Dog Leash Maintenance and When to Upgrade

By Chris Loverseed

Published: Friday, July 30, 2025

A good dog leash is more than just a piece of gear — it’s a direct line of communication, safety, and control. Whether you're walking your pup through busy streets or training in wide open fields, consistent dog leash care is essential for long-term safety and performance.

Here’s how to care for your leash properly — and how to know when it’s time to upgrade.

Jump to section quickly:

🐕 1. Caring for Long Lines

💧 2. Maintaining Biothane Leashes

🪵 3. Leather Leash Maintenance (Why It’s Special)

🐾 Conclusion: When in Doubt, Upgrade

Frequently Asked Questions

🐕 1. Caring for Long Lines

Long lines are key for training recall, tracking, or giving your dog more freedom on walks. But they’re often dragged, knotted, or exposed to rough surfaces — all of which can wear them out faster.

✅ Quick Tips for Long Line Maintenance:

Inspect regularly for cuts, abrasions, or fraying — especially around the snap and handle.
Never leave knots in the line. They cause weak points that can lead to breakage.
Store coiled, not bunched, to preserve integrity and shape.

📌 Early detection and long line repairs can prevent failure during critical training sessions.

🚨 When to Replace:

Frayed edges or worn snap hooks
Soft spots or kinks that don’t flatten
Discolouration or cracking in coated materials

🖇️ Explore PK9 Long Lines →

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💧 2. Maintaining Biothane Leashes

Biothane dog leads are a trainer favourite — they look sleek like leather but resist water, mud, and odour. And they clean up in seconds.

✅ Biothane Dog Leash Cleaning Routine:

Wipe down with a damp cloth after each use
Use mild soap for stubborn dirt or odour
Let air dry flat — avoid direct, prolonged sunlight to prevent stiffness

🚨 When to Replace:

Visible cracks or brittleness
Hardware corrosion or loose rivets
Stiffness that doesn’t resolve after warming or cleaning

🖇️ Shop Biothane Leashes →

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🪵 3. Leather Leash Maintenance (Why It’s Special)

Leather leads are valued for their durability, comfort, and the way they develop character over time. But they require simple, regular care to keep them supple and safe.

✅ Leather Leash Maintenance Tips:

Brush off dry dirt with a soft cloth or brush
Lightly wipe with a damp cloth (no soaking)
Apply high-quality leather balm monthly to prevent drying and cracking

🛠️ Did You Know?

PK9 offers FREE repairs on all leather gear — including restitching and minor fixes. It’s part of our commitment to quality and longevity.

🚨 When to Replace:

🖇️ Discover Our Leather Leads →

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🐾 Conclusion: When in Doubt, Upgrade

A well-maintained leash supports safety, training success, and control. But once wear appears, it’s not worth the risk — especially with strong, high-drive dogs.

Check your leash monthly. Clean it when dirty. And when in doubt, replace or repair it before failure happens.

When it’s time to upgrade, trust Australian-made dog leads by PK9 Gear — built for real training, real work, and real dogs.

Browse the Full Dog Leash Collection

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Frequently Asked Questions

How often should I check my dog leash?

Inspect your leash monthly for signs of wear, fraying, or hardware issues — especially for long lines and active dogs.

How do I clean a Biothane leash?

Wipe it down with a damp cloth and mild soap. Let air dry away from direct sunlight to avoid brittleness.

What’s the best way to care for a leather leash?

Gently brush or wipe clean and apply leather balm occasionally. Store flat or hanging to preserve shape.

Does PK9 repair leather gear?

Yes! PK9 offers free repairs on all leather leashes and collars — including stitching and minor damage.

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