MyDogsCool
I can’t imagine not having dogs in my life. What fun and energy they bring without requiring or asking for much in return.
With an outdoor lifestyle involving climbing and hiking backcountry trails, my big dogs would almost always accompany me.
For myself I enjoyed being able to select quality gear used on my outdoor adventures. My dogs didn't have that option and would use regular collars and leashes with no specifications listing the type of materials used. No label showing a working load or breaking strength or describing the materials.
Most of us don’t give much thought to the quality or strength of the components used to make a dog’s leash. Unlike my climbing and hiking gear with detailed specifications, I had little idea how well a basic dog collar or leash was constructed. Are the buckles, metal clips, D rings, stitching, nylon straps and look-a-like climbing rope adequate in the design of most dog leashes - especially for large dogs? It seemed fine for most people but I wasn't satisfied.
Who checks to see if a D ring is spot welded, fully welded or not welded at all? I didn't know to check. Most people don't. What about the clips or fasteners? Are they Mil-Spec, I doubt it. What about the steel? Is it 316 stainless, chrome plated or a frail cast pot metal? Are the carabiners and rope CE rated? Are they marked with safe working loads and breaking strengths? No they are not.
Mass produced dog leashes are almost always made cheap and inadequate for the strength of most large dogs. Most people don't question the design or build of a dog leash only its length and color.
After two failed leashes I was done with pet stores. No more run of the mill pet store dog leashes. My dogs deserved better and their safety was just as important to me as my own.
My hiking and climbing gear is tested, certified and proven reliable. The climbing rope and carabiners are the same used by search & rescue teams, military, police agency's and more. Why not use this same gear for large dogs?
This idea is not new and not exactly unique but my choice of specific USA manufactures, quality materials, attention to details and custom assembly process is unique.
Over the years an increasing number of people showed interest in my custom dog leashes and request from some enthusiastic people started coming in.
MyDogsCool was born and further inspired from my rescue dog Dakota. Without his seemingly endless amount of energy and ability to motivate me to take him almost everywhere, our custom dog leashes would never have been a success.
A dogs leash is its lifeline between you and harm’s way. Think about this when your walking your dog.
Josh Sterling
