Leash And Collar FAQs
Please see the below for our general guidance and frequently asked questions regarding collars and leashes and click the above picture for a PDF version of the below.
Before beginning your search, narrow it down to two or three types of dog collars. Go by function first. Why do you need the collar, and what purpose do you want it to serve? If you have an average dog, a regular collar will probably suffice. Next, consider the material from which the collar is made. If your dog gets dirty a lot and/or loves to play in water, nylon will be easier to maintain than some other materials. Once all those decisions have been made, you’ll need to measure your dog for its new collar, to do so we find that using a piece of string like a shoelace to rope around your dogs neck to find that actual size and pinch where the string with your thumb and for finger where they meet and then remove the string and measure the actual length as we will add an additional inch to ensure the collar is not restrictive on your fur-baby and not loose enough to slip off. Be sure to check your growing puppy's collar often! In just two weeks, a collar can become to tight and can choke them. Please review the below information and/or our blog articles for assistance in finding the collar that is perfect for you fur-baby.
What Are the Benefits of Rope Leashes and Collars?
Our rope leashes and collars are handmade using traditional rope techniques found in boating and sailing. We chose to create leashes and collars using these techniques because they are proven to be durable, and often create beautiful finished pieces. Our rope collars and leashes are also washable with soap and water as the metal hardware can damage washing machines but please be sure to air dry them. Rope tends to be soft for both your hands, and your dog's neck - it's the perfect choice for dog's with sensitive skin! And for dog's with long hair - there's no need to worry about our collars tangling or matting the hair around the neck.
What Are the Benefits of Nylon Leashes and Collars?
There are several benefits in choosing rope accessories for you and your pup include multiple design patterns, widths, ease of adjustment, and high tensile strength. With nylon webbing being flat in design it easier to adjust than our rope collars and are proportionally stronger and more moisture resistant than our leather products and therefore washable. Nylon dog collars are perhaps the most popular dog collars on earth. Nylon is tough and durable, and nylon handles water well. They’re very easy to clean, too, and they’re generally less expensive than leather dog collars. To clean these collars, you can use plain soap and water, but be sure to rinse the collar well enough to remove any soap residue that might irritate your dog’s skin. They are inexpensive, strong, and durable. They come in a huge range of sizes, colors, and styles. It’s also easy to find leashes that match the collars. These collars are easy to clean and maintain. They might irritate the skin and break the hair shafts of the coat. Nylon collars tend to lose their looks over time, as the fabric begins to fray around the edges and the original color fades.
What Are the Benefits of Leather Leashes and Collars?
Our leather collars and leashes are available in a number of widths, thicknesses, and designs (ie braided and traditional flat follow through designs). Some of the benefits include the strength and appearance, leather collars and leads deliver an outstanding combination of form and function as they are strong and provide a level of elegance that few other materials can match. Leather may seem a little stiff at first but will quickly “break in” and become soft yet retain all of it’s strength.
What Are the Benefits of Biothane Leads and Collars?
Biothane is a synthetic leather like material that has a higher tensile strength and resistance to abrasion and is basically plastic coated leather and is much easier to clean than any of our other materials and maintain than our other options. Biothane also has unique options like belt in reflective strips and similar options for increased safety.
How Do I Care for my Leash or Collar?
Please refer to the instructions for your specific product but in general most of our collar and leashes are hand washable and require air drying. Please note that it is not advisable to soak leather products however if necessary it can be cleaned with a damp rag.
How Do I Measure my Dog's Neck?
Each collar is tailor made to fit your dog. In order to get a perfect fit, we ask that you provide your dog's CURRENT neck measurement. In order to get an accurate measurement, it is best to use a soft measuring tape.
(1). With your dog in a stand or sit, wrap the soft tape around the center of the neck.
(2). Soft tape should be snug around the neck. Make sure there is no slack, but also that it is not too tight. The skin around the soft tape should not "bulge."
(3). The end, marked 0, should overlap the soft tape. Where it lands is your dog's neck measurement.
(4). If the measurement lies between 2 numbers: Round down if it is less than halfway between; Round up if it is 1/2 or greater.
(5). Please provide the actual measurement of your dog's neck when ordering and we will add some extra room to ensure the safety of your pup as The golden rule for any collar is to be able to fit two fingers underneath it; otherwise, it is too loose or too tight.
Which Thickness Should I Choose?
This largely depends on the material used but in all of our product descriptions we either include a recommended size chart and/or state our recommendations in the product description.
