Good training gear should be strong, comfortable for the dog and able to stand up to wet grass and muddy fields. The Durham Dog Training Flank Collar from Chambless Game Totes is a leather dog training flank collar made from 1-inch English bridle leather with solid brass rings, built for handlers who work their dogs outdoors.
What a dog training flank collar is
A flank collar is worn around a dog's flank, the area just in front of the hind legs, rather than around the neck. Many bird dog trainers use some form of flank strap or rope during steadiness work, because it gives the handler a second point of contact with the dog's body. Training methods vary a great deal from trainer to trainer, so if you are new to flank work, follow the guidance of your trainer or the program you are using.
The Durham gives you a purpose-built leather option for that work instead of improvising with rope.
Key features of the Durham leather flank collar
- 1-inch English bridle leather described as high quality and durable.
- Sturdy yet comfortable fit thanks to the one-inch width.
- Solid brass rings that add durability and serve as attachment points for leads or other training accessories.
- Corrosion-resistant brass, suited to outdoor and training environments.
- Made by Chambless Game Totes, the same maker behind our English bridle leather game totes.
Who this bird dog training collar is for
The Durham is aimed at hunters and handlers training pointing and flushing dogs, from first-season pups to dogs getting a refresher before opening day. Because it is leather rather than nylon or rope, it suits handlers who like traditional gear that matches the rest of their leather kit.
The solid brass rings make the collar easy to pair with a lead. A Leather Dog Leash in the same 1-inch English bridle leather is a natural match, and you can browse more pieces in our leather accessories collection.
How to fit and use a flank collar
- Introduce it calmly. Let your dog wear the collar in a relaxed setting before using it in training so it becomes routine.
- Check the fit. It should sit snug enough to stay in place without rubbing or pinching. The one-inch width helps spread contact.
- Attach your lead to a brass ring. The rings are designed as attachment points for leads and other training accessories.
- Keep sessions short. Short, consistent sessions are common practice in dog training and keep young dogs engaged.
- Remove after training. A training collar is a tool for the session, not something to leave on a dog unsupervised.
Whatever program you follow, the Durham flank collar gives you a solid, well-made piece of leather to build around.
Leather and brass care for training gear
Training collars see wet grass, mud and the occasional pond. After a wet session, wipe the leather with a damp cloth and let it air-dry naturally, away from heaters or direct heat that can make leather stiff or cracked. Condition the leather now and then to keep it flexible against the dog's body. Solid brass resists corrosion, so the rings handle wet conditions well; a quick wipe keeps grit out of the moving parts.
Pairs well with
Upland hunters training on birds may also want a Single Paracord Upland Bird Carrier / Tote for carrying quail or other birds once training turns into hunting season. More carriers are in our game totes collection.
Frequently asked questions
What is the Durham flank collar made of?
It is made from 1-inch English bridle leather with solid brass rings.
What are the brass rings for?
The solid brass rings add durability and serve as attachment points for leads or other training accessories.
Will the hardware hold up to wet training conditions?
Brass is resistant to corrosion, which makes the collar suitable for outdoor and training environments.
If you are putting together a bird dog training kit, add the Durham Dog Training Flank Collar to your gear bag. More training and hunting articles are on our blog. Questions? Contact us.