Questions we get asked... often.
We often get asked the same questions, especially with regards to the strength and the materials used in our products, and what everyday use is like in real life. Here is everything you need to know.
Before purchasing, here are all the answers to your questions
Is Biothane® really strong? What is the weight resistance in pounds for dog collars and leashes?
The real question here is: does it break?
BioThane® is very strong and withstands daily use, even in Canadian weather. The material used in our collars, leashes and long lines has a linear strength of about 1,000 pounds for the 1" thick version and 500 pounds for the 1/2" thick version, according to the manufacturer's official specifications.
What does this mean in real life?
A dog will never attain these strengths during a walk. Here's what will break first:
– a weak carabiner
– stitching (which we don't use)
– a plastic component
– wet nylon
BioThane® doesn't shred, expand, stink or get mouldy. It doesn't break down or lose its strength, even through:
– slush
– snow
– salt
– rain
– mud
– lakes and forest trails
At the end of the day, if you want dog gear that is strong, clean, sturdy and reliable for walking, exploring and outdoor living with your dog, BioThane® is the best choice.
👉 Check out our BioThane® collars for active dogs
👉 Explore our leashes for real life outdoors
For leashes and dog collars, is Biothane stronger than nylon?
BioThane® is stronger and more reliable than nylon in everyday use, because it doesn't absorb water, soften, fray or lose its strength from the humidity, cold temperatures, salty saidewalks or anything else the harsh Canadian weather can throw at us. It remains intact and safe to use through it all.
Nylon, on the other hand:
- absorbs water
- becomes slippery and heavy
- retains odours
- takes forever to dry
- frays from friction
- hardens and freezes in winter
What happens in real life:
Wear and tear is what makes a collar or leash unsafe to use. Materials rip and swell, odours become trapped and are impossible to get out, stitching weakens. BioThane® helps you avoid all of that — it stays clean, remains stable and is much more reliable and long-lasting, even when used every single day.
If you are looking for a dog collar or leash that is strong, clean, weather-resistant and doesn't stink…
You're going to prefer BioThane® over nylon, any day.
👉 Check out our BioThane® dog leashes for daily walks
👉 Explore our long lines for controlled freedom
Which size should I choose for my dog's collar or harness?
Choosing the right size starts with measuring your dog — knowing its weight or breed isn't enough, because just like humans, every dog is built differently.
✅ For the collar
- measure around the neck, where the collar sits
- use a flexible, soft measuring tape (not a metal one) or use a string and ruler
- do not squeeze or tighten
- a well-adjusted collar allows space for two fingers to fit between the neck and the collar for optimal comfort
✅ For the Tanzo harness
The harness requires two essential measurements:
- around the thorax (chest circumference)
- shoulder to chest (frontal measurement)
👉 Have a look at the harness size chart (because it's not as complicated as it sounds 😉)
A proper fit allows the harness to remain comfortable and stable, with a loose fit around your dog's shoulders and is safe for active dogs that walk, run and live in the great outdoors.
👉 Check out our harnesses that free the shoulders
👉 Explore our sturdy collars for daily comfort
How do I wash a Biothane collar or leash after going through slush or mud?
The real question is, does it clean easily?
✅ Easy to clean
- rinse with warm water
- add a bit of mild soap if necessary
- wipe or leave to air dry
✅ Here's what BioThane® does NOT do
- absorb water or mud
- retain odours
- stay dirty or sticky
- harden in winter
✅ Quick tip
A towel, washcloth, or paper towel does the job 99% of the time.
👉 Check out our low maintenance BioThane® dog collars
👉 Explore our leashes that are perfect for slush and mud
Are your collars and harnesses made for big dogs, or dogs that pull?
Yes — our BioThane® collars and harnesses are robust and appropriate for large dogs, as long as they are used for daily walks and not for pulling, agitation or deliberate tensioning. The materials, hardware, and construction are designed for real-world outdoor use, but no dog gear will magically teach a dog to stop pulling.
