What are the opening hours?

Monday 9am - 4pm Tuesday 9am - 4pm Wednesday 9am - 4pm Thursday 9am - 4pm Friday 9am - 4pm

The Traditional Leather Lead Co

Home
United Kingdom
Royal Leamington Spa
The Traditional Leather Lead Co

High quality English bridle leather dog collars, leads and harnesses traditionally styled and hand crafted, using centuries old English saddlery techniques.

The Traditional Leather Lead Company was established as a company in 2014. Every single aspect of my English bridle leather dog ware draws on a lifetime of experience in handling, training and working dogs, coupled with instructing prospective and current dog handlers in a huge variety of disciplines. On a personal level these include companion animal training (for myself and others), competition

obedience, competition agility, gun work, running dogs, shepherding and falconry. My career related dog experience ranges from me being the youngest Guide Dog Mobility Instructor to be trained in the UK at the time, to working as a Police dog handler, explosive search dog handler, drug dog handler, through to planning and running courses in security and protection dog handling, explosive, drug, cash, fi****ms, missing person, to***co and parasite detection. After 40 plus years of training and working all manner of breeds for all manner of jobs, I understand completely that the equipment you use must be up to the job. Every single item that leaves my workshop is made exclusively by hand for you, completely from scratch from start to finish, with the finest materials that I can source. Experience, function, longevity and quality are at the heart of everything that leaves my workshop. Paul.

06/01/2025

Happy new year folks, I hope you all had a good Christmas.

I was in the workshop last week, trying to keep on top of things, and managed to get some stuff made.

Here is one order that was completed this morning.

A 3/4 inch 'Padded collar', padded and lined with a very soft purple nappa leather, hand stitched with a corresponding purple thread.

A 3/4 inch x 12 inch long 'Short lead', and a half inch wide x 4ft long 'Braided lead' completes the set.

All available through my website.

Paul.

22/12/2024

If you're stuck in a rut and have no idea what to buy that special doggy person for Christmas, don't forget that I have digital gift vouchers available on my website.

Once purchased, the unique voucher code will be automatically emailed to the email address you provide, so you can print it off and stick it in a card.

Your loved one can then pick and choose their own dogware.

Here's a link to the gift voucher page on my website.

Paul.

https://www.makemylead.co.uk/products/gift-card?variant=31705313673271

20/12/2024

It's been pretty tough over the last 4 months or so.

On a personal level, we've had a horse with a broken leg requiring surgery, a very expensive screw, and lots of vet visits and associated rehab work (she's almost at the point where she can be sat on again).

I've lost my best mate of 12 years, and my workshop feels empty without him under my feet, or farting on his bed in the corner.

On a work level, I've been struggling with suppliers that I've worked with for years, who are feeling the effects of the current financial situation. This has caused delays of many of the raw materials that I need to make your things. This obviously puts my order list back, which isn't good.

But in the immortal words of D-Ream, "Things can only get better"!

With that in mind, I'd like to introduce you to 'Dennis'!

Dennis is a 5 year old 'Anglo-European', and will be taking on the role of 'Deputy head of equine research', closely mentored by his recovering boss Tilly.

He's a very cheeky chappie, who has a hell of a lot of potential, and can hopefully add some much missed fun back into life, even though my mornings are about to get even earlier!

Thank you, to each and every one of you for your support of my small business, and all the recommendations you've made when people have asked you "Where did you get that from". It means a hell of a lot.

I'd like to think that the advice I've given when you've phoned me, and the things I've made for you, have helped make a difference in your life, and more importantly in the life of your dog.

I will be in the workshop sporadically over the Christmas period, as there are very many things that need making. Don't call me on Christmas day or boxing day though, as I'll be up to my eyes in some kind of animal s**t one way or the other!

From Dennis, Tilly, Willow, Pickle and I, have a fantastic Christmas, and thank you again for trusting me to make your things.

Paul. X

04/12/2024

This lovely combo will be hitting the streets very soon.

It comprises one of my very popular (and awesome to use!) 'Public Order' leads. This lead with 2 handles allows for very subtle, close control of a dog where needed.

Matched with the lead is my 'Public Order' collar, designed by me for dog handlers deploying their landsharks in hostile situations, where neck comfort and support is paramount, as is safety and freedom of restriction.

Finishing the Leatherwork off is one of my 30ft tracking lines, made of a cushioned polypropylene webbing, which is comfortable for a handler to hold while engaging in tracking the bad guys.

They'll be in the post today.

Paul.

02/12/2024

Apologies if I've been slow to respond to messages today, but it's been a very tough one. I said sleep tight to Bryn for the final time this morning.

He's been there for me every single day for almost 12 years, and was the most switched on dog I've ever had the pleasure of knowing, training, and working.

He went to sleep peacefully at home, with a bite sleeve in his mouth.

Sweet dreams big man. X

19/11/2024

A nice adjustable half-check collar and matching training lead, made with stainless steel metalware, black English bridle leather and a matching black thread.

I usually keep a few stainless steel fittings in stock for those who prefer it, so you only have to ask!

Paul.

