Now that we want to start showing in AKC Obedience, we needed a new leash to comply with AKC’s Obedience guidelines, which say the leash has to be 6′ long. Of course, you can’t get a new leash without getting a new collar! When a favorite trainer recommended BioThane collars I started my research online. There are a number of places that offer BioThane, which is a coated polyester webbing that is advertised as indestructible. It has a look and feel similar to leather, but is more durable and it’s easily washable.

I found Sloppy Chops Co and loved the style of their colors and the fact that they are handmade in the good ‘ol US of A. I love supporting small businesses, and I love that they support dog rescues with each sale! The price wasn’t much different than some other large retailers with collars starting at $20 and leashes from $24. I ordered Indy a “Nome” skinny collar from the Denali collection in Copper River (which online looks similar to Indy’s color) and a two color 6’ leash in Copper River and Nanook (which is white) both with brass hardware. They offer nearly 20 colors and your choice of brass or silver hardware, so you can customize both the collar and leash!

Because the items are handmade the ship date is listed as 1-2 weeks out. I was hopeful that it would come in time for Indy’s next Rally Trial but was pushing it close. They day after I placed my order I received an email from Laura at Sloppy Chops Co who thanked us for ordering from a small artisan company. She explained their process and delivery expectations and asked me to share my dogs name and a photo, saying that our dogs are important to them as a company. How sweet!

I sent her (too much) info and (too many) pictures of Indy and my hopes that we would get his new leash and collar in time for his Rally Trial. Laura told me about her three rescue dogs: a rottie that lost all four paws to frostbite, a terrier x as a companion for the rottie and her newest of the pack whom she shows in Rally as well, working on her Rally Advanced title. I didn’t expect such a personal touch in ordering his new collar and leash!

We received the package 12 days later, all wrapped in brown paper and tied with string, and an adorable card written out to Indy! 

CUTEST THING EVER! 

I was so excited that it arrived just in time for our next Rally Trail. After receiving two of three legs, we were hopeful to finally get the Rally Novice title! Indy watched as I opened the package, he always seems to know when a package is for him. I instantly loved the white on his pale brindle fur, I think it brings out the white in his chest and toes. And the leash is (just as I thought) almost the exact same color as Indy, but with white trim just like him! The leash is heavy enough to have a nice weight to it, any slack at all will definitely show which is important to this newbie in the ring. The hardware was sturdy and I love the extra D-Ring at the leash handle, allowing you to loop the leash and hang it off your shoulder during off leash training.

When we put it on Indy tried his best serious face supermodel pose! The fit was perfect!

Indy looked like a pro (or at least his gear did!) when he got his Rally Novice title that weekend and went on to receive his Novice Stunt Dog title the following day (where he really DID look like a pro!)

His new leash was PERFECT for hanging his fancy schmancy ribbons on, too!

I think we received no less than a dozen compliments on his new Sloppy Chops Co gear! Even Kyra Sundance (pictured above right), Trick Dog Trainer Extraordinaire from Do More With Your Dog asked where he got it!

With all that work, the white did get a little dusty (eh-ehm, Tucson, cough!), but it washed right off and was pure sparkly white again, er Nanook again with just a damp paper towel.

We have been using the Sloppy Chops Co gear for about six weeks, and we love it as much as the day we received it. I can’t wait to write about how we’re cueing the collar and leash in our daily training!

Until then, many thanks to Sloppy Chops Co for being one of the few business that exceed expectations, handmake their product in the USA and help with Rescue Dogs on top of creating a custom quality product that we will use and love for years to come.

Get your own SLOPPY right here Sloppy Chops Co!