About US

Barkswell's Story

Barkswell was Inspired by Toby, out Basset (2008 - 2022 R.I.P.). He was a wonderful dog, a real loving companion and sadly missed. But , boy, could he pull.

He's Stronger than he Looks...Honestly

John, the runner(ish) and I, Linda, the mum with a pram, wanted to involve Toby in our activities. Hence the Original Handsfree Dog Running Lead was born in 2015.

The lead has strong bungee which helped when he jolted and made the whole 'hands free' experience much more enjoyable for us all as we ran or walked with the pram.

Our leads were designed with strong bungee. Toby our chief product tester, always put through it's paces.

We went on to sell a lot of these leads on Amazon and added other leads over the years.

Sadly Toby went to Rainbow Bridge in July 2022.

The Story Continues...

Last year, we got Barley, our new Basset. We thought he looked nothing like Toby but is evolving into Toby Mark 2. We frequently call him Toby by accident so Toby lives on.

He is every bit as strong as his predecessor so has been appointed our new product tester.

Other than chewing some of our prototypes, he is growing into his role and will help us to add new products and your continued support will keep him in the manner he has become accustomed to..

Questions About Barkswell

How long have we been selling Dog Leads?

We have been selling dog leads since 2015. We have had our ups and downs but it been one of the best things we have ever done.

How is Barkswell pronounced?

Barkswell is pronounced as 'Barks-Well'

How did you come up with the name?

Basset's are not the biggest dogs in the world but Toby's bark would frighten the fur off a Great Dane. We were walking him by a larger dog one day. Toby began his eardrum shattering bark when the other dog owner said, "Boy, he barks well!". We thought it was a great name and the brand was born.

What size company is Barkswell?

We are the clichéd Small Family Business. We are a husband & wife team with 3 kids who help when needed. We both have other jobs but are passionate about our little brand.