Do You Ship Internationally?
Yes, we ship to most major countries at additional expense to cover increased shipping and custom fees. Delivery times to countries outside of the United States may take up to three weeks (longer in some cases), and customs or import taxes may apply. The buyer is responsible for any customs and import taxes due at time of delivery. JJ Benson is not responsible for any delays due to customs or international mail handlers.
When Can I Expect My Order to Ship?
Due to the handmade nature of our product, the current turnaround time for most orders is approximately two to three weeks - allow additional time for custom orders. Once completed, your order will ship within forty-eight hours with the exception of weekends and holidays. Delivery times vary from country to country, but may take up to three weeks for orders shipping outside of the USA. Orders shipped within the USA generally arrive within three to eight business days.
What if my tracking shows my order was "Delivered" but I haven't received it yet?
On occasion, some packages may be scanned as "delivered" accidentally before it's actual delivery. Most post offices are understaffed even as the number of packages they are processing continues to increase, and they are just human after all! Mistakes do happen from time to time. Please allow up to an additional seven business days for the order to arrive. If it still does not arrive within this time frame, it is possible the package is lost or stolen.
Lost & Stolen Packages
For any package with tracking marked as "delivered" - before we can begin replacing your order you must first file a claim with USPS. This can be done easily online at the USPS or applicable carrier’s website. As a small business with small margins, we do not take this lightly. Replacing orders usually actually ends up costing us money. Stolen mail is becoming increasingly common as online orders soar. We do not take this issue lightly. If your package is marked "delivered" and you have not received it, you must also file a police report. Before we can replace your order, you must provide the USPS claim confirmation number and proof of police report. For all other packages - please contact us right away and we will first try and figure out if we can find the package before moving on to the same protocol as lost "delivered" packages.
Secure Ordering & Payment Options
We currently accept payment through PayPal, one of the most trusted payment gateways in the world. With PayPal we are able to accept most major credit cards including Visa, Mastercard and American Express. You do not need a PayPal account to use this service. PayPal will give you the option to checkout securely as a guest. However, if you do have a PayPal account, you can make payment through that account. Credit card payments may also be made directly through Stripe.
Returns & Refunds
We will accept returns or exchanges on items if you contact us within one week of the date you receive your order (based on tracking information). Item(s) must be in new, unused condition and be received returned within thirty days of the initial ship from us date. Buyer is responsible for return shipping costs. Please contact us to discuss options.
If you receive an item that is defective, we will repair or replace the item after return of the defective product. However, we cannot exchange or refund items damaged due to misuse or chewing.
All purchases of items marked "SALE" or "Clearance" are final. We cannot accept refunds or exchanges on Sale/Clearance items, so please double check sizing before purchasing, and please purchase seriously.
Privacy Policy
At JJ Benson Inc, we will only use your contact information and shipping & billing address to communicate with you about your order, to fulfill your order, and for legal reasons such as paying taxes. We do not sell your information to third parties.
General Collar and Leash Guidance:
When you’re shopping for puppy collars, choose one that’s narrow and lightweight. Remember that the pup probably isn’t used to wearing something around its neck, so it might find a collar annoying at first. If the collar is small and light, the pup will most likely find it easier to accept. Resist the temptation to buy a long, heavy collar for your small or young puppy. Sure, you won’t need to replace it as often, but it won’t be nearly as comfortable for your pup to wear. Because puppies grow so quickly, you’ll need to check the collar’s fit at least once a week. Make sure you can fit two fingers under the collar, as an average. With small dog breeds, you should be able to fit one finger, for medium-sized dog breeds, you should be able to fit two fingers, and for large dog breeds, you should be able to fit three fingers between the dog’s neck and the collar. You don’t want it to be too loose, either. The collar should be fairly snug, but it shouldn’t be tight. Dog collars that are at either extreme can be dangerous. Too-tight collars can embed themselves in the canine’s flesh, and too-loose collars can slip over your pup’s head. That could be fatal if you’re walking in traffic. Collars that are too loose can also present choking hazards. Puppies are curious and into everything, and a collar that’s too loose could catch on something and cause choking or strangulation.
