Your cart is empty
Tax included and shipping calculated at checkout
Frequently Asked Questions
Good Gear Starts With Good Information
Questions about fit, materials, shipping, or selecting the right equipment for your dog? You’ll find the essentials below.
If you need help with your specific dog or order, email us at hello@redmaplek9gear.com. We typically reply within 1–2 business days.
Products & Materials
What is Red Maple K9 Gear made from?
Most Red Maple K9 Gear products are built with BioThane® webbing and purpose-chosen hardware. Depending on the collection and product, hardware may include solid brass, stainless steel, aluminum, black-coated components, or select KONG® marine bronze hardware.
Each product page lists the specific materials, hardware, and intended use for that item.
What is BioThane®?
BioThane® is a durable, waterproof-coated webbing material made for practical use in changing weather and outdoor conditions. It is easy to clean and does not absorb water like traditional fabric or leather.
It is a good choice for everyday walks, trail miles, training, field use, rain, mud, and regular cleanup.
Is BioThane® leather?
No. BioThane® is not leather. It is a coated webbing material that offers a leather-like feel in some finishes while providing waterproof, low-maintenance performance.
What is KONG® marine bronze hardware?
Select products use components made from KONG® marine bronze, a premium Italian-made hardware material selected for strength, corrosion resistance, and natural character.
Natural marine bronze may darken or develop a patina over time. This is normal and part of the material’s character. Not every Red Maple K9 Gear product includes KONG® marine bronze hardware; always refer to the individual product page for exact specifications.
Will the hardware change over time?
Natural brass and marine bronze can develop a darker finish or patina with handling, moisture, and regular use. This is normal. Coated and plated hardware can also show cosmetic wear over time, particularly at moving contact points.
Regular cleaning, drying, and inspection help maintain both appearance and performance.
Is your gear waterproof?
BioThane® webbing is waterproof and easy to clean. Hardware can still benefit from routine care, especially after exposure to mud, salt water, chlorinated water, sand, or wet conditions.
After heavy exposure, rinse the gear with fresh water, wipe the hardware dry, and allow the equipment to dry completely before storing it.
Sizing & Fit
How do I measure my dog for a collar?
Use a soft tape measure around the middle to lower part of your dog’s neck, where the collar will naturally sit. Measure snugly without pulling tight or compressing the coat, then record the measurement in inches.
Use the size chart on the individual product page. Once fitted, you should generally be able to slide two fingers comfortably between the collar and your dog’s neck.
Link: View the Sizing Guide
What if my dog is between sizes?
If your dog’s measurement falls between size ranges, is at the top of a listed range, has a broad head, a thick coat, or is still growing, contact us before ordering.
Please include your dog’s neck measurement, breed or approximate size, the product you are considering, and how you plan to use it.
How do I fit a martingale or limited-slip collar?
For martingale and limited-slip styles, measure both your dog’s neck and the widest part of the head, usually around the jaw and over the ears. Use the larger measurement as a starting point and follow the product-specific chart.
The collar must pass comfortably over the head and adjust properly at the neck. Under leash pressure, the control loop should tighten without the hardware or adjustment points completely bottoming out.
Never leave a dog unattended while wearing a martingale or limited-slip collar.
How do I choose the right leash length?
Choose leash length based on where and how you work with your dog:
Always choose equipment suitable for your dog’s size, strength, behavior, and intended use.
Orders & Shipping
How long will it take to make my order?
Most standard orders are prepared for shipment within 3–5 business days. Made-to-order, personalized, custom-sized, custom-configured, or otherwise customized products may require additional production time.
Any product-specific production timing will be shown on the product page, at checkout, or in your order confirmation.
Where do you ship?
We currently ship within the United States.
How much is shipping?
Shipping rates and available delivery options are shown at checkout based on your delivery address, selected service, and package details.
Will I receive tracking information?
Yes. When your order ships, we will send a shipping confirmation email. If tracking is available for the selected carrier and service, it will be included in that email.
Please allow up to 24–48 hours after shipment confirmation for carrier tracking to update.
Can I change or cancel my order?
Contact us at hello@redmaplek9gear.com as soon as possible if you need to change or cancel an order. We will do our best to help before production, customization, packing, or shipment begins.
Once work has begun on personalized, custom-sized, custom-configured, or otherwise customized gear, the order may no longer be eligible for cancellation or change.
Link: Read Shipping & Returns
Returns & Refunds
What is your return policy?
Eligible, unused standard items may be returned within 30 days of delivery.
Returned gear must be unused, unworn, clean, and in the same condition in which it was received. It must be free of mud, hair, odor, scratches, or other signs of use and include original packaging, tags, and included components where applicable.
Can I return made-to-order gear?
Standard, non-personalized made-to-order items may be returned if they meet our return conditions.
Personalized, engraved, custom-sized, custom-configured, or otherwise customized items are final sale unless they arrive damaged, defective, or incorrect.
Who pays return shipping?
Customers are responsible for return shipping costs unless an item arrived damaged, defective, or incorrect. Original shipping charges are non-refundable unless the return resulted from our error or a verified product defect.
What if my item arrives damaged, defective, or incorrect?
Email hello@redmaplek9gear.com within 7 days of delivery. Include your order number and clear photos of the item, packaging, and shipping label.
We will review the issue and, when appropriate, arrange a replacement, repair, store credit, or refund. Do not continue using any item you believe may be defective or unsafe.
When will I receive my refund?
After an eligible return is received and inspected, we will notify you of the decision. Approved refunds are issued to the original payment method. Please allow 5–10 business days after approval for your bank or payment provider to post the refund.
Link: Read the Return & Refund Policy
Care & Safety
How do I clean my gear?
For routine cleaning, rinse away loose dirt, then use warm water, mild dish soap, and a soft cloth or sponge. Rinse clean, towel dry the webbing and hardware, and allow the gear to air dry completely before storing it.
Avoid machine washing, dishwashers, steel wool, wire brushes, abrasive pads, harsh solvents, or strong chemical cleaners.
Link: Read Care Instructions
How should I care for KONG® marine bronze hardware?
Rinse the hardware with fresh water after exposure to mud, rain, salt water, chlorinated water, or sand. Wipe it dry with a clean, soft cloth and inspect moving parts before use.
Marine bronze may naturally darken or develop a patina with use. Do not use abrasive metal polish, steel wool, wire brushes, or aggressive cleaners if you wish to preserve the natural finish.
How often should I inspect my dog’s gear?
Inspect collars, leashes, long lines, snaps, buckles, rings, swivels, rivets, and webbing before each use. Do not use gear that is cracked, cut, chewed, bent, loose, heavily worn, damaged, or difficult to operate.
Is your gear guaranteed escape-proof or indestructible?
No. No collar, leash, snap, buckle, or other piece of dog equipment can guarantee that a dog will not escape, pull free, become injured, cause injury, or behave unpredictably.
Use gear appropriate for your dog’s size, strength, behavior, and intended purpose. Always supervise your dog and never leave a dog unattended where a collar, martingale, limited-slip collar, leash, or long line could create an entanglement risk.
Still Have a Question?
Every dog, handler, and use case is different. If you need help choosing a product, understanding hardware, checking fit, or resolving an order issue, we are glad to help.
Email: hello@redmaplek9gear.com