✅ For large dogs
- sturdy
- long-lasting
- weather-resistant
- safe for walks
✅ For dogs that pull
- not a correction tool
- heeling is learned through patience and practice
- consistency and positive reinforcement are essential
✅ What our products are NOT
- a pulling collar
- a tool for pulling sports
- a pain-based control device
- a tool for agitation training or load work
Essentially:
If your dog pulls a lot, your best tool is training, not hardware. Our products are made for walks, trails, slush, parks, mud and controlled freedom — they are not made to replace education.
👉 Check out our sturdy collars for active dogs
👉 Explore our long lines to practice walking and recall
Are your dog collars and leashes resistant to biting?
No material is bite-proof. If a dog decides to chew on a collar, leash, or long line — whether it is made of nylon, leather, fabric or BioThane® — it will end up getting damaged. BioThane® is not built to withstand intentional gnawing.
✅ What BioThane® does really well
- does not fray like nylon
- does not retain saliva odours
- does not retain water
- Remains safe as long as it is not compromised by cuts or deep scratches
- washes easily
❌ What BioThane® does NOT do
- withstand biting/chewing
- replace or be used as a dog toy
- survive repeated gnawing
- replace training and education
If your dog chews on their leash because they are excited, bored, stressed or being redirected, it's a behaviour to work on, not a problem to be solved with a different material.
✅ Useful tips
- redirect towards a treat or appropriate dog toy
- do not leave your gear unattended
- pratice calm before attaching
Real-World Safety Consideration
In canine research organizations, the first question asked before launching a new project is: "Was the dog on a leash, and what material was it made of?"
Why?
Because sometimes, a dog can free themselves from a leash that they can chew on if their lives are truly in danger.
While rare, it's an important reminder that no dog gear can replace vigilance and human presence.
Guarantee / policies
Damages caused by biting is not covered, because they are not caused by a faulty product.
👉 Check out our leashes for daily walks
👉 Explore our long lines to reduce tensioning and excitement
Which collar should I choose for a puppy and what basic equipment do I need?
The real question is, what do you really need to get a good start?
For a puppy, it's simple, you need the basics: a collar, a leash and a long line. The leash is for controlled walks, and the long line is for exploring, sniffing, and satisfying instincts, in order to become available and listen to your commands afterwards. For recall training, independence and calm, a long line is a must.
✅ To start off on the right foot
- a lightweight, comfortable collar
- a short leash for daily outings
- a long line for controlled freedom and training
- treats to be used as positive reinforcement for good behaviour
✅ Because gear does not replace learning
Positive reinforcement, consistency and repetition are what makes a puppy progress — no collar, harness or leash can make miracles happen.
✅ What about a harness?
Yes — we recommend using a harness, and an anti-pulling model can also help. But if you have to choose, the long line comes first: it will be a bigger help with attention, recall, and in the end, peaceful walks. The harness can wait if necessary, but keep in mind it is necessary in certain provinces (like in Quebec) for all dogs weighing 20kg or more.
👉 Check out our lightweight collars for puppies
👉 See our leashes for daily walks
👉 Explore our long lines to safely teach recall
Choosing the right gear for your dog
What is the best leash for dogs in Canada?
The Tanzo 5 in 1 BioThane® leash. Hands down.
One leash that does it all: daily walks, hands-free, crossbody, close control and total versatility. It stays odour-free, wipes clean in two seconds flat, and works in slush, rain, snow and forest trails. It replaces all other leashes — no questions asked.
✅ Why choose this leash
- versatile
- waterproof
- sturdy
- works for 99% of dogs... but to be honest, we are still looking for the 1% who don't love it
👉 See the 5 in 1 Tanzo leash
Which harness is best for active dogs who love being outside?
The Tanzo BioThane® harness is lightweight and comfortable, and does not trap mud, slush or odours. It does not rub, soak up water, or stick to fur and it remains stable even when your dog runs, explores and shakes off. It cleans in seconds and dries instantly, which is perfect for Canadian weather - from autumn hiking trails and muddy springs, to daily walks and dog parks. Our unique design ensures unrestricted shoulder movement, promoting a natural stride and preventing joint strain caused by restrictive chest straps.
