Simple Leads

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.

• 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
• Lifetime warranty

6 foot long, 1/2 and 5/8 inch widths are IN STOCK and ship quickly! Please allow 3-5 business days for other sizes to be made-to-order. 

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.

Short and simple, this Traffic Lead is ideal for heeling or walking a big dog in public. 

The short length allows direct control over the dog when a long leash is just too much. When attached to a collar or harness, it is just the right length to walk comfortably without a long leash to manage.

Makes a great leash to use with a coupler, or to add a handle to a specialty design like our Wheelchair Leashes.

This is the best quality dog leash you will find anywhere. We use only the best and most durable leather that is always soft to the touch and only improves with age. All edges are beveled for a smooth feel and each leash features top quality hardware that ensures strength and durability. 

Sizing

Select Length:

• 12″ Loop style 
• Short Leash style: 18″, 24″, or 30″
  

Choose the width:

• ½” wide (12.7 mm): Great for medium sized dogs, yet sturdy enough for larger dogs. Great for people with petite hands, or who prefer a lighter weight leash. Medium sized hardware. Short lead styles are braided at both ends.
• ¾” wide (19 mm): Sized for large, giant, and very strong dogs. Great for people who like a big, sturdy leash. Heavy duty hardware. Crafted with screw posts at the “dog end” of the lead for durability.

Leather & Hardware Options

Standard Leather and Hardware Color:

• Black leather with stainless steel/silver color hardware
• Tan leather with solid brass (gold color)

*If you'd like to change the hardware color - select “Make with OTHER Color Hardware” in the "Customize It!" section. *Note: brass hardware on collars can stain white/light coated dogs. Sometimes the oil in dogs’ coats can create tarnish, a harmless chemical reaction. 

Leather Care

Warranty

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. 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, and backed by our Lifetime Warranty.

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

Warranty and details about our leather and width/size can be found below.

Looking for more options? See our Custom Traditional Lead

Looking for a different length? See our shorter Traffic Leads or longer leather Tracking Leads.

When an ordinary leash just won't do, BLD's Leather Tracking Lead is custom-made to your specifications. 

Choose from four widths and various lengths to ensure the right size for both you and your dog. Handmade in Colorado, USA, and backed by a Lifetime Warranty.

Premium Quality: Crafted from durable, high-end full grain American leather that becomes more supple with use.

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

Thoughtful Design:  smaller widths feature elegant leather braids at both ends, adding a touch of sophistication, while larger widths feature a braided handle and are reinforced with sturdy screw posts at the dog-end.

Customization

Choose the hardware color, handle style, assembly style, and make other notes to customize your leash!

• For the handle end, indicate if you’d like a regular handle loop fastened with a braid (standard option if not specified), screw posts, or NO handle at all. You can add a ring to the handle if you desire.
• Tracking Leads are made with a splice. Since the length of a single leather strap is limited by the length of a leather hide. In most cases, we splice the leather at 5-6 foot increments
• Braided splice is standard (as shown) and is the strongest option. If you have a specific location you’d like the splices, let us know (braided splices make excellent grips or distance gauges).
• Larger widths (L 5/8″ & XL 3/4″) are made with screw posts at the dog end for durability. Braids are used at other splice points. You can request no braids if you prefer screw posts.
• Smaller widths (S 3/8″ & M 1/2″) are always braided at the ends and splices.

Handcrafted in own workshop!

Sizing

Length:

Available in lengths ranging from 8ft to 20ft.

Choose Width Size:

• Small (3/8” / 7mm. width)— Best for smaller and medium sized dogs. Braided at both ends and at each spot where two straps of material meet. This narrow width is very secure and has small yet strong hardware.  Always braided at the ends and splices.
• Medium (1/2” / 11mm. width)— Most popular choice! Great for medium sized dogs, yet sturdy enough for larger dogs. Great for people with petite hands, or who prefer a lighter weight leash. Always braided at the ends and splices.
• Large (5/8” / 14mm. width)— Sized for larger dogs. Fits well in your hands. A good sturdy weight with larger hardware. Made with screw posts at the dog end for durability & braids are used at other splice points. You can request no braids if you prefer screw posts.
• Extra Large (3/4” / 17mm. width)— Sized for large, giant, and very strong dogs. Great for people who like a big, sturdy leash. Heavy duty hardware. Made with screw posts at the dog end for durability & braids are used at other splice points. You can request no braids if you prefer screw posts. *TAN HEAVY WEIGHT option is available by request if you need a monster leash.
• Heavy Duty (1″ wide / 24mm. width)— A monster leash. Seriously, It’s gigantic and super heavy.  ONLY made with screw posts for durability–Braids NOT available for this size.

