Meet the Maker
Hi! I’m Hannah Sadgrove, a Clinical Animal Behaviourist and self-taught leathersmith. I live in the Tararua District, New Zealand, with my partner and our dogs (and usually a foster or two!), where we run ThinkDog and Lupine Leatherworks.
I started Lupine Leatherworks in 2024 after struggling to find plastic-free, sustainable, locally-made dog gear for my own dogs. Making it myself quickly became incredibly fulfilling — a way to blend my love of dogs, craft, and ethical design. My goal is simple: create durable, non-toxic gear from sustainably sourced materials that lasts a lifetime, is safe for dogs, and kind to the planet.
— Hannah x
Mission & Values
My mission is simple: to create dog gear that lasts a lifetime while being safe for dogs, kind to people, and gentle on the planet.
Every piece is designed with durability, repairability, and ethical materials at its core - gear you can trust to be used, maintained, and treasured for years.
My values guide everything I do:
- Sustainably sourced materials: I use natural, vegetable-tanned leather and solid brass hardware, avoiding plastics and unnecessary chemicals wherever possible.
- Longevity & repairability: Every collar, leash, and harness is made to be durable, repairable, and built for a lifetime, reducing waste and the need for replacements.
- Non-toxic & safe: Gear is designed with dogs’ wellbeing in mind - safe to use, non-toxic, and gentle for everyday wear.
- Small-batch, thoughtful craftsmanship: All pieces are handmade, with care, and made in small quantities to ensure quality and attention to detail.
- Transparency & integrity: I are open about our materials, processes, and decisions - what I make, how I make it, and why.
My goal is to show that durable, responsible, and beautiful dog gear is possible without compromise - for dogs, for owners, and for the planet.
Materials & Craftsmanship
Every piece of Lupine Leatherworks gear is carefully crafted with longevity, safety, and sustainability in mind. I choose materials that are durable, natural, and low-tox, so your dog’s gear is safe to wear and gentle on the environment.
The leather I work with is predominantly Hermann Oak Latigo Leather - a 100% vegetable-tanned, chemical free leather that is sustainably sourced, and importantly, it is a byproduct of the food industry, not from animals bred or harvested specifically for leather. This allows me to create beautiful, durable gear while reducing waste and respecting the animals it came from.
The hardware I use is solid, cast Brass. Brass hardware is incredibly durable, resistant to wear, and won’t break, bend, or tarnish over time. Unlike cheaper metals or plated alternatives, it's more expensive but it’s a much longer-lasting, sustainable choice - built to stay in use for years rather than being replaced.
Each piece is handmade, braided, stitched, and finished by hand in small batches, allowing me to focus on quality and detail. This hands-on approach means every collar, leash, and harness is carefully inspected and finished, so it not only performs beautifully but also develops character and patina over time.
By combining thoughtful materials, time-honoured craftsmanship, and attention to detail, I aim to create dog gear that isn’t disposable - gear that you can maintain, repair, and enjoy for years.
Lifetime Guarantee & Repair Philosophy
Every piece of gear I make is designed to last a lifetime - and I stand fully behind it. That’s why all Core Range collars, leashes, and harnesses come with a lifetime guarantee. If your gear ever fails due to a material or workmanship issue, I’ll repair or replace it - no questions asked.
Beyond the guarantee, I encourage maintaining and repairing your gear whenever possible. Small repairs, conditioning, or hardware swaps can give your item years of extra life, reducing waste and keeping it out of landfill.
This isn’t just about durability - it’s about creating gear that you can trust, care for, and enjoy for years, while minimising our impact on the planet.
Gear made once, loved forever.