✅ Why our harness is your best choice
- unrestricted shoulder movement
- flexible yet strong Biothane material
- waterproof, mudproof and saltproof
- comfortable for long outings
- ideal for active dogs
✅ Good to know
This isn’t a pulling or agitation harness—it’s a harness built for real life: for daily walks, weekend adventures, and total comfort.
👉 Check out the Tanzo harness
👉 See how to measure your dog (chest circumference and shoulder to chest).
Why choose a Tanzo collar, leash or long line over a different brand?
Because our products are designed, manufactured and tested
right here in Canada – not in Asia, not in a nameless factory, not mass produced.
Each piece is handmade by a local, qualified team that is treated with respect
in a healthy work environment, with quality control verifications at every
step. These are premium quality materials, made by hand by real people, for
real dogs.
✅ What this means for you
- Consistent quality
- High-quality, long-lasting materials
- No bad surprises
- Ethically made with transparent traceability
- Supporting a local small business and craftsmanship
✅ What about our customer service?
When you speak with Tanzo, you’re talking to humans who love
and understand dogs—the sizing, the not-so-pretty reality, the challenges, and the anxiety. We get it: the hyper puppies, the big strong dogs, the early morning walkers, the families, the athletes, and the people who just want to do right by their dog. We are here to help, and we do so with heart. Whether you’re a seasoned animal lover or this is your first dog, your can count on Tanzo to answer all your questions.
✅ Premium gear designed for real life
Comfort through slush, rain, salt, snow, dog parks, forest trails, urban environments, and cottage life — with style, reliability and durability
too!
👉 Check out our locally-made Tanzo collars
👉 Find out more about out Tanzo 5-in-1 leash
👉 Explore our premium long lines for controlled freedom
Are Biothane long lines good for recall and controlled freedom?
Yes. A Biothane long line is the perfect way to offer controlled
freedom, allowing your dog to explore, sniff, and satisfy their instincts. It
helps develop better recall and focus without the risk of them running
off or having an unwanted encounter. The Tanzo long line does not absorb water
or get weighed down by picking up mud, rain or slush, and wipes clean in
seconds – ideal for parks, forest trails, and the great Canadian outdoors.
✅ Lengths available
- 20 feet — more space without losing focus
- 30 feet — wide-range exploration with control
✅ The recall long line
- 38 ½ feet long
- No handle to prevent snagging
- Designed for distance recall training
✅ Don’t forget…
The long line helps with learning, but does not replace recall training, consistency and positive reinforcement.
👉 Check out the long line leashes (20 ft and 30 ft lengths)
👉 Learn more about our recall long line (38 ½ ft long)
Our approach, materials and manufacturing process
Is BioThane® waterproof, odour-proof, and salt-resistant? Does it hold up in harsh Canadian winters?
Yes. BioThane® is waterproof, does not retain odours, and doesn’t soak up water, slush, mud or salt. It remains flexible, even in winter. It dries instantly, does not mould or stick to fur and cleans in seconds – just rinse or wipe down with a cloth.
✅ Designed for Canadian weather’s worst conditions
- Rain, snow, slush, salt
- Mud, sand, puddles
- Dog parks, forest trails, urban environments
- Intense cold or intense heat
❌ What BioThane® does not do
- Absorb humidity
- Retain and carry bacteria
- Develop odours
- Harden or crack
👉 Check out our BioThane® collars
👉 Explore our leashes designed for Canadian weather
Which harness is best for unrestricted shoulder movement to promote a natural stride for my dog?
The Tanzo Y-Harness is specifically designed to clear the shoulders. By contouring the scapula (shoulder blades), our harness allows for a full range of motion in the front legs, enabling your dog to walk, run, and change direction with total freedom of movement. The Y-shaped
harness was designed to allow for natural movement – stable, comfortable and perfect for active dogs.