*Note: Smaller widths (S 3/8″ & M 1/2″) are always braided at the ends and splices.

*Larger widths (L 5/8″ & XL 3/4″) are made with screw posts at the dog end for durability and braids are used at other splice points. You can request no braids if you prefer screw posts.

Looking for a continuous length or a longer lead? Checkout our Brahma Leads here.

Leather & Hardware Options

Hardware Options:

Hardware Options:

Bolt snaps, as shown, are the most reliable hardware we’ve found for this leash. Choose solid brass or stainless steel.

Our exclusive swivel Shackle Snap is now available! See details here.

Alternate hardware is available for the XL 3/4″ width if desired. Sorry, no other hardware selections available for the XXL 1″ width. 

About our leather:

BLACK LATIGO leather

Our latigo is a lovely deep black and superior to ordinary leather in texture and quality. Latigo has a high tensile strength and tanned specifically for quality horse tack and premium pet products. Your leash will start out a bit firm yet flexible and will very quickly soften with just a few uses and continues to get better with age. The rich black color will not bleed or fade because it is struck through the leather in the tanning process, not just dyed on the surface. Made in North America from select heavy US native steer hides.

English Bridle Leather in LONDON TAN

English bridle 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. It does not darken the same our oiled golden tan leather.)

Golden TAN BRIDLE leather

This lovely brown 100% American vegetable-tanned leather, made with NO dyes or toxic metallic chemicals. Reminiscent of fine English horse tack. Every golden tan leash is HAND-OILED to bring out the softness, so your leash arrives supple and feels great in your hands immediately and only improves with age. The color will darken with use and age. This is our choice leather for products where a lighter weight material with excellent strength is necessary.

Leather Care

Leather care is easy! Don’t worry too much, and don’t be afraid to use your items — we promise leather is incredibly resilient, and regular weather won’t hurt it. If you think your item looks dirty, dry, or just need a little extra love, pouring a little leather conditioner on a cloth, and rubbing it in like lotion will usually do the trick. Baths and a jaunt in the river are just fine, but you might want to offer a little conditioner to your products afterwards. Saltwater can be harsh, so after a visit to the ocean, a good rinse in fresh water and proper conditioning will help preserve and protect your treasured leash or collar. See our Leather Care page for more specific information.

Warranty

We stand behind the quality of our products. Bold Lead Designs’ handcrafted leather & Brahma products that we make in our workshop are guaranteed against defects in materials and craftsmanship for life!

If your leather or Brahma leash, training equipment, or harness ever breaks or is damaged from regular use, simply contact Bold Lead Designs for a replacement or repair at no charge. There is no time limit. This is the best warranty in the industry.

Warranty is limited to replacement or repair of covered product only, and does not cover things outside of our control such as chewing, neglect, misuse, normal wear, external trauma or damage from an accident, or customer alterations. Customer is responsible for all related shipping costs.

FYI: Even if the item is not covered it often can be made functional again with a repair for a reasonable cost.

Exclusions: Items we don’t make in our workshop, such as accessories and consumable items, and items made of cloth/fabric are excluded. Non-leather and non-Brahma items, bldBASICS, any item sold  "as-is", used, on clearance, that is imperfect and any item marked with a star is excluded from this warranty or guarantee. Some customized options may be excluded from warranty; such excluded items will be sold with information indicating a warranty is not included. 

Sometimes, a long leash is just too much. BLD's Traffic Lead is perfect for use in the city and high traffic areas. This short leash designed for large and/or tall dogs to keep them close while walking. Available in lengths from 12 to 30 inches.

Handcrafted in Colorado from ultra-durable vegan Brahma soft grip that performs like leather.

When attached to a collar or harness, it is just the right length to walk comfortably without a long leash to manage. Makes a great leash to use with a coupler, or to add a handle to a specialty design like our Wheelchair Leashes.

Warranty and details about our materials and width/size can be found below.

Sizing

Select Length:

• 12″ Loop style 

• Short Leash Style: 18″, 24″, or 30″:  

Choose the width:

• ½” wide (12.7 mm): For most dogs (medium and large breeds); medium sized hardware

• ¾” wide (19 mm): For large breeds; heavy-duty; XL sized hardware

Experience the perfect leash for any adventure: From sandy beaches to boggy wetlands, grassy prairies and mountain tops, Brahma Leashes go anywhere. 

BLD's vegan Brahma Leashes are the best quality and most durable non-leather leashes you'll find anywhere. These feel and perform like leather, but are stronger and low-maintenance.

Forget gross, soggy ropes, rope burn, and knotted up lines. Brahma Soft Grip is the best material for the job. 

This super-strong, weatherproof, odor-free material feels nice in the hand and shakes off water, mud, and stickers. BLD's longlines have a lovely texture, feel nice in the hand, and have a nice grip even when wet (compared to other materials).

