Just the other day my husband and I were talking about how much we love our pups’ leather leashes. (I promise, my husband and I have much more interesting conversations, but this particular one just happened to be about leashes. They’re not all winners, okay?) We agreed that nothing beats a good, aged leather leash for comfort, control, and durability. If we ever have to replace our leather leashes, I think I’m going to head straight over to Dean & Tyler. I’m drooling over their gorgeous handcrafted leather leashes and collars, the perfect combination of class, style, and functionality.

Dean & Tyler’s leashes (ranging from short traffic leads to supple walking leads with cushioned handles) feature brass and stainless steel hardware. Sure, they’re a little pricey, and my dogs don’t exactly earn their keep. But for something so beautifully handcrafted that can last a lifetime? Totally worth it.

Just as drool-worthy is Dean & Tyler’s wide selection of leather collars. They too feature strong, durable hardware and exquisite handcrafted details, from dainty dots to serious spikes to simple sophistication. I mean, really – these are serious collars.

See more over at Dean & Tyler.

We get really excited around these parts when the King of Color and Pattern releases new pet products! We’re talking about Jonathan Adler, of course — and his new dog harnesses and leashes are out-of-this-world awesome. Their tag-line says “perfect for posh pups” and I agree. Check out all the styles and colors here and let us know which is your favorite.

P.S. There are even Jonathan Adler tennis balls for the truly color-obsessed!

These stunning dog collars are hand-beaded by artisans of the Maasai tribe in Kenya, making each and every one a unique, one-of-a-kind piece. They’re available in a wide range of colors and styles, but my favorite are the ones shown here: Zebra, Jacaranda, and Malindi. Aren’t they gorgeous?? You can purchase them directly from The Kenyan Collection along with matching leashes and bracelets (for yourself)!

We first featured See Scout Sleep back in July of last year, and since then the business has grown quite a bit (and we’re glad it did!). Beyond beds, See Scout Sleep now has a collection of geometric collars and matching leashes.

Constructed from hemp webbing, patterned nylon ribbon woven in Tennessee, brass hardware, and designed and made in Louisiana. And, as with the beds, 10% of profits go to the Gulf Coast Fund.

On top of all this awesomeness, See Scout Sleep owner Katie Logan also makes dog art. She creates dog portraits with sweet sayings in black and white:

“No, I told you… you’re one in a million kid.”

“Yeah, I’m glad you found me too.”

“The curtain was closing… ‘Was I too much?’”

“No one knows where Ol’ Table Top Willy came from, but the past does not seem to matter anymore.”

You can buy Katie’s artwork in her Etsy shop and the collars, leashes and beds in the See Scout Sleep shop.

Binq Design’s pet products are minimalist yet a pleasure to look at… from their end table dog bed called Bloq to their collars and leashes, each piece looks to be thoughtfully designed and carefully crafted.

You can also order a custom Bloq and choose from a variety of cushion colors:

Binq is based in The Netherlands, but it looks like they ship all over Europe and also to the US. You can find a dealer or buy online.

We took our pups for the first hike of the season this past weekend. Every time I take the dogs on such an excursion, I’m struck by how much stuff we need to bring along — water, ID, phone, poop bags, car keys, iPod, maybe a granola bar or two — but when I’m just out for a short trip, I hate to take a long a backpack (read: sweaty back). Enter the Mt. Tam Running Belt and Leash from Ollydog. It provides handy storage and a hands-free option for hikers and runners and their pups.

The Mt. Tam Running Belt has room to store car keys and other incidentals, with a handy dispensing hole for either poop bags or your headphones cord. Yes, it looks very much like a fanny pack, which may or may not bother you, based on your memories of the ’90s — but form follows function, right? The coordinating 5- to 8-foot leash attaches easily to the belt and features a shock-absorbing elastic section and a reflective strip for safety.

Check it out at Ollydog or at REI.

Every time I think I’ve figured out which Lupine collar I want to get Dottie next, they go and create a new design that totally changes the game. Lupine’s new Tail Feathers peacock design is smart, classy, and sophisticated. Dottie is none of those things, but DANG she would look good in that collar. Tail Feathers is available in 1″ width (regular and Martingale) collars as well as matching harness and leads. Find it online at Puplife or check Lupine’s site for a retailer near you. (As always, Lupines are guaranteed for quality, even if chewed.)

Since it’s been in the 50s and 60s here on the East Coast the past week, I thought it was only fitting to start talking about Spring. Mungo & Maud has released their Spring 2012 collection, and it’s so lovely. I really like the soothing color palette. Go check it out!