One of the most common things I hear in the studio is, “But my dog is filthy, it would be a waste of a nice collar.” I’ll let you in on a secret, so is my Alfie. If he can find a puddle, a mud bath or a fresh batch of fox poo to roll in, he’s there. I usually smell him running back to me before I see him.
I tell you this so you know you’re not alone. Paracord collars might look special (because they are), but they’re also incredibly hard wearing and practical. Here’s how to keep yours in tip top condition for years to come.
Cleaning
Paracord collars and leads are wonderfully easy to clean. Just follow these three steps:
* Rinse off mud and visible nastiness from the braid and adapter with slightly warm (not hot) water.
* Gently scrub any remaining dirt with a little detergent or even dog shampoo. An old soft toothbrush works perfectly. Avoid hard bristles or lots of chemicals.
* Rinse again and dry the hardware and adapter with a soft cloth, then leave the braided part to air dry. Keep it out of direct sunlight to protect the cord colour.
For the really nasty stuff (think that dreaded fox poo) collars and leads can go in the washing machine. Pop them in a wash bag to protect your machine from the hardware, and don’t go above a 30°C wash.
Again, you can leave to air dry, never use a tumble dryer.
TOP TIP: It’s hard to completely remove the smell of fox poo. One of the best things to use is tomato ketchup, yes really. A drop of the red stuff helps neutralise the smell. I’ve tried it, it works!
Just a warning though, it can discolour lighter cords, so test on the underside first.
Sea Water
Sea water is the destroyer of nice things! We’re lucky enough to live about 5 minutes from a dog friendly beach. Alfie hates swimming (typical lurcher), but he’ll happily splash about and dunk his head under to find a nice stone for me to throw. So, I know how sea water can affect dog gear.
The good news is even sea water doesn’t have to be the nemesis of your collar. Just take a few extra steps and get on with your day.
After a beach trip, simply:
* Rinse the collar with fresh water when you get home.
* Dry the adapter and hardware to prevent rust.
* Air dry the collar out of direct sunlight.
If you have a particularly salty sea dog, consider brass hardware for your bespoke collar and lead. This (incredibly beautiful) metal is more corrosion resistant than standard nickel buckles and will give an extra layer of protection to your gear.
Other considerations
There are a couple of other simple things to be aware of when it comes to getting the best out of your Big Green Hound collars. Remember to:
* Check the hardware periodically. Make sure everything is secure and the screws are tight. I obsess over quality and materials, but a quick check keeps your dog safe.
* Don’t allow your dog to chew on their collar or lead. If lead chewing is an issue, I can add a short chain section which is attached to the collar or harness. This helps them avoid munching on the paracord. I’m happy to work through solutions, so send a message if this is something you wanted to add to your bespoke order.
* Keep away from fire. Obvious, but worth saying.
Just follow this simple, common-sense approach to collar care and your Big Green Hound gear will look great for a long time to come!
As always, I’m just a message away for any specific advice or questions. Please use our online form to contact me.