• Made with premium stainless steel bolt snaps
• Ideal for any climate, weather condition, or activity 
• Lifetime Warranty on materials and workmanship
• Artisan handcrafted in Colorado, USA!

Pair with BLD's Leash Caddy to keep your leash neat and tidy. 

Warranty and details about our materials and width/size can be found below.

Videos:

Sizing

Leash width:

*If you are looking for the Brahma XS THIN, LIGHT version for small breeds or puppies click here.

• Medium (1/2” / 12.7mm wide)—Best choice for longlines for any dog!
• Extra Large (3/4” / 19mm wide)— ONLY for giant breed dogs due to the substantial weight of material

About Brahma

The only vegan material that performs like leather. Brahma is a coated webbing material constructed with poly webbing on the inside and a durable PVC coating on the outside. This material can take a beating through brush, muck, and saltwater. 

Key Benefits:

• Ideal for any climate, weather condition, or activity 
• Stays soft, never gets sticky or tacky
• Feels similar to leather with a nice grip and suburb durability
• Snag-free, knot-free, and won’t pick up dirt or brush
• Doesn’t stink, absorb odors, or get slimy

Originally developed for the horse and ranch industry, it's incredibly strong and will last a lifetime. It's not Biothane©!

Low maintenance and easy to clean: dip it in a creek to rinse off the grime, or wash with soap and water (dish soap works great).

Warranty

BLD's famous lifetime warranty guarantees quality materials and craftsmanship for life! Click for details.

Our products are designed to be repaired instead of replaced. Most damaged leashes can be repaired and made functional even for a nominal fee if not covered by warranty.

Experience the perfect leash for any adventure: From sandy beaches to boggy wetlands, grassy prairies and mountain tops, Brahma Longlines go anywhere. 

BLD's Brahma Longlines are the best quality and most durable non-leather leashes you'll find anywhere. Long leashes (AKA check cords) are ideal for training, exercise, or play when you're dog needs space to roam but must still be on-leash.

Forget gross, soggy ropes, rope burn, and knotted up lines. Brahma Soft Grip is the best material for the job. 

This super-strong, weatherproof, odor-free material feels nice in the hand and shakes off water, mud, and stickers. It slides right through brush and weeds without snagging! The best part?  BLD's longlines have a lovely texture, feel nice in the hand, and have a nice grip even when wet (compared to other materials).

• Made with premium stainless steel bolt snaps
• Ideal for any climate, weather condition, or activity 
• Lifetime Warranty on materials and workmanship
• Artisan handcrafted in Colorado, USA!

Pair with BLD's Leash Caddy to keep your leash neat and tidy. 

Videos:

Sizing

Leash width:

*If you are looking for the Brahma XS THIN, LIGHT version for small breeds or puppies click here.

• Medium (1/2” / 12.7mm wide)—Best choice for longlines for any dog!
• Extra Large (3/4” / 19mm wide)— ONLY for giant breed dogs due to the substantial weight of material

About Brahma

The only vegan material that performs like leather. Brahma is a coated webbing material constructed with poly webbing on the inside and a durable PVC coating on the outside. This material can take a beating through brush, muck, and saltwater. 

Key Benefits:

• Ideal for any climate, weather condition, or activity 
• Stays soft, never gets sticky or tacky
• Feels similar to leather with a nice grip and suburb durability
• Snag-free, knot-free, and won’t pick up dirt or brush
• Doesn’t stink, absorb odors, or get slimy

Originally developed for the horse and ranch industry, it's incredibly strong and will last a lifetime. It's not Biothane©!

Low maintenance and easy to clean: dip it in a creek to rinse off the grime, or wash with soap and water (dish soap works great).

Warranty

As always, we stand behind the quality of our in-house handmade products with a Lifetime Warranty on materials and workmanship. 

Please find complete warranty details here.

Did you know BLD products are designed to be repaired instead of replaced? Even if the item is not covered by our warranty, most damaged leashes can be repaired and made functional for a nominal fee.

A perfect, simple leash for little dogs. This thin, lightweight and flexible leash is perfectly sized for small dogs or puppies. 

• Super-durable, waterproof and weatherproof leather-alternative
• 3/8” (9.5 mm) wide with perfectly sized leash snaps
• Premium quality hardware in your choice of color: stainless steel or solid brass
• Sized for dogs under 30 pounds
• Handcrafted in our Colorado workshop
• Lifetime Warranty on materials and workmanship

If you're looking for more features and hardware choices, click here.

If you are looking for thicker Brahma in 1/2 in. or 3/4 in. widths, click here.

Find warranty and material information below

2019 Best Dog Gear of the Year by The Whole Dog Journal Read the Article