✅ Designed to work with your dog’s natural biomechanics
- Does not hinder the shoulders
- Y-shaped harness does not restrain movement
- Does not rub under the front legs
- Flexible, lightweight, and waterproof
✅ Two attachment points
- Back D-ring for everyday adventures
- Front D-ring to support (not replace) leash training
👉 Check out the waterproof Tanzo harness
👉 Consult the sizing chart to measure your dog (chest circumference and shoulder to chest)
What is the difference between a Martingale collar and a regular collar?
A regular collar is always the same size.
A Martingale collar, on the other hand, becomes smaller when the dog tensions the leash. This provides gentle feedback, without causing pain or fear.
✅ Why use a Martingale collar?
- Escape-proof design: Ideal for narrow-necked breeds (such as Greyhounds), anxious dogs, and 'back-out' artists
- Provides light feedback to assist with leash walking
- Replaces punitive or restrictive collars with a gentle, compassionate tool
🎯 The Tanzo version — A gentle training tool
The Martingale collar will not make miracles happen overnight, but it can help train your dog for walks when it is combined with:
- Positive reinforcement
- Consistency
- Patience
It tightens just enough for gentle communication, not to punish.
👉 Check out our Tanzo Martingales
👉 Explore our regular BioThane® collars
What is the best way to respectfully use a Martingale collar?
A Martingale collar can be used like a regular collar, but is specifically intended for training periods. It is a tool for guidance, not correction.
Our recommendation is to always tire out your dog before starting.
A long walk for sniffing, toy chewing, games, physical activity…
✅ The Martingale how-to
- Your dog walks too far ahead → this creates tension on the leash → the collar lightly tightens.
- You stop walking.
- You wait.
With regular walks in this manner, your dog will learn to:
- Look at you,
- Return towards you,
- Or simply release the tension on the leash.
Once the tension is released: you reward. Each and every time.
🎯 What your dog learns
When the collar tightens, the party is over: the walk ends, the scenery becomes static and nothing exciting is happening at all.
When the tension on the leash disappears, the party is back on, and that’s where learning happens.
⚠️ Keep in mind
It’s not magic.
It’s not instantaneous.
It is important to be patient, consistent and very disciplined.
This repetition is what helps your dog progress, not the actual collar itself.
👉 Check out our Tanzo Martingale collar
👉 Have a look at our long line leashes for training walks
Why do you use rivets instead of Chicago screws?
At Tanzo, we have chosen to use rivets for one simple, very good reason: we put safety first!
Chicago screws may seem like a good option on paper, but they have a very important flaw:
➡️ They can unscrew over time due to the friction and vibrations caused by your dog just living their best active life.
A rivet, on the other hand:
- will never unscrew
- Requires zero maintenance
- Provides reliable, long-lasting strength
- Gives you total peace of mind — even for heavy pullers and dogs that love to swim, run, or engage in high-impact play.
Each rivet is precision-pressed for a permanent bond, ensuring long-lasting reliability and safety you can trust — exactly what you want for any gear you use with your dog.
Long story short:
👉 Chicago screws = adjustable but may loosen over time.
👉 Rivets = zero maintenance, zero chance of falling off and getting lost, 100% durable.
Is a thicker collar (with Heavy Duty Biothane) stronger than a Standard Biothane collar?
No, that is a common misconception and can lead to a false sense of security.
Standard and Heavy Duty Biothane both have the exact same internal resistance. Heavy Duty Biothane is just thicker – which can give the
impression of being safer, but it does not offer additional durability.
At Tanzo, we pride ourselves on full transparency, and we would never sell a product at a higher price just because it seems more solid.
Standard Biothane offers reliability and durability, without compromising on comfort, and is the best choice for 99% of family dogs.
🛠️ Heavy Duty Biothane may be preferred for work dogs operating in extreme conditions — but it is often selected for its stiffness as opposed to its strength.
We don’t sell miraculous or magical products.
We sell reliable, honest products designed for your dog.
