking Carabiner Snap:

1. Spin the lock to open (clockwise) and release the gate
2. Snap onto the dog’s collar or harness
3. Spin the lock closed (counterclockwise) to secure the gate
4. Always spin the lock completely closed when in use on the dog’s collar or leash to ensure the snap is locked

Caution! Locking Carabiner snaps must be fully locked closed when in use. Failure to spin the gate lock closed may cause the hook to bend out of alignment and fail. The lock sheath reinforces the hook part of the snap to make it secure. BLD’s leash warranty assumes proper use of this snap.

This is THE OFFICIAL guide dog leash specifically designed for guide dog users and is trusted by some of the best-known guide dog training schools in the country.

BLD’s Guide Dog Lead is a 2-position multi-functional leash and is a perfect choice for anyone who prefers a simple, versatile, yet no-nonsense leash. This leash has bolt snaps on each end and can be configured into a long and short length.

Our Guide Dog Leads are crafted with a special braid pattern for reliability (no rivets or stitching to wear out).

Length:

This leash is 63 inches (160 cm) in overall length including snaps and can be adjusted to make a 52 inch and 34 inch long leash (132 cm and 86 cm). 

Hardware

Hardware:

Guide Dog Leads come standard with premium stainless steel bolt snaps (shown). They are the highest quality and most reliable snaps we’ve found. Special hardware or modification is available by request. Contact us for a custom order!

Need something different?

Custom orders are available! Guide Dog Leads can be made in other lengths, widths, and with different hardware. Contact us and let us know what you need.

Width/Size and Hardware

Material and Width Options:

• The Chestnut Guide Dog Leash comes in 9/16 inch width (14.3 mm)  medium size, stainless steel snaps at both ends. (Sometimes available with a LARGE SNAP at the dog end and medium size bolt snap at the handle end, as indicated.)
• The London Tan comes in 1/2 width (12.7 mm) and has medium size snaps solid brass snaps at both ends
• The Black latigo leather comes in 1/2 width (12.7 mm) and has medium size, stainless steel snaps at both ends

CHESTNUT English Bridle Leather in 9/16 inch width (14.3 mm) Chestnut is a rich red-ish brown color, and the texture and feel of English bridle leather is of unmistakable quality. It has the same characteristics as our London Tan. All hardware is stainless steel.

Our English Bridle Leather in LONDON TAN in 1/2 width has a supple, satin-smooth finish and satisfying hand feel that is simply unmatched. This high-end leather in London Tan, cherished in the 19th century for the finest horse tack, ages to a warm patina while keeping its light brown and orange tones. This full grain leather is 100% veg tanned with no metals or harsh chemicals from only the best North American cow hides. (“English” refers to the style of tanning rather than a location. Solid brass (gold colored) hardware is standard.

Our lovely BLACK LATIGO leather is solid black, and superior to ordinary leashes in texture and quality, cut from select from USA hides. It is incredibly durable, yet is very flexible. Feels great in your hands and will simply get better with age. 

Do you struggle to keep your dog’s leash from getting tangled in your wheelchair? Is holding the leash difficult, or not even an option? BLD’s Wheelchair Leashes and specially designed attachments might be the answer you have been looking for.

The Quick-Release Wheelchair Leash System is a short, single-length leash that can quickly be attached or detached from a wheelchair. The leash clicks on and off of your wheelchair with an easy to use quick-release buckle or special shackle snap. Add the optional handle, and it can be used as an ordinary leash. A belt loop is also available for those that wish to attach the leash to their belt.

The QR Wheelchair Leash System is modular so you can combine the parts to meet your needs. Parts include:

1. Detachable Leash
2. Chair Attachment
3. Optional separate Handle and/or Belt Loop

Info about our leather and width/size can be found below

Detachable Leash:

One end of the Detachable Leash has a regular leash snap to attach to the dog’s collar or harness. The other end is made to connect to the chair attachment you choose. 

