BLD’s Leather Tracking Lead is custom made to order with your choice of leather, hardware, and assembly method. We use only the best leather that is always flexible and only improves with age. All edges are beveled for a smooth feel and top quality hardware ensures long lasting durability. We are so confident this is the last leash you will ever need that we offer a lifetime warranty!
Feel free to make special requests! We’ll work with you to be sure you have the perfect leash to meet your needs. Just indicate your preferences and we’ll touch base if we have questions or to recommend the best way to construct the leash for reliability. You’re always welcome to call if you’d like to discuss.
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!
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.
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.
Leather
Our leather comes in two colors: tan and black. Read more about our leather color options below:
Our Golden TAN BRIDLE leather is 100% American vegetable-tanned leather, made with NO dyes or toxic metallic chemicals. Reminiscent of fine English horse tack, this leather is superior in quality to any other leash you’ve seen. Every 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.
Our lovely BLACK LATIGO leather is solid black, and superior to ordinary leashes in texture and quality, cut from select USA hides. It is incredibly durable, yet is very flexible. Feels great in your hands and will simply get better with age.
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.
BryanLlewhellin (verified owner) –
Orderd 8 foot custom for training with a handle at dog end…LOVE it!
Roger –
I had special requests for a trailing lead. After exchanging several emails the order was finalized. In a few days I received a photo of my completed lead. I immediately noticed that the wrong clasp was installed. Before I could note the error it was recognized and immediately corrected.
In a few days I took delivery of my 10 meter trailing lead. It was a work of art and spoke quality. After being able to use it in several training sessions I was convinced I made the right choice in Bold Lead Designs.
It was a pleasure work with the design staff. Their input was valuable, informative and appropriate. I have made an investment in a quality item that will last my lifetime. I will not hesitate to contact Bold Lead Designs as future needs arise.
sarahfarsad (verified owner) –
I love my new lead – I have the 20 foot lead for a sweet but super strong shepherd pit bull mix and I can’t wait to go on our early morning walks with it to train by the Hudson River! I have purchased several leashes, collars and now this lead and am happy with everything I have received. thanks so much! sarah
Elizabeth Y (verified owner) –
Hi there!
I just wanted to let you know that I received my 2 tracking leads last week. I absolutely love them! I’ve tried them in 2 of my scent detection classes and they are by far the nicest leads I’ve ever used! I see a few more orders in my future…
So thanks again for making such a great product!
Elizabeth Y
Jill Pinder and Eli (verified owner) –
I bought this lead to use in nosework with my GSD. I had an 8 foot lead made for summer nosework . The construction is spot on the leather is soft and supple and it feels great in my hands . I would recommend this to anyone working with dogs.
Laura, Karim & Murdock (verified owner) –
We absolutely love our original leather lease purchased some months back;
Tracking Lead – a LONG leather leash
Long Length : 15 ft (450 cm), spliced,
Leather Color: Black Latigo Leather,
Size/Width: XL 3/4″ / 17mm
It´s incredibly strong and sturdy, extremely durable for our long walks in the woods, fields & mountains in all different kinds of weather with our Great Dane, Murdock.
Gerry P (verified owner) –
Thank you very much for your shipment. The quality of your leash is excellent. Our 4 year old golden Oakleigh instantly adapted to her new lead. We look forward to many years of great utility.
Thanks again for a great product.
Barbara K. (verified owner) –
Katrina, I just wanted to let you know how much I LOVE my leather tracking leash that I recently purchased from you. I use a longer leash for the sport of canine nosework & this is perfect. I appreciated the difference in handling my dogs with your leash immediately. It’s light, soft, & beautifully made. I also was very impressed with the customer service I received – that is getting a call & e-mail from you that helped with my order. I will definitely be keeping your website in my favorites. Thank you again!