14/11/2024

My idea of professionalism differs from the norm. Not in the quality of what I do, but in the way that I do it.

I've never been a 'yes' man, in fact if I think you're wrong I will tell you. This is something that often landed me with 'words of advice' in a previous life as a 'Crown servant'!

I try my very best to keep my personal and working life separate, but I'm just one bloke doing everything, and ultimately those two worlds often collide. Sometimes that takes its toll.

I try to juggle life with making things, unfortunately this week life got in the way, as my Daughter's horse decided to fracture one of her legs.

Long story short, my week has been full of tears, both my Daughter's and mine, in varying quantities.

Monday was written off, as taking a horse to a specialist is literally a whole day event involving loading, travelling, X-rays, and all-sorts of other gubbins.

If you ever get stuck behind a horsebox doing 30mph on a 60 road, think of me. They'll be driving that slow for a reason, the driver really doesn't intend to p**s you off, but they can't brake suddenly with half a tonne of angry horse in the back, so please be patient. They are leaving all that distance between them and the vehicle in front for a very good reason.

Tuesday was spent trying to make leather things while worrying about her horse, who was 30 miles away from home. At the same time I was waiting for the results of her MRI scan, playing out all scenarios in my head and wondering what I was going to say to my Daughter in every single one of those scenarios.

My mind wasn't in the game at all, and I cried quite a lot.

Wednesday was spent making leather things while worrying about the prognosis of Tuesday's MRI results, waiting for the outcome of the surgery required to pin the bone in question.

Wednesday afternoon, I was happier, as the surgery went well apparently. Tilly was still off her t**s on sleepy juice and nerve blockers, so we still didn't know if she was going to be able to walk on it properly, but things were looking good.

This morning was spent making leather things and waiting for the vet to call.

That call arrived and I was told that Tilly seems to be walking OK, and even tried kicking the vet with her bad leg while she was having her re**al temperature taken, so the sassy mare seems to be on the mend!

Tomorrow will see a few things made first thing, then the rest of the day will be written off again, as I'm hoping to collect her at lunchtime, so she can start the slow process of recovery.

Thanks for your patience this week, it's been very tough at times, oh and please buy something, there's a very large vet bill coming!!

Paul.

25/10/2024

I receive very many phone calls on a daily basis, and through years of experience, I have a pretty good success rate at sniffing out the wasters.

This call wins the 'Waster of the week' trophy!
______
Ring ring, ring ring

"Hello"

"Hi mate, I'm looking at your website and want to order a few things, I just rang to see if you have any discounts?"

"No I don't "

"Oh! I was hoping to negotiate a price on the collar and lead I'm looking at"

"OK, which collar and lead are you looking at?"

"A military style flat collar, and a 4ft hand stitched lead"

"That's a great choice, I like to keep things simple with dogware. Why do you think I should give you a discount?"

"Cause I really like them, but the price is a bit steep. I want to buy British you know, but if I can't get a discount, I probably won't be buying"

"Oh OK, bye then" ........ I hang up!

10 seconds later....

Ring ring, ring ring

"Hello"

"Hi, it's me again, we got cut off"

"No, I hung up on you"

"Really? Why'd you do that?"

"Because you told me that unless you get a discount, you probably wouldn't be buying anything from me. I told you there is no discount, so that's why"

"That's not a good way to do business!"

"Neither is giving a discount to some random bloke who I've never spoken to before."

"What! I know loads of people in the dog training world, I can put lots of business your way, or lots of bad feedback for your business if I wanted to"

"So do I flower, so fill your boots. If you can't afford my prices, then you can't be that good at what you do, so I'd be amazed if anyone in the dog training world has ever heard of you. Unfortunately, my mortgage provider doesn't accept discounts either. Bye now"
.... I hang up.
________

Have a great weekend all!

Paul.

11/10/2024

Do you remember that gorgeous 'Jade' coloured hide that arrived a while ago? Well, this is what it was for (not just to use as a pretty backdrop for my things!).

This is a bridle that I've made for a gorgeous Irish Draft horse. The Jade nappa leather has been used to line the padding on the head piece, browband and nose piece, to make things a bit more comfortable. Those parts have been stitched using a matching jade thread of course!

I've added a flash loop and matching flash to the noseband, just in case it's ever needed.

It has been completely hand stitched from start to finish, taking roughly 15 hours in total.

I just hope it fits!!

Have a great weekend.

Paul.

P.S, I now have a Jade coloured lining and thread to add to my 'padded collar' collection!

10/10/2024

I was approached by a retired UK mounted Bobby who, during his career, had worked quite closely with the Royal Canadian Mounted Police.

He was given this genuine RCMP campaign hat some years ago, but over the years, the leather hat band had been lost.

He asked me to step in and make a new one for him.

This is the result.

Paul.

02/10/2024

A very proud moment for one of my former colleagues (and subsequently a customer), who specialises in searching for concealed illegal to***co, vapes, drugs and cash.

Stuart has set the standard for search work, and trusts his dogs implicitly due to the way he trains, and remains current in his knowledge of operational deployments.

This is proven by the sheer number of Police forces and Trading standards departments, up and down the country, that he works alongside on a daily basis.