The leash can be made in your choice of material, color, width, and length.

The secret to a safe Wheelchair Leash is selecting the right length! Please measure for the length you’ll need. The listed leash length is the overall size of the leash when attached to the wheelchair, which includes the chair attachment. It is adjustable by several inches and can be fine-tuned once attached to the wheelchair and the dog (Initial adjustment may require a helper).

All hardware comes standard in stainless steel/chrome (silver finish). *Not all components are available in brass/gold color.

Part #2: Wheelchair Attachment

Wheelchair Attachment:

The WHEELCHAIR ATTACHMENT mounts to the wheelchair. Easy to install on any part of the chair’s frame, tubing or armrest with a simple yet sturdy Velcro wrap. Chair attachments include a swivel to prevent tangling and can be made in either of the two styles, explained below. Chrome/silver hardware is standard.

• Standard Quick-Release buckle (standard QR) is a metal side-release buckle – just pinch the sides of the buckle to release. The male end of the buckle is on the chair attachment. Brass/gold hardware is available by request. *Note: swivel is only available in silver.
• Shackle Snap ($) is a sturdy and secure panic snap that releases instantly by pulling the tab, even under load. The stainless steel shackle is on the chair attachment. The leash will be made with an O-ring to clip into the shackle. The Shackle option requires more dexterity to attach the leash than the standard option, however, it releases in an instant by a hard tug on the release tab. Many clients choose this option if an assistant helps with leashing up the dog.

Part #3: Handle and/or Belt Loop

Optional Separate Handle and/or Belt Loop: 

• 12” Traffic Lead Handle ($): To use as an ordinary leash when detached from the wheelchair, simply add a 12” Traffic Lead Handle. The handle is a simple loop with a leash snap that clips onto the ring included at the end of the detachable leash. The Traffic Lead Handle will be made to match the color and width of the leash.
• Belt Loop Attachment ($): If you wish to be able to wear the leash hands-free while standing or walking, the Belt Loop allows you to connect the leash to your belt.

Videos

How to install a Quick Release Wheelchair Lead

(standard side release buckle shown)

Measuring

Measuring instructions for Quick-Release WC Leash:

1. Determine where you want the leash to attach to the wheelchair. Choose a location that is within reach of the user and that is structurally sound so as not to damage or interfere with any part of the mobility device.
2. Attach an ordinary old leash on the dog’s collar or harness.
3. Hold the leash or loosely wrap the leash around the determined attachment point on the wheelchair, at a length that is comfortable for the dog to stand, walk, and sit next to the wheelchair.
4. Be sure the leash is short enough to prevent the lead from becoming trapped in the wheels and/or motor, yet long enough for the dog to comfortably get behind or in front of the chair to go through a doorway and common tasks.
5. Measure the old leash from the attachment point on the wheelchair to the dog’s collar or harness.
6. Select the leash length that best fits your measurement. If borderline, select the larger size.

Material & Hardware Options

Hardware:

We use only the highest quality hardware—most of our hardware is stainless steel or solid brass for durability and longevity. Stainless steel bolt snaps and premium metal hardware are standard on all of our wheelchair leashes. 

Other leash snaps or a built-in collar are available by special request.

Premium Leather:

Our leathers are incredibly durable, yet flexible. We use thinner leather for these leashes to keep them lightweight. Choose from two widths:

• Regular half-inch wide (12.7 mm) is recommended for most dogs and people as it’s sturdy for any size dog, yet not too heavy.
• If you like a wider, heavier leash and larger hardware, select the wider 5/8″ (or 3/4″ option in Brahma).

Brahma Soft-Grip—a vegan leather alternative:

Brahma Soft-Grip is constructed with webbing on the inside and a durable, non-tacky PVC coating on the outside. Easy to care for: just wipe clean with soap and water. Assembled with screw posts for durability. This material is heavier than leather (in a comparable width), and does not soften over time the way leather does. Black is the most popular color for wheelchair leashes, but assorted bright and classic colors are also available. 

