FAQ

We predominantly use Hermann Oak leather. From time to time, we may use specialty leather from other US tanneries. Check the current product description and leather options for material details.

Harness leather is dense and firm, built for hard use, and softens with wear. Old World Harness (Russet) is the traditional option, and it develops the heaviest patina. Bridle is smoother and more refined, and keeps a cleaner look as it ages. Our 1 inch collar comes in Old World Harness Russet, Black Harness and Burgundy bridle. The Leather Guide on our site compares each one for feel, break-in and patina.

Ounces describe leather thickness, not the weight of the finished product. As a rule of thumb, 1 oz is about 1/64 inch (0.4 mm), so 14 oz is roughly 5.6 mm and 20 oz is roughly 8 mm. It tells you how much leather is in the section. Our leashes use 14+ oz leather. The 1.5 inch flat collar uses 20+ oz total and the COBRA collar uses nearly 30 oz of layered leather.

It depends on the work. Leather gives you grip, hand feel and a lead that breaks in and lasts, and it needs basic care. BioThane wipes clean, does not absorb water, and is low maintenance for wet and muddy work. Plenty of handlers keep both. We build both: the Hermann Oak leather leads, and a BioThane 520 Super Heavy leash, 5/8 in wide, with Chicago screws so you can replace hardware.

No. Leather handles normal exposure when you take care of it. Getting wet is not the problem, drying it badly is. Wipe off the water, let it air-dry at room temperature, and keep it off heaters and vents. If the lead gets thrown wet in the truck after every session, a BioThane leash is the better tool for that job.

Use a soft tape. Measure the neck where the collar will actually sit, with the tape level and touching the coat without digging in. Take it two or three times and write down the raw number. Do not measure over another collar, and do not add an inch 'just in case'. The adjustment range creates the fit. Do not size from an old collar laid flat.

Standard sizes are Small 13-17 in, Medium 16-20 in, Large 19-23 in and XL 22-26 in. If your dog's measurement falls in two ranges, pick the one that puts it closest to the middle, so you have room to adjust both ways. If the neck sits near the edge of every range, choose Custom and enter the exact measurement. Custom sizes are final sale, so measure twice.

Width is a separate decision from neck size. 1 inch is lighter with a lower profile, and a large dog can wear it if that is the right setup. 1.5 inch is the most common working width, with more leather and a large D-ring. 1.75 inch is available on the COBRA collar for bigger dogs or handlers who want more surface. Fit and the job decide.

A traditional buckle is simple and easy to inspect. The COBRA quick-release locks with a click and opens only when you press both release clips. It is faster on and off and returns to the same fit every time. The tradeoff is more weight and bulk, and it will not release on its own if the collar snags. If the collar comes off several times a shift, get the COBRA. If it mostly stays on, the traditional buckle does the job with fewer parts.

Belt sizes run 28 to 50 in, in 2 in steps, plus Custom. Do not order your pant size. Measure a belt that already fits, from the fold at the buckle to the hole you use most. If you carry inside the waistband, measure with the holster on. Check your belt loops before choosing 1.5 or 1.75 in width. Custom sizes are final sale.

3 to 4 ft gives close control. 5 to 6 ft is the most versatile for general handling. Our Handle, Tail Ring and Dual Snaps leads are 6 ft. The Braided Working Lead comes in 2, 4, 5 or 6 ft. The BioThane leash comes in 2 or 6 ft. The Custom Last Lead comes in 3, 4, 5, 6 or 6.5 ft.

All are 5/8 in wide. The Handle has a fixed sewn hand loop with a floating brass ring and a solid brass snap at the dog end. The Tail Ring has one solid brass snap and a brass ring at the handler end, with no fixed loop. Dual Snaps has a solid brass snap at each end plus a floating ring. The Braided Working Lead uses a hand-braided hardware connection instead of a stitched one.

Both work, so pick by the look and the job. Solid brass darkens and develops patina. Our collar buckles and D-rings come in nickel or solid brass. The Braided lead comes with a solid brass snap, a steel snap or a solid brass lobster clasp. Inspect any snap before use and replace it if the gate sticks or does not close firmly.

Keep it simple. After normal dry use, brush or wipe off the dirt and let it air out. After mud, use a damp cloth or leather cleaner rather than soaking it. Condition only when it feels dry or stiff, with a light even coat of a compatible conditioner. More oil is not more protection: saturating leather makes it too soft and attracts dirt. Store it dry with some airflow, in a loose coil or hung.

Every time you clean it, and before any serious use. Check the snap or buckle for smooth action and deformation, the stitching and rivets, the leather where it bends around hardware, and the full length for deep cuts, cracking or chew damage. Scuffs and patina are normal. Structural damage is not.

TYB leather products are covered against defects in materials or workmanship under normal intended use. Normal wear and aging, cosmetic changes to leather, chewing, improper use or storage, unauthorized modifications, misuse and neglect are not covered. See our refund and return policy for full terms. For a claim, email customersupport@theyoungbrandco.com with photos and your order information.

Unused, non-custom products may be returned within 30 days of delivery. Items must be in original condition, free from wear, damage, odors, dirt or dog hair, with original packaging or included components. Email customersupport@theyoungbrandco.com with your order number and reason before returning anything. Custom, engraved and personalized items are final sale unless damaged or defective. Customers pay return shipping unless the return results from our error or a covered defect. Original shipping charges are non-refundable unless the return resulted from our error.

Yes. Anything lasered or engraved is final sale, and so is the Custom Last Lead. Custom-sized and personalized items are made for one dog or one handler and cannot be resold as new. The exception is damage or a defect in materials or workmanship. Check spelling and sizing before you order.

Yes. Laser personalization is normally $10 for up to 20 characters; free November 9, 2026 at 6 AM EST through November 13, 2026 at 11:59 PM EST on existing eligible leather personalization options on every laserable product, and it does not add build time. Select personalization on the product page, then enter your text in the required text field that appears (the field label varies by product), exactly as you want it to appear, including spelling and capitalization. On the COBRA and Flat collars you can choose a hook-and-loop ID panel instead, but not both. The BioThane leash can't be lasered at this time. Anything lasered or engraved is final sale.

Sterile / No Branding builds are available on leads and collars at no added cost. Choose the option where it is offered on the product page, or contact us before ordering.

Cream and brown marine-grade stitching are standard. Custom thread colors are available on request. Email customersupport@theyoungbrandco.com before you order.

Production time varies by product and is separate from carrier transit. Check the current product page before ordering. The Handle, Tail Ring and Dual Snaps leather leads list 4-5 business days; the Flat and COBRA collars and EDC Belt list 7-14 business days. These are estimates and may increase during high order volume or custom work. Preorders follow the production window stated on their product page. If you need an order by a particular date, contact us before ordering.

Shipping rates are calculated at checkout. We use UPS, FedEx and USPS services and send tracking when your order ships. Production time is separate from carrier transit; delivery dates are estimates, not guarantees. We ship worldwide. International customers are responsible for duties, import taxes and brokerage fees unless collected at checkout.

Yes. Email sales@theyoungbrandco.com or use the Team / Unit Sales request form. Tell us the unit, the use case, quantity and need-by date. We help narrow the configuration, send a written quote and keep you updated through production. Volume pricing and department POs are available. Sterile (no branding) builds are available, and unit ID and patch panels can be discussed.

That's the audience we build for. We focus on duty gear because we know the kind of beating it takes. Heavy Hermann Oak leather, reinforced stitching, copper rivets, solid hardware and a lifetime warranty on our leather equipment. Your agency or unit may have equipment requirements that come first, so check your SOP, then tell us the setup you need.