Sustainable Strands
Weaving Quality into Dog Gear.
By Caleb Patton
No matter the terrain, the happy hounds led by these leashes can easily rely on their durability and craftsmanship.
In the rolling hills of Northwest Arkansas, where the spirit of community thrives and the love for the outdoors runs deep, a unique family business has woven its way into the hearts of dog owners far and wide. Rope Hounds, born from a blend of passion, resourcefulness and a genuine desire to provide the best for our four-legged companions, has become a beacon of quality and sustainability in a world often dominated by mass-produced, disposable goods.
The story begins in 2017, a time when the bustling streets of downtown Bentonville were witnessing a surge of entrepreneurial energy. Amidst the vibrant backdrop, husband-and-wife duo Rex and Dalas Warr found themselves drawn to a simple yet profound need: high-quality, locally made dog leashes and collars. Their close friendship with Bobby Critselous, the owner of Three Dog Bakery, sparked the initial idea. “My husband, Rex, and I were good friends with Bobby at Three Dog Bakery,” Dalas Warr recalled. “He kept telling us how there was this need for high-quality leashes and collars, and how it would be even better if they were locally made.” The spark of inspiration was ignited, and the couple looked to their own family for a unique solution. Their son, an avid rock climber, provided the perfect material: durable, reliable climbing ropes.
The concept was simple yet brilliant: repurpose the robust, durable ropes into handcrafted leashes and collars that could withstand the rigors of daily dog walks and adventures. Initially, the couple relied on discarded ropes from their son and other climbers, giving these materials a second life and embodying the spirit of sustainability from the very beginning. As word spread about the exceptional quality of their products, demand began to soar, prompting them to seek partnerships with leading rope manufacturers like Sterling, Black Diamond and Mammoth.
“We try to be as sustainable as possible,” Dalas Warr said. “We strive to keep that repurposing factor integrated into our leashes and collars.” The Warrs’ commitment to environmental responsibility isn’t just a marketing gimmick; it’s a core value that permeates every aspect of their business. They actively seek out materials that would otherwise go to waste, transforming them into durable, long-lasting products that minimize their environmental footprint.
“We try to be as sustainable as possible,
we strive to keep that repurposing
factor integrated
into our leashes and collars.”
With growing partnerships and endless inspiration, Dalas Warr and her family handcraft each leash, collar and harness with the same attention and care they’ve had since day one.
The longevity of Rope Hounds’ products is a testament to their unwavering dedication to quality. “People will send us pictures of their dog with our leash, and say they’re both 7 years old!” Dalas Warr shared. “If something goes wrong, like if your dog chews up a little piece on it, we can repair it. We just want this to be a good experience for people.”
The founder’s two sons, now young men, have played integral roles in the business, from working in their retail store to distributing products to other states. “They’ve been active in it,” she says, “but of course, now they’ve moved on and are doing their own thing.” Even the founder’s father-in-law lends a hand, reinforcing that sense of family that permeates every aspect of the business. As Rope Hounds’ reputation has grown, so has its reach. Its products can now be found in boutique dog stores across the United States, and the Warrs have even shipped orders to Australia and the UK. “It has expanded beyond what we ever thought it would,” Dalas Warr admitted. Yet, despite their growing popularity, they remain steadfast in their commitment to their small-business roots.
“We like having control of our business,” Dalas Warr said. “We like the fact that we’re handmade. We use high-quality material. We don’t source our ropes from China or overseas.” This dedication to craftsmanship and local sourcing sets them apart from mass-market competitors, ensuring that every product bearing the Rope Hounds name is a testament to quality and care. The personal connection they maintain with their customers is another hallmark of their success. “When they send an email through our website or a text message, they’re getting me directly,” Dalas Warr explained. “I’m responding to them, so it’s not just some third-party person that’s giving them a generic message, it’s really me.”
As Dalas Warr and her family look ahead, they know Rope Hounds will remain committed to its core values. They plan to continue collaborating with local businesses and shelters, further solidifying their commitment to the Arkansas community. They also plan to expand their product line based on customer feedback, ensuring that their offerings continue to meet the evolving needs of dog owners. Rope Hounds is more than just a dog gear company, it’s a Northwest Arkansas story that resonates far beyond its borders. “We believe a leash isn’t just a product; it’s a connection, a shared journey,” Dalas Warr shared, “and that’s a story we’re honored to weave. One rope, one family, one happy dog at a time.”
