Tetherlead’s length adjustable, multi-fixture dog leads - test & review

Tetherlead produces smart, super high-quality leads that allow you to swiftly tether your dog to a range of fixtures - from a fence post on a shoot day to a picnic bench at the pub

I’m sure I speak for many of us when I say that our gundogs are not just working dogs but also much-loved members of the family (or pack, if you prefer) and, as such, will come with us on on all manner of day trips, holidays and pub lunches.

On these occasions, unless you are the lucky owner of a nice steady Labrador, your canine compadre will probably need to be secured... cue alarming acrobatics as you precariously lift a table leg to slip the lead underneath it, trying not to spill your drinks, while your dog heads in the opposite direction!

Thankfully, the good people behind Tetherleads have put a stop to all that nonsense, by designing a luxurious leather lead that allows you to safely and easily secure your dog. “Our experiences had shown us that we needed a lead with a method of being attached swiftly and securely to a wide range of fixtures. It would also need to be quickly adjusted for length depending on the location,” say the makers.

“We wanted our products to only be manufactured from the highest-quality, British-produced leathers and brass cast fittings, so we source our materials from purveyors to the equestrian world’s most exceptional saddle and harness makers.”

The resulting two models – the Oxford lead and the Woodstock lead – feature the company’s unique tether design. The Oxford has reinforced eyelets along its length, while the Woodstock uses solid brass rings, both of which can be used to adjust the lead’s length and to tether the dog to almost anything by looping the unclipped handle around an object and attaching the clip to the appropriate eyelet or ring for length.

When used in conjuntion with Tetherleads’ slip collar, made of hard-wearing rope with English saddle leather detailing, the leads are transformed into slip leads – perfect for working dogs and giving you the best of both worlds. As an added functional feature, the slip collar attaches via a swivel trigger hook, so you never have to worry about your dog twisting the lead. Genius!

Alternatively, a range of matching leather collars are also available, if you prefer a collar and clip lead combination.

This is a lead that is so smart it would elicit admiring glances from fellow Guns and dog handlers on the poshest of shoot days, yet is truly practical and built to last.

I have been very happy using it beating and picking-up (where you might argue the chances of dropping and losing it are higher), because thanks to its clever design, I just clipped it onto my game bag or coat when I wasn’t using it. So there’s really no reason you shouldn’t use it every day and everywhere. And like all quality leather products, the more you use it, the better it gets, as the leather softens and becomes worn-in.

This is a truly gorgeous, well-designed, high-quality product and it really does make life so much easier in those moments when you need to tie the dog up, whether that’s to take a break in between drives, stop to take a photo, have a drink at the pub... the uses really are endless.

RRP: £70 for the lead & collar package

www.tetherleads.uk