• Regular half-inch wide (12.7 mm) is recommended for most dogs and people as it’s sturdy for any size dog. Brahma is heavier than leather.
• If you like a wider, heavier leash and larger hardware, select the wider 3/4″ option in Brahma.

Available Brahma Colors:

• BLACK- most popular
• COBALT BLUE
• BRIGHT MINT GREEN
• BRIGHT PINK
• HUNTER ORANGE (high visibility)
• PURPLE
• TEAL

Regular half-inch wide (12.7 mm) is recommended for most dogs and people as it’s sturdy for any size dog, yet not too heavy.

If you like a wider, heavier leash and larger hardware, select the wider 5/8″ (or 3/4″ option in Brahma).

These products are intended for use with fully trained service dogs/assistance dogs/pet dogs that have excellent leash manners. We’ve designed all of our Wheelchair Leash options to manually detach from the wheelchair in the event of an emergency situation.

Only you can determine if letting go of the leash and attaching it to your wheelchair is the right choice for you and your dog. Please choose your equipment wisely and use responsibly.

Attached leashes (fastened to a person, wheelchair, or another mobility device) are not safe for all dogs and/or users of wheelchair/mobility devices. 

Do not use wheelchair leashes with an untrained dog. Not for dogs that pull on the leash. Wheelchair leashes must NOT be used with dogs that lunge or are difficult to control, as this could be very dangerous. Additionally, DO NOT USE FOR PULLING A WHEELCHAIR.

Please note: If your strength or dexterity is limited, you may need assistance from a friend to install the wheelchair attachment and make the initial adjustment to the leash. Once attached and adjusted, the leash will remain at the desired length and is easy to connect to and remove from the wheelchair. The attachment stays on the wheelchair when the leash is not in use.

The Perfect Pace™ Works Differently: Dogs that have struggled with other collars, halters, or harnesses often accept the Perfect Pace willingly and respond with calm focus and attention. This lightweight, minimal design of this halter can be less annoying and aversive because the leash does not dangle under their chin or force them to turn their head. MANY professional dog trainers love this training tool, too! One customer phoned to share her admiration and called it “the closest thing to a magic bullet” she’d ever seen!

It's Not a Muzzle: Dogs can pant, eat treats, drink, and pick up toys while wearing this halter.

Please read and follow the instructions and reminders in the package before using this product.

Styles and Sizing

The Leather Perfect Pace is available in two styles:

Leather Perfect Pace DOG HALTER Style (teal package) - use with your own leash

The head halter only version has an O-ring at the end to connect your leash.

• Small, not available in leather – size up to the medium
• Medium, dogs 30-65 pounds, up to 16″ neck; Border Collie, Husky, Aussie, Smaller Retrievers, etc.
• Large dogs 65-100 pounds, up to 19” neck; Shepherds, Rottweilers, larger Retrievers, etc.
• X-Large dogs 100-140 pounds, up to 22” neck; Newfoundland, Great Danes, Mastiffs, etc. 

Measure your dog for the best fit: Measure around your dog’s neck snugly, just behind the head.

If in doubt, size up. A larger halter will fit a smaller dog, there will simply be more slack between the dog’s head and the leash clip. Not for dogs with short/flat muzzles.**

Leather Perfect Pace Halter LEASH Style  (orange package)

The all-in-one leash and halter version fits any size dog!**
The halter and leash are one continuous piece of material and self-adjusts to the dog’s head size. The leash portion is approximately 4ft. of leash in two different widths:

• Regular: 3/8” wide for most dogs
• WIDE: ½” wide for big dogs

The actual length of the leash portion will depend on the dog’s head/neck size. Leather version is not available in longer length, due to the size of cowhides.

** Dogs must be 20 pounds or larger. Do not use on smaller dogs or any dog with a short/flat face. Not recommended for brachycephalic dogs with shortened muzzles, dogs with breathing problems, soft or narrow tracheas or similar medical conditions; consult your veterinarian if you have questions or concerns.

