Established in 2022, Willow & Porter was founded by Dog Behaviourist James McMahon and his wife Frances - with the desire to make the perfect lead for the dogs he works with every day.
Designing a better lead, for the dogs we work with every day.
From the beginning, our goal has been the same - A lead designed for gentle handling, and maximum comfort. As a behaviourist that specialises in work with fearful, anxious and reactive dogs, James knew first hand how challenging it could be to work with dogs that aren’t always in the frame of mind to make healthy, sensible decisions. Safety in those situations has always been essential, and whilst figure 8 leads certainly fulfilled this goal, most leads on the market used poor quality materials - tough, wiry synthetic fibres that were abrasive and uncomfortable, or thick, rigid leads that didn’t sit comfortably around the head.
We felt that we could do better - to design a lead that was comfortable at both ends, that fit snug and secure around the head, and a lead that didn’t use harsh plastics that would pollute the environment over the span of their lifecycle. We released our first lead in 2022, and in the last two years have released 6 different designs as we have developed and improved, to give you the three designs that we now use today.
Designed to be loved to be used and cared for.
Our Behaviourists slip leads are designed to get better with time and prolonged daily use. Our Real Italian leather was chosen for its character - the way it will change with time as it takes on the patina of the dirt and oil, salt, sand and rain of your walks with your dog - a story of your adventures, your habits and your relationship with your dog.
Our natural 100% cotton rope continues to stretch and soften in the hands as it is used - the natural expansion and contraction that occurs from warm days to wet days, to cold days to dry days. And the rope is dyed in rich, natural earthy tones - Navy, Burgundy, and earthy Green - to compliment the seasons in the country, city or coast.
Our natural materials come from an age before plastic - before the age of ‘perfect’, invincible, indestructible fibres and compounds that last forever, but are so cheap that we throw them away in an instant. We have picked materials that require care and respect, and reward with their own personality and story, and get better as they age.
Exceptionally soft, and spongy - for comfort at both ends of the lead.
Our behaviourists slip leads use a double braided, 100% cotton rope - a centuries old material known for its strength and comfort. With three different sizes - 8mm, 12mm and 16mm - suitable for dogs from big to small, so we can help you find the perfect lead for every dog.
Balancing Safety, Sensitivity and Security
Every lead is designed to be soft and incredibly pliable in the hands, at each of our thickness specifications, so that the lead conforms to the shape of your dog. They are also designed to grip well and sit high on your dogs head, taking the pressure off your dogs neck and negating their strength -allowing for naturally softer, easier handling and a more comfortable and enjoyable experience for you and your dog.
Our leads can either be configured as a high slip that sits under your dogs chin - just like the strap on a riding helmet, or our recommended configuration as a figure-of-8 lead. The figure-of-8 not only removes any risk of the lead sliding down onto the neck, but the bridge of the lead which sits across the nose can have a powerful calming effect on high prey-drive dogs.
Premium Quality, Made in England
Not only did we want to design leads that we love to use ourselves, we also wanted to be proud of the the journey each lead goes through before it reaches your hands.
Our premium rope is weaved locally to us in the Yorkshire Dales, before it is sent to our bespoke Italian leather work manufacturer in Leicestershire. We love that they are as passionate about their craft as we are about ours, and we are proud to support local British businesses.
