Dog Collars & Leads: Do you know the origin of yours?
Dog Collars & Leads: Do you know the origin of yours?
Dog collars and leads are essential accessories we need for walking our dogs. But how many of us actually know where they were made, which materials are used and how well they have been designed and constructed? If a dog collar costs $5, we can make an educated guess that it probably isn’t a leather collar or made in Australia. But does it matter which material your dog collar or lead is and where it was made?
We decided to find out and had a chat with Angela Infantino and her Great Dane X Labrador Molly. They are the founders of one of the leading Australian designer dog accessories brand, Molly Barker (now you know where the name came from).
Behind the Scenes with Molly Barker
Tells us how you ended up founding Molly Barker?
“I had just moved into a new house, which meant I could finally get a dog. But when I went looking to buy dog accessories for Molly, I was disappointed that I couldn’t find anything that complimented my own style and home decor. Everything on the market was overly cute or cheesy. So after a long time researching the market here in Australia and abroad, I realised there was a gap in the market for high quality and stylish leather dog collars and accessories. So I set on a journey to change the pet industry landscape by designing my own beautiful and innovative dog collars, leads and other accessories.“
Who designs your collars & leads and where are they made?
“I design the accessories myself and we use talented local artisans who bring them together. I believe the craftsmanship and quality of Australian made leather dog collars and accessories is of the highest standard, so supporting local businesses just makes sense to me. Also now, more than ever with the impact of COVID-19, it is important to support local businesses.”
Which materials do you use on your dog collars and leads?
“We use the highest quality materials, such as Italian leather and the latest construction techniques to ensure our dog collars, leads and accessories last longer and remain looking beautiful.”
Why does it matter which materials are used on collars and other accessories?
“While our products are for dogs, ultimately it’s the dog owner who is using them. So when I design a new product or collection I ensure I’m catering for the dog owners needs just as much as the dogs. This means they not only have to be beautiful and coordinate with the latest fashion trends, but they need to be functional too. Using high quality leather in dog collars is soft on your dogs neck and leads are comfortable for us owners to handle.”
“I used to hate how waste bag holders would swing on the lead as I walked. So I designed ours to sit flush on the lead making it swing free and sleek in appearance”
One of the tasks I set myself when designing a new product is to elevate any problems or annoying issues that other products on the market have. For example, I used to hate how waste bag holders would swing on the lead as I walked. So I designed ours to sit flush on the lead making it swing free and sleek in appearance.
Tell us a surprising fact about yourself?
“I completed an Exercise Science degree when I finished high school with my goal to be an elite sports coach when I finished. I spent my last work placement in the Track and Field department at the Australian Institute Of Sport. It was just before the 2000 Sydney Olympics. I had a ball! But the two weeks I spent there made me realise I wasn’t cut out for the pressure of elite sport or the egos of some of the athletes.”
Pupsy Shop is your ultimate destination for AUSTRALIAN DOG BRANDS & ACCESSORIES. You can find Molly Barker leather collars and leads together with many other high quality Australian dog brands.