Meet Hera, Our German Shepherd, and Her Leather LED Dog Collar

Our very own model dog Hera is testing the Hilox PX2 leather collar with high-power LEDs. This collar comes in 2 colours, black and brown, and suits the bigger dogs, German Shepherds included ;)

For young and old dogs

Hera is about 8 months old here and loves charging through woods and bushes at full speed. These leather collars were made for exactly those occasions. They are seriously strong: the collar can handle up to 100 kg of pulling force, and the battery holder has a silicone strap that keeps it waterproof and the batteries neatly in place.

Batteries with an extra-long lifespan

The LED dog collar takes 2 button cell batteries that are easy to swap when they run out. You can order them from us or pick them up at a supermarket. They last a good long while, 50 hours to be exact, so you will not be changing them every month.

How do I know which collar size I need?

Easy: measure the circumference of your dog's neck. If it is between 40 and 50 cm, go for size L. If the neck measures between 50 and 60 cm, take size XL.

• 40-50 cm LED dog collar
• 50-60 cm LED dog collar

What you need to know about the PX2 leather LED dog collar

The PX2 is the leather version in the Hilox range of LED dog collars. Where many light-up collars are nylon, this one is made of genuine leather. The PX2 product specs at a glance:

• Material: genuine leather, 2.5 cm wide.
• Adjustable: the collar adjusts by about 5 cm in length, so it fits your dog's neck nicely.
• Lighting: 6 bright white LEDs.
• Batteries: 2 button cell batteries of 120 mAh, good for about 50 hours of light.
• Water resistance: IP65 waterproof, so it shrugs off a knock and a rain shower.
• Strength: a pulling force of about 100 kg. Your dog does not need to wear the PX2 next to a regular collar: it replaces it.

You can find the PX2 in brown 45-50 cm, brown 55-60 cm and black 55-60 cm, or browse all leather LED dog collars.

The 3 light modes of the PX2

The white LEDs of the PX2 have 3 modes:

1. On: the white LEDs stay lit continuously.
2. Fast flashing.
3. Slow flashing.

Which mode you pick depends on where you are walking. Steady light gives a calm, constant picture of where your dog is, for instance when he is running loose in the woods or a field. A flashing light usually grabs attention faster in the dark, which is handy along the road or in places where cyclists and cars pass. Because the batteries last about 50 hours, you can safely switch the collar on as soon as dusk starts to fall.

How to measure the right size

A collar that is too tight is uncomfortable, and a collar that is too loose can slip over the head. Here is how to find the right size in a few steps:

1. Measure the current collar. If your dog already wears a regular collar that fits well, measure its length.
2. Or measure the neck. If your dog does not wear a collar, wrap a tape measure around the neck where the collar will sit.
3. Leave some room. Leave at least 2 fingers of room underneath, and the collar is definitely not too tight.
4. Pick the size. Compare your measurement with the size listed on the product. The PX2 comes in 45-50 cm and 55-60 cm, and adjusts by about 5 cm in length.

If you are torn between two sizes, check the product page for the one that best matches your measurement, or get in touch with us.

Replacing the batteries and looking after leather

After about 50 hours of light, the 2 button cell batteries are spent. Replacing them is easy: open the battery holder, swap the batteries and put the silicone strap back neatly. That strap keeps the holder waterproof and stops the batteries from shifting when your dog tears through the bushes. You can order new batteries from us or buy them at the supermarket.

Leather needs a bit more attention than nylon. A few general tips to keep the collar looking good:

• After a wet walk, let the collar dry at room temperature, not on the radiator or in full sun.
• Wipe off mud and sand with a damp cloth instead of dunking the collar in water.
• Check the buckle and the holes for wear every now and then, especially with a dog that pulls hard.

Leather or rechargeable LED dog collar?

Besides the leather PX2, Hilox has the PX1, a rechargeable nylon LED dog collar. Both are IP65 waterproof, handle a pulling force of about 100 kg and have 3 light modes. The differences are in material, light and power:

• PX2 (leather): 6 white LEDs, 2 replaceable button cell batteries, about 50 hours of light per set of batteries. The classic look of genuine leather.
• PX1 (nylon): 2 fibre-optic tubes with high-power LEDs that light up the whole strap, in various colours and multicolour. A rechargeable battery that you charge with the supplied USB cable from your PC, laptop or phone charger. Charging takes about 1 hour and 40 minutes, after which you get about 4 to 5 hours of light.

If you often go on long walks and do not want to think about charging, the PX2 is a good fit. If you want a strap that lights up all the way round and would rather not swap batteries, take a look at the rechargeable LED dog collars or read more about LED dog collars with USB.

Walking your dog safely in the dark

A light-up collar means you can see your dog and others can see him too. A few general pointers for walks at dusk and in the dark:

• Switch the collar on before it gets properly dark, then you will not forget once your dog is running loose.
• Pick a flashing mode along the road and steady light in the woods.
• Wear something reflective or a little light yourself, so cyclists and drivers notice you as well.
• Complete the set with an LED leash or an LED harness.