Ensuring pet safety: the role of tensile testing

In February 2024, we had the pleasure of working with a Yorkshire-based independent business specialising in creating bespoke luxury dog apparel and accessories. The focus was to carry out a series of tests to establish the maximum weight their products could bear before failing.  

In recent years, the pet product industry has experienced a significant surge in demand for well-crafted, long-lasting dog harnesses and collars. Pet owners, who prioritise their canine companions’ safety and well-being, are increasingly seeking high-quality products. Consequently, manufacturers are facing the challenge of meeting customer expectations.  

Even though there are currently no established quality specifications for dog harness in the UK, responsible pet product manufacturers are striving to test their products rigorously for strength, durability and safety before introducing them to the market.  

Our customer reached out to us for tensile testing on their dog leads and collar products to verify their breaking strength and ensure product quality and safety while understanding their limitations.  

• Performing tensile tests on these products provides our customer with crucial breaking strength data, which is essential for pet safety.  
• This testing aids our customer with making informed choices about materials, product design and safety recommendations.  

Our testing process encourages trust from our customer regarding the durability and quality of their products. This trust, in turn, assures their consumers about product safety, reliability, and suitability for their pets. Ultimately, this enhances customer satisfaction and reinforces brand credibility.  

Two dog leads and a dog collar were submitted to our laboratory for testing. Our mechanical department carried out routine tensile testing on all products to determine the point of failure.  

The goal of testing was to identify potential weaknesses, enhance product durability, and ultimately support our customer to provide pet owners with reliable and robust solutions for the control and well-being of their dogs. 

Routine tensile testing was the most appropriate test for these products, as the test would subject the leads and harnesses to varying levels of force, replicating the conditions the products would be subjected to, such as running, pulling or sudden stops.  

Through extensive testing, the dog leads and collars have shown strong performance in terms of material strength, durability and resistance to dynamic loads. Any potential weaknesses were identified, which will allow for continuous improvement.  

• The first dog lead broke from the handle loop at approximately 602lb.  
• The second dog lead broke from the bottom loop at approximately 501lb.  
• The dog collar buckle pin came off the collar at approximately 231lb.  

Dogs vary in size and breed, leading to a wide weight range. Generally, adult dogs can weigh anywhere from 10lb to 200lb and over. This suggests the dog leads are suitable for most dog breeds, while the collar may not be ideal for larger, giant breeds.  

Strength testing is crucial during the development of dog harnesses, leads and collars. By incorporating a comprehensive testing procedure, manufacturers can ensure that their products meet or exceed customer expectations for durability, safety, and overall quality.  

This dedication to product testing not only enhances the brand’s reputation but also builds trust among pet owners, promoting the well-being of their beloved canine companions.