FAQ & Sizing

Instruction Manuals

Here you will find our operating instructions as a PDF file for downloading or printing:

For LEUCHTIE with motion sensor

Ordering and Online Shop

Yes, LEUCHTIE supplies many countries worldwide. Please visit Leuchtie.com to see if we can deliver to you.

To exchange the ordered LEUCHTIE for the appropriate size or another colour, the following procedure is provided:

Please download our service form and fill it out (if possible, fill in the form on the PC or in block letters)
Enclose the completed service form with the return shipment to us.
As soon as we receive your LEUCHTIE, we will exchange it according to your wishes

Here you will find information on delivery times.

We offer a 5-year guarantee when buying in our online shop for private customers (Warranty Terms).

Here you'll find the summarised shipping information.

We ship with Royal Mail.

All customers who have placed an order in this online shop are entitled to rate the purchased item(s). You will receive an email two weeks after you have received your item asking you for your review, or you can write one on the corresponding product pages. Thank you.

General Questions about your Leuchtie

No

We deliberately do without different light settings, such as hectic flashing or the like. In our experience, many dogs are unsettled by blinking, especially when it is fast or arrhythmic. Also oncoming dogs often react irritated - tense encounters and conflicts can be the result. In addition, also for many dog owners a flashing light collar is very disturbing.

Therefore we have designed the LEUCHTIEs out of conviction - based on our many years of experience as dog owners - in such a way that they shine exclusively as very bright permanent light. This helps making dogs feel much more secure and comfortable in the dark (especially the senior edition).

In addition, the luminosity of the LEUCHTIEs is so strong that they make dogs clearly visible from all sides even over long distances - so it is absolutely unnecessary to attract additional attention by an overwhelming blinking mode.

Please find the differences between the LEUCHTIE models on our product overview page.

Yes

All LEUCHTIE models are 100 % waterproof. Even swimming and diving are easily possible.

The brightness of the colors varies and depends on the model and the LED color.
Which color suits you best depends on your requirements – for example, how long and dark your dog’s coat is around the neck, or how far away he is.
But of course, your personal perception of brightness and color, as well as your individual preferences, also play a role.

The brightness of the colors is usually perceived in the following order:

Green* / Neon Green
Turquoise
Lime*
Ice Blue
White*
Sunny Yellow
Blush*
Blue
Lavender*
Sunset Orange
Hotpink
Red

* These colors come with a colorless, transparent fabric tube.

If you have light-sensitive eyes or if your dog has short hair and is close to you, colors with slightly lower brightness may be more comfortable.

We endeavour to ensure that the colors in all our photos and illustrations are as true to life as possible. But please note that colors may vary depending on your screen and settings, and may differ from the original.

Which size fits my dog?

LEUCHTIE is pulled over the dog’s head as closed ring. Consequently, for choosing the right size you have to measure the dog's head circumference, not the neck (exception see point 3).

Please measure the circumference of your dog's head at the thickest point - directly in front of the ears - tightly with a tape measure.
Select the closest size. If you are between two sizes, choose the smaller size preferably.
Is your dog's neck circumference larger than the head circumference?
Measure the neck circumference at the point where you want the LEUCHTIE to fit.
In this case we recomment to better base your choice of size on this measurement.

LEUCHTIE Plus and Easy Charge are available in the following sizes (in cm [inch]):
35 [14] / 37,5 [15] / 40 [16] / 42,5 [17] / 45 [18] / 47,5 [19] / 50 [20] / 52,5 [21] / 55 [22] / 57,5 [23] / 60 [24] / 62,5 [25] / 65 [26] / 67,5 [27] / 70 [28].

LEUCHTIE Mini is available in the following sizes (in cms [inch]):
25 [10] / 27,5 [11] / 30 [12] / 32,5 [13]

If you have any questions about sizing, please contact us.

Breed examples (these are only examples as a guide):
• 35 - 37,5: Terrier, Whippet (approx. 10 - 15 kg)
• 40 - 42,5: Border Collie, Spaniel (approx. 16 - 23 kg)
• 45 - 47,5: Dalmatian, Irish Setter (approx. 24 - 30 kg)
• 50 - 52,5: Retriever, German Shepherd (approx. 31 - 36 kg)
• 55 - 57,5: Hovawart, Rhodesian Ridgeback (approx. 37 - 42 kg)
• 60 - 62,5: Bernese Mountain Dog, Rottweiler (approx. 43 - 50 kg)

Our LEUCHTIEs have been working since 2003 according to the principle "What isn't there can't break".

Our goal at that time was to combine the simplest handling with the highest functionality. Therefore, LEUCHTIEs work with a sensor - we deliberately do without a failure-prone switch or push button, because this wouldn't be in line with our demand for quality and durability. By switching on and off via a sensor, nothing can wear out and water or dirt cannot penetrate in the first place. Result: LEUCHTIEs are absolutely waterproof, very robust and extremely durable.

