The Working Dog Lead™ is a 5 foot multi-functional leather leash.
Our version of a working police dog leash, this is BLD’s original leash design. The Working Dog Lead is Katrina’s answer to the dilemma, “I can’t find a leash I like.” Functional and well designed, this leash does it all. It has a regular loop handle and lots of options for adjustment. It is a favorite of professional dog handlers and pet owners alike.
Designed for function and durability, the adjustable nature of this versatile lead allows for quick length changes to fit many different training activities. Once you start using this leash you will quickly discover how the special adjustable features allow you to creatively make this leash work for you. This lead has a regular loop handle (a unique feature for multi-functional lead designs) which means you can use it like a regular leash.
The Working Dog Lead ™ does it all. Clip it to a collar or harness or use the built in slip-collar for effective yet gentle training. Use it for everyday walks, obedience training, or for working dogs of all kinds. Shorten the leash at any time. Includes a snap fastener at both ends, 2 fixed rings for length adjustment, and a loose ring with fob for slip-collar.
This is the best quality leash you will find anywhere. There is no stitching to come undone or rivets to wear out. 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. Top quality hardware ensures strength and durability. We believe so strongly in the quality of our work, we offer a LIFETIME WARRANTY.
Choose Width Size:
- Small (3/8″ / 7mm. width): Best for smaller and medium sized dogs. Lighter weight leather is braided at both ends. This narrow width is very secure and features small yet strong hardware.
- 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. Braided at both ends.
- Large (5/8″ / 14mm. width): Sized for larger dogs, fits well in your hands. A good sturdy weight with larger hardware. Screw posts used for durability at the “dog end” of the lead.
- 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. Screw posts are used for durability at the “dog end” of the lead.
Standard Leather and Hardware Color:
- Black leather with stainless steel/silver color hardware
- Tan leather with solid brass (gold color)
About our leather:
BLACK LATIGO leather(Available in all widths.)
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 for durability, Stainless steel (silver color) hardware is standard.
English Bridle Leather in LONDON TAN(Available in 1/2 to 1 in. widths)
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.) Solid brass (gold colored) hardware is standard.
Golden TAN BRIDLE leather(Available in small 3/8 in. widths)
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. Solid brass (gold colored) hardware is standard.
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.
Marfnet (verified owner) –
I have enjoyed BLD leads for several years and I bought the Working Dog lead (1/2 inch leather) this year after a recommendation from a service dog handler and trainer.
As a dog owner who does not need my dog to heel next to me the majority of the time, this is not the multi-lead I use the most often. However, the design is so perfect for those times you want to keep your dog close, and I use it going into vet offices, moving around busy dog shows, and other places where I appreciate the perfect length and not needing to manage a lot of lead.
It surprised me that I use the slip lead function so often, and I’m so glad it’s included. It just comes in handy for moving my dog from here to crate or building to car or whatever. I was not a heavy slip lead user before, but having it built into my leash is sooo good.
When I need something longer, I will often use this leash cross body and can clip a second leash on to make a hands free option. Just the perfect length for that sort of thing.
Quality and durability are superior and I will always recommend BLD leads, especially for leather.
Sharon Miller (verified owner) –
Very versatile lead. I use this when I’m walking in the parks and on hiking trails where a leash is required.
sarahconnors (verified owner) –
This is the best leash I have ever come across!! The quality of the materials and the design could not possibly be improved upon! I can wrap it around my waist, clip the snap to the ring, and comfortably walk my dog hands-free. I can also use it as a regular leash and can clip it quickly around a post or table leg, etc. if I need to secure my dog. It’s a perfect length to give my dog enough freedom to sniff around on a walk but not too much to create tangles or other potential challenges. The best leash ever (I just ordered a second one)! Thank you, Katrina and all of your staff, for creating products of such excellent quality.
Sarah C. (verified owner) –
I absolutely love my 5 ft. working dog lead. It is expertly made with soft, strong leather and smoothly working clasps (easy on my arthritic thumbs). The braided work is beautiful as well as functional. The variety of lengths this lead offers meets all of my needs with my dog. I can wrap it around my waist and securely fasten it in the designated ring; the distance in this position between me and my dog (a German Shepherd) is perfect for having her walk closely beside me (I’m 5’3”, waist ~ 31″). I also use it at its full length when we’re just taking a leisurely stroll yet I can quickly shorten it to roughly ¾ or ½ that length if need be. I’m very happy with the ½” leash width – it is very strong while being a compact enough leash that will fit in my jacket pocket. Thank you so much, Katrina and everyone at Bold Lead Designs, for creating such high quality products. I look forward to ordering a Bold Lead Designs harness as soon as my pup reaches her full size!
Pam –
I have therapy dogs and use the working dog lead. It is wonderful with the 2 different lengths. Brilliant design. I also use a butterfly clip as I have some arthritis in my hands.
Been using the products for over 4 years.
Thanks Katrina for top quality products.
Mei-Lin (verified owner) –
Our lead just came in the mail and I looooooooove it! I am a little on the small side (~5’3″) and my dog is medium-sized (~21in. at the shoulder) so most hands-free leads are too long for us, since we live in a busy area and I would rather know he’s right by my side. 5ft. is the perfect length. I also ordered a 10in. leash extension to attach to the handle end so I can use the leash as an over-the-shoulder lead. It would be nice if the waist part were fully adjustable…I am fairly small and the belt style goes pretty low on my waist, and my boyfriend (~6′) would wear this around the smallest part of his waist.
Katrina –
Thanks for your comments! Glad you are loving it. Have your boyfriend try clipping the handle snap to the loose ring, toward the dog end. This may give him a more comfortable fit.
Cynthia niles (verified owner) –
Love the quality of the leathers used as well as top notch hardware. I have put YEARS of use on my Working dog lead. I feel very secure walking my 120 lb Malamute with it. Loved it so much recently bought another in a different color. Have also bought as gifts. Had slight wear issue on my Working Dog Lead (not due to craftsmanship at all- it has been well used) and it was 100% warrantied. Customer service was amazing. Best leash around will not use any other.
Meghan –
Great lead with the collar I ordered. It is a high quality leash, very sturdy but a bit on the heavier side. The adjustable rings are very handy for switching lengths and tie ups.
Emily –
A few months ago I bought this lead and double D collar to match in tan. I had been searching everywhere for a beautiful tan lead and collar set. Having read the positive reviews and liking what I saw on the website I confidently ordered the set online. I had some queries about sizing which was quickly and professionally answered. They even posted it to Australia!!
The quality of the leather, brass and construction is fantastic. Both items started off quite stiff but after much use they are now lovely and soft – a real pleasure to handle. The plaited grips on the lead are in just the right place and the adjustability of the lead is wonderfully perfect!
My only criticism, and reason why I’m not giving this 5 stars is because the set we ordered was not the colour I had wanted or had anticipated receiving. The tan we received is nothing like the images, and is actually a mid-dark brown. The collar has darkened considerably more than the lead to a rich mahogany. I’m still remarkably disappointed by the colour.
Lois B –
Thanks so much for the amazing lead for me and my working dog Lucy. I used it today for the first time on a walk to our local grocery store. Where it was so easy to go from just a regular walking lead to hands free in a moment so I could grab groceries and push the cart and grab things without having to hang onto the lead. Beautiful design and amazing craftsmanship. Thank you so much your the best.
Martha Kuepper –
I’ve had this leash for over two years now and it’s still in perfect condition. The length options are perfect for me and let me adjust to different situations. I’ve gotten my dog lots of different collars looking for the perfect one, but just this one leash because it is the best! A Bold Lead Designs collar actually might be in my dog’s future… :)