Important Info

Please read and follow the instructions and reminders in the package before using this product.

The Perfect Pace is NOT for dogs under 20lbs! Recommended for medium and larger breeds (over 20 lbs.) due to the way pressure is applied.

** Dogs must be 20 pounds or larger. Do not use on smaller dogs or any dog with a short/flat face. Not recommended for brachycephalic dogs with shortened muzzles, dogs with breathing problems, soft or narrow tracheas or similar medical conditions; consult your veterinarian if you have questions or concerns.

Training is the real solution to leash pulling, but tools can help reach that goal. Remember that no training device works on every dog. Any tool is only as good as the hands that use it.

Videos

The Perfect Pace NO PULL (Halter Leash and Dog Halter)

What to customers say?

Our goal at Bold Lead Designs is to help you find the right gear to make life with dogs better. Sometimes the right equipment can make all the difference in the world. Here are just a few rave reviews we've received:

"I received the 5’ Working Dog Lead and the Perfect Pace Leash today and I have just one word…Wow!  Wow, your customer service thus far has been exemplary.  Wow, the craftsmanship is impeccable. And wow, does the Perfect Pace leash work as advertised.  I took Daphne, my recently adopted one year old beagle/basset, for a walk using the Perfect Pace leash and it was the easiest, most stress free walk we have taken to date.  Thank You! Once again, THANK YOU!" - Ken D. Jul 7, 2017

"It's been two weeks since I received my order. I've held off writing you back because I wanted to make sure I could still tell you how GREAT the head harness is working!  As of today, it’s still working and has changed my life.  I couldn't believe the first time I put it on my lab.  He acted like a show dog prancing as I walked him.  No pulling or dragging me! 
His leaping at other dogs has been reduced to only the dogs who leap at him first.  And even then, I can easily pull him back with two fingers. I am now enjoying walking with him without having to dig my heels in whenever we pass another dog. He is so much calmer and I can walk with the leash in one hand even if I have to steer him away for any reason.  My husband couldn't believe it either the first time he walked with the Perfect Pace.
I am so happy and relieved that I found something that works!!! Many many thanks to Katrina Boldry for developing this harness!!!:  - Kathy W. 2/16/2016 

"Received our Perfect Pace Halter on Tuesday and I must tell you how amazing it is.  I almost never write product reviews and I would say never an unsolicited one but had to do it this time.  Our dog (LUPii) is a 6 1/2 month old yellow lab.  Sweet, smart, etc. but he is a puppy.  Even with a Gentle Leader (which was very helpful) pulling, etc. would be problematic at times.  An almost instant change with the PP.  Took him this morning to a fairly human and dog populated park--which we have been avoiding--and other than barking at all humans and dogs--he's very friendly--LUPii was totally manageable.  The PP literally stops him from pulling.  Wonderful product."  - BK from Chagrin Falls, Ohio.. 4/9/2021

Satisfaction Guaranteed

Beautiful double-braided leather Safety Connectors ensure your dog stays securely attached to their leash.

Walk your dog with peace of mind knowing that you have two points of attachment to keep your dog safe. These leather safety cords are a backup attachment for Houdini dogs who somehow wriggle their way out of their gear or shake loose from the leash or harness.

With a bolt snap on either end, simply clip one end to a collar or harness, and the other end to a leash, or any other gear. Designed for use with head halters, training collars, martingales, front clip harnesses, or any type of training tool as a fallback plan in case of a slipped collar or broken buckle, or failed leash snap. 

Size and Hardware

Tan leather has solid brass hardware Black has stainless steel hardware.

• Small: Approx. 7.5 inches (20 cm) long, is made from 3/8″ width leather and small hardware for medium to large dogs - MOST POPULAR!
• Medium: Approx. 9 inches (26 cm) long, is made from 1/2″ width leather and medium hardware for large to giant dogs