You can find harnesses for dogs that distribute pressure over the chest, the shoulders, or even the rear end. Like dog collars, harnesses might be made of nylon, leather, suede, or sports mesh. Some are even lined with faux fur. A dog harness is a good choice for puppies that aren’t leash trained. It’s a great way to get a pup used to walking by your side, without making him fearful of the leash pressure on a standard collar. Harnesses are also good for small dogs. Diminutive doggies have tiny necks that could be easily injured from accidental jerks from leashes, but because a harness places the stress elsewhere on the dog’s body, it’s a safer choice. I’ve seen a few owners of large dogs use harnesses, too, but a standard dog harness provides less control than collars do. If controlling your pet is a problem, a harness probably isn’t a good idea. A dog harness provides comfort to the dog and reduces stress to the neck, throat, and trachea. Lined harnesses might also help fearful dogs feel more secure. But a typical harness does not give the handler as much control of the animal as a dog collar does. A few dogs are difficult to fit with a harness.
Leather
Many dog owners prefer classic leather dog collars for their pets. Because leather is a natural material, it’s often less irritating than other materials. Some owners think their dogs can’t get wet while wearing a leather collar, but that’s not true. As long as the leather is treated correctly and regularly, a leather dog collar can handle moisture and will last for years. Of course, it’s best to remove the collar when bathing your dog. Leather dog collars are available with metal studs, metal spikes, jingle bells, and embossing. They also come in several colors and styles. Most leather collars are flat, but round or rolled versions can also be found. The round collars are easier on the dog’s coat. Obviously, thick leather collars can be very heavy, so you’ll want to take the thickness, along with the width, of the collar into account. Leather dog collars are made of natural materials, so they’re more earth-friendly. They’re also more comfortable for most canines, and they’re the best choice for a dog with super sensitive skin. Leather dog collars can last years with care. These dog collars are usually more expensive than those constructed of man-made materials. They’re also harder to clean and maintain and can get pretty smelly. If you have a puppy in the house, it might enjoy chewing on a leather dog collar, too.
How to Clean a Leather Dog Collar
Use a damp cloth to wipe off dried mud and dirt OR apply a tiny amount of mild soap to stains and scrub gently with a small stiff-bristled brush.
Remove the soap residue with another clean cloth that has been dampened with a little water.
Buff the shine with a soft, dry cloth.
Once the collar is dry to the touch, treat the leather with a conditioner or preservative.
Buff again until shiny.
For collars made of unfinished leather, use saddle soap. Work the saddle soap into the collar with a soft, slightly damp cloth. Wipe away the saddle soap with a dry cloth. Don’t use a damp cloth for this unless you absolutely have to. Once the leather collar is clean and dry, rub it with an oil or preservative made especially for leather. If you take proper care of a leather dog collar, it can last for years—even your dog's lifetime.
Spiked Collars
The reason they were developed was to protect the canine wearer from attacks from other dogs and wild animals, like wolves. Because of the protruding spikes, it’s difficult for an attacking animal to seize a dog’s neck when the pooch is wearing a spiked collar. Of course, you don’t have to have a reason to use spiked dog collars – or any other types of dog collars, for that matter. Many people just like the way certain collars look on their pets and if one of your dog likes chewing on the other dogs collar like mine a spiked collar can definitely help with that. Spiked collars, for example, often give the impression of toughness, so they’re often chosen for big dogs, especially when the dogs serve the role as guardian. On the other hand, something like a pink spiked dog collar on a breed like a toy poodle can be quite a conversation starter! Spiked dog collars might help prevent neck injuries from other animals to your pet. They also look tough, and the spikes make it difficult for the dog to be grabbed by the collar.
Martingale Collar
A martingale collar is sort of a hybrid, combining the advantages of a regular collar with that of a check chain. These dog collars were originally designed for dog breeds with small heads in proportion to the size of the neck. When a canine’s head is smaller than its neck, it’s easy for the dog to slip out of a regular collar. A martingale collar addresses the problem by tightening when pressure is placed on the collar by the leash. The dog receives negative feedback— a tightened collar—whenever it pulls too hard. It receives a reward—a loose collar—when it behaves properly. Although this type of dog collar was specifically fabricated for dog breeds like the greyhound, the Borzoi, the whippet, the Sloughi, the Saluki, and other sight-hounds, many owners with other breeds like using a martingale collar. It gives extra control but isn’t as harsh as a choke or check chain. With a typical martingale collar, the main part of the device is like a regular collar, often made of leather. A small portion of the collar is a chain circle. When pressure is exerted from the leash, the collar gets tighter, but when the leash pressure is released, the collar gets looser.
A martingale collar provides the owner with more control. These dog collars are less harsh than check chains or choke collars. The collar will only go so tight, unlike a choke chain. Martingale collars slide over the dog’s head, without having to bother with fasteners or snaps.