A good, strong, reliable basic dog lead is something that needs to be in the cupboard of any pup owner. But, why not make that bog-standard lead something exceptional - a basic done properly. Our eco-friendly hemp natural dog leads are just that, a simple flat-line leash - just a little bit special. Made from beautiful, yet tough tightly woven hemp, these sustainable dog leashes not only look fantastic, but work wonderfully in any dog walking scenario.

This eco dog leash is made of entirely natural materials, natural dyes and is finished off with a fantastically shiny, durable metal clasp. It's uncomplicated, easy to use and simply natural.

Each individual lead is handcrafted in Europe by experts, using only high quality woven hemp and natural thread. They are 100% plastic and chemical free - this particular version is completely un-dyed and there's no solvent either.  So, if your furry friend did decide to pop this leash in their mouth, you don't have to worry about them consuming chemicals or plastics at all!

Each lead measures approximately 165cm and is available in large or small clasp varieties. If your pup is a smaller breed such as a Chihuahua, Cavapoo, Toy Poodle, Daschund or up to a small Cocker Spaniel, we'd advise opting for the small clasp  - just so it's that little bit less obtrusive for your dog. Bigger clasps are perfect for Border Collies, Springer Spaniels, Labradors and others all the way up to pups the size of Bernese Mountain dogs and Great Danes.

Why should I choose an eco-friendly dog lead?

With the rise in popularity of dogs as pets has come the rise in dog fashion and huge numbers of dog products too. This means the market is full of all kinds of leads, lines and leashes. Whether you're wanting to make a fashion statement, take your pup on an outdoor adventure or simply take them on a walk around the park there's a dog lead specifically for the job.

However, one thing all of these dog leashes have in common is that they're probably made of synthetics - almost certainly plastics and glues. They'll probably contain synthetic dyes with oil bases and they'll most probably be made in large quantities, with significant amounts of waste, using mass factory production methods. All of this means that these readily available dog lines, sold at big-name stores most probably have a huge carbon footprint, and producing them takes a whole load of precious energy. Many leads are only built to look good, they aren't made to last - some of them could even be considered falling into the category of 'doggy fast fashion'.

That's where this eco-friendly dog lead comes in as a fantastic alternative. All of these flat-line dog leashes are hand-made in Europe, by skilled artisans. The process required to make them is low energy, and has minimal impact on the environment. They are also made of entirely natural products - they're 100% plastic and synthetic chemical free!

This means our environmentally friendly dog leads don't contribute to the growing issue of environmental pollution associated with the production of pet products. So, choosing natural, eco-friendly dog products helps combat things like the chemical pollution of waterways and lands surrounding production factories as well as the ever growing problem that is ocean plastic contamination.

How much of an environmental impact does owning a dog have?

We think pets are wonderful! They bring love, companionship and hilarity into our lives every day. Almost every member of the Chimney Sheep team has a pet so we know how important they can be. Dogs are one of the most popular pets around, especially where we are - close to the Lake District. Dogs are funny, energetic and generally full of life - the perfect companions for long walks, camping trips away or just relaxing at home. But, when it comes to dog ownership, many people don't quite realise the impact their furry friend is making on the environment. An average medium sized dog (15kg) has an average carbon pawprint of approximately 770kg per year. This takes into account their food, pet supplies, apparel as well as their carbon they release just naturally. This figure is equivalent to that of running a small car - quite staggering don't you think?

So, owning a dog does have quite a significant impact on your carbon footprint - however, that doesn't mean they're not worth it. We think, they really, really are! So, we've come up with some things you can do to help minimise their carbon output, and shrink their carbon pawprint.

It's all about the choices you as their owners make, so make sure you choose an eco-friendly dog lead, collar, bed, liner and the like. Perhaps even take a look into the food they're being fed, choose suitable brands and products for your furry friend that do take the environment into account - do what your pup can't do and think about the effect the products you purchase them have on the world!