Is Biothane suitable for small dogs like Chihuahuas?
Absolutely!
Biothane is a lightweight, flexible material that is very comfortable — and
Standard Biothane is perfect for small dogs.
For miniature dogs (like Chihuahuas, Pomeranians, Yorkies, etc.), we recommend:
- An adjustable clip-on collar with a plastic clip, which is lighter and more comfortable around the neck,
- And Standard Biothane, which is just as strong as Heavy Duty Biothane, without the added weight.
Your small dog benefits from gear that is:
✔️ Sturdy
✔️ Ultra-lightweight
✔️ Comfortable
✔️ Durable
✔️ Safe and Secure
In short: yes, our collars are designed for all dogs, and are suitable for small dogs too.
Are your products suitable for dogs that are reactive, anxious or excited?
The answer is yes, in most cases.
Our Biothane leashes and collars are durable and work well for dogs that are reactive or emotional.
For these dogs, we specifically recommend:
- A belt buckle collar featuring a traditional belt buckle design, providing extra security against sudden lunges or sharp movements,
- Paired with a leash suited to the level of control you need.
However — and this is important — we cannot guarantee the suitability of our products without knowing the dog using them. Every dog has their own triggers, history and behaviours.
👉 Every dog owner is responsible for the proper use of equipment and for the safety of their dog and the people around them.
Tanzo is not responsible for damages caused by misuse, improper adjustment, or gear failure due to extreme reactions or behavioral issues.
If your dog lunges unexpectedly, pulls unpredictably, or if you have concerns regarding the safety of others, your dog trainer is your best resource to guide you toward the right tools and best practices.
Our priority is to ensure you are equipped safely, responsibly, and in a way that is tailored to your unique needs.
Are all Tanzo leashes and collars handmade in Canada?
Yes, 100%!
Every Tanzo leash, collar and harness is made by hand in Canada, one at a time, with meticulous care and purpose.
We don't do factories or mass production — only local, artisanal craftsmanship, made with care in our workshop.
Our materials are selected for their quality, and every piece is assembled, inspected, and tested right here in our workshop before it ever leaves our doors.
We believe that when a product is crafted locally with heart and expertise, you notice the difference the moment you use it.
Will the harness, leash or Martingale collar stop my dog from pulling?
No. There is no tool that will magically stop your dog from pulling.
A harness, leash and even a Martingale collar are all tools: they exist to assist and to create a safer and more enjoyable walking experience, but they will never replace education and training.
At Tanzo, we create dog gear to:
- Give you more control
- Improve the flow of your walks
- Keep your dog comfortable
- Facilitate positive and consistent training.
Real progress stems from positive reinforcement, consistency and proper technique.
If you’re struggling with pulling or questioning which method is right for you:
👉 A professional dog trainer remains your best resource.
You can always reach out to us — we are here to help you find the gear that’s perfectly suited to your needs.
👉 Discover our Training Essentials collection designed to support you and your dog every step of the way.
How can I care for my Biothane collar or leash to keep it looking like new for years to come?
Biothane care and cleaning is so simple — it’s one of its greatest strengths!
To wash:
- Rinse in lukewarm water
- Use a little mild soap if it’s really dirty
- Wipe dry with a clean towel.
Biothane comes clean in seconds, even after an encounter with mud or dirty city slush.
For long lines:
Undo knots and tangles immediately.
Biothane does not get tangled easily, but if a knot is left in place for a long
time, especially if your dog continues to pull on the leash, it can become impossible to undo.
Important:
Do not allow your dog to chew, gnaw or play with their leash or collar.
Biothane is very durable, but no material is made to withstand dog teeth — and that’s by design. A dog that runs away on a leash needs to be able to free themselves if ever their lives are in danger!
In short:
🧼 Water + mild soap
🫧 Wipe dry
🔗 Undo any knots right away
🚫 Not to be used as a chew toy
✨ Your gear will look new and last for years to come.
If you have questions, write to us — we love to help!