His dogs are awesome to watch, as is the contents of his tool bag when a concealment is indicated by his dogs!

He trusts his dogs so much, that he will actually destroy a wall or floor, to reveal the hide. Not many dog handlers have the confidence in their dog's abilities to do that!

If you want to see proper search dogs at work, give his page a follow.

B.W.Y Canine Ltd

Very well done Stu, we're very proud of you mate.

27/09/2024

Some days, it feels like I'm just a personal Butler to this Sassmeister!

Have a great weekend all.

Paul.

17/09/2024

Ooooooooo, now this is very sexy!

This absolutely stunning, very vivid 'Jade' coloured nappa hide arrived out of the blue yesterday.

I know exactly what I'm going to do with it, can you guess?

Answers on a postcard (or just in the comments will do!).

I might show you all once this custom piece is complete!

Paul.

16/09/2024

With leatherwork, as with most crafts, it's all about the prep work, as without preparation of the materials you work with, you end up with a mess!

This is one of approximately 78 individual steps that I take, when hand crafting a lead.

Paul.

12/09/2024

There is no production line, there is no machine, there is no mass production of anything I produce.

My hands are my 'machine', they cut, they dye, they burnish, they crease, they bevel, they stitch, they get sore, they bleed when the thread cuts into them, and they get tired.

My eyes are the 'lazers' that guide my hands, my knowledge of my products, combined with those hands are the 'program' that produces absolutely everything that leaves my small workshop.

I respect each and every hide that I use, as each single hide is truly unique and is a homage to the animal it came from. No two leads or collars that come from me will ever be exactly the same, because of all of these things.

My lead time may seem long, but that's because many people want many things from me, constantly.

When you buy something from me, you are paying for a lifetime of dog training experience, I know what works and what doesn't.

You are paying for THE very best English bridle leather and metalware that I can source, coupled with over 30 years worth of skills to completely hand-make your items, so that they look good and function day after day.

When I'm no longer here, it's likely that there will be no 'Traditional Leather Lead Company', as I am the Chief cook and bottle washer, but I'd like to think that tiny little Shamrock stamped on all of your things, will hopefully keep looking after your dogs.

If you want it quickly, there are places you can go.

If you want it to last, consider my stuff.

Paul.

10/09/2024

Got to love a 'training' lead

Available through my website.

Paul.

03/09/2024

Autumn is upon us, and as a result comes mud, rain and generally awful weather.

Your leather will need looking after to maintain its strength and integrity.

Here's a very boring video I made a few years ago, showing how I clean and treat my dogware.

Look after your stuff, you've paid enough for it!!!

https://www.facebook.com/share/v/qdTRh9BDkJs6591p/

Address

Royal Leamington Spa

Opening Hours

Monday	9am - 4pm
Tuesday	9am - 4pm
Wednesday	9am - 4pm
Thursday	9am - 4pm
Friday	9am - 4pm

Website

http://www.makemylead.co.uk/

Alerts

Be the first to know and let us send you an email when The Traditional Leather Lead Co posts news and promotions. Your email address will not be used for any other purpose, and you can unsubscribe at any time.

Contact The Business

Send a message to The Traditional Leather Lead Co:

Videos

With leatherwork, as with most crafts, it's all about the prep work, as without preparation of the materials you work with, you end up with a mess! This is one of approximately 78 individual steps that I take, when hand crafting a lead. Paul.

Got to love a 'training' lead Available through my website. Paul.

Shortcuts

Our Story

Having spent 30 plus years training and working dogs in a huge variety of disciplines, from gun work and falconry, to shepherding, Police work, drug, explosive substance, bedbug and missing person detection, I realise how difficult it is to find quality, aesthetically pleasing, hard wearing, long lasting and functional working and pet dog equipment, so I began to make my own. Using the same finest English bridle leather hides, which are cured and supplied to the saddlers of the British Monarchy, all of my dog leads and collars are hand cut, hand styled, hand dyed and hand stitched by me, using traditional English saddlery techniques. By hand stitching with a saddler's clam, an awl and 2 needles, I pay attention to each individual stitch made, using a technique which ultimately results in a far superior and stronger stitch than those made by any machine. The emphasis on the leads and collars I make is a simple rustic elegance and functionality. As a working dog handler and instructor, I have come to realise that an individual's choice of lead is very personal. Over time a bridle leather lead will take on it's own personality and will develop it's own unique 'feel' about it. As the owner of a 20 year old English bridle leather dog lead, which is still in daily use with a variety of dogs, I understand the importance of using quality materials. I do not use cheaper alternatives in the manufacture of any dog ware. I prefer to use solid brass clips, studs and rings, but can add chromed fittings where requested. Traditionally, leather with brass fittings is stitched with a 'gold' thread (dark yellow) and those with silver coloured fittings are stitched with white thread, in order to compliment the colour of the metal ware. I carry a small amount of stock, but most of my equipment is passionately made to order, with an attention to detail, ensuring a perfect fit, usually within just a few days of ordering. Although I have a 'standard' range, should you want something a little more personal, drop me a line. Thanks for looking, Paul