In our UK store, we offer our motion sensor variant:

1) Motion sensor

Switching on and off: automatically by motion sensor

No, LEUCHTIEs do not obstruct dogs, because they shine as a bright permanent light. We deliberately avoid hectic flashing or other light settings out of conviction, in order not to unsettle your own dog as well as other dogs and not to disturb us humans. On the contrary, it often happens that the bright continuous light of the LEUCHTIEs helps making dogs feel much more secure and comfortable in the dark. This effect can possibly be improved with the senior edition (available only from Germany).

In this way, we reliably guarantee the safety of your dog and also that of our fellow human beings when going for a walk and in traffic.

If your dog has problems putting on a collar / harness, we recommend making sure that the LEUCHTIE only starts to glow when the dog is wearing it, not already when you put it on.

Yes. Thanks to very bright LEDs, all LEUCHTIEs offer great brightness and safety for your dog.

But there are differences in luminosity:

1. Colours

The longer, denser and darker the coat of your dog is, the stronger the luminosity of the LEDs should be. The following colours tend to be perceived as the brightest and most conspicuous: 1) green in a transparent tube (extra bright), 2) turquoise, 3) lavender, 4) white, 5) blue in a transparent tube, 6) ice-blue.

2. Models

In addition to the colour, a constant brightness without fading is favourable for extremely long-haired dogs with a dense coat on the neck, as in the model LEUCHTIE Easy Charge (USB rechargeable). This is therefore especially suitable for very longhaired dogs, such as Australian Shepherds, Newfoundland dogs etc, and long distances.

In addition, cones can be attached to the LEUCHTIE: For a better visibility for long haired dogs, the light of the LEDs makes the cones glow.

No, even for us humans the strong luminosity of the LEUCHTIE is very seldom disturbing. But the individual perception of brightness can obviously differ. If your eyes are very sensitive, we recommend that you choose your LEUCHTIE to match:

Prefer a model that does not have constant luminosity: LEUCHTIE Plus, LEUCHTIE Easy Charge, LEUCHTIE Mini.
Order a color that has a slightly weaker luminosity, such as sunset orange, sunny yellow or hot pink.

To identify which LEUCHTIE model you have, please look at the size sticker on your LEUCHTIE. Currently sold LEUCHTIEs have the model name on the size sticker.

No, LEUCHTIEs are very light and comfortable for dogs to wear.
By using filigree components, often custom-made products developed together with our suppliers, they meet the special requirements of small and light dogs.
The weight of a LEUCHTIE depends on its size:
Mini LEUCHTIEs weigh approx. 55 g, the models for the bigger dogs, from size 35, approx. 110 g.

Please note: The robust looking battery pack is not solid: it consists of the tubular battery compartment and a cover on both sides. Therefore this also has a very low weight and does not hinder the dog.

The electronics of the LEUCHTIE are in the tube. In the battery pack are only either 2 standard batteries or 2 rechargeable batteries inserted, depending on the model.

Activation and Commissioning

To prevent your LEUCHTIE Mini from switching on during shipping, one of the batteries has been inserted upside down as a transport lock. For the first activation this battery must be turned around:

To open the LEUCHTIE, separate the tube at the side of the size sticker from the battery pack with a slight twisting movement, taking care not to use excessive force.
Remove the battery from the end of the tube and turn it around.
Place the battery into the light tube with the negative pole ahead.
Push the battery pack back into the end of the tube. Take care that the spring is centred in the battery pack.
Press tube and battery pack firmly together as far as it can go. There must be no gap between the battery pack and the tube.

Included in the scope of delivery of each LEUCHTIE is a fixation loop, which serves as loss protection.

In order to secure the LEUCHTIE to a collar/ harness with the enclosed fixation loop, pull the open end of the tube through both transparent rubber rings of the loop.

Before using the LEUCHTIE for the first time please remove the transport lock (insulation cap). It is the red stopper located at the opposite side of the size sticker.

To open the LEUCHTIE, separate the tube from the battery pack by pulling them apart with a slight angular movement, taking care not to use excessive force (1). In doing so, hold the silicone sleeve onto the battery pack.
Remove the red insulation cap (2) and discard.

3. To close the LEUCHTIE, insert the tube straight into the battery pack. Make sure that the contact spring at the end of the LED tubing goes in straight and is not bent over in any way.

4. Press tube and battery pack firmly together as far as it can go. There must be no gap between the battery pack and the tube.

Handling and Malfunction

Before taking the LEUCHTIE out of operation because it won't be used for a longer period of time (e.g. over the summer), please charge it completely until the green and red LEDs of the charging station light up together.

You are also welcome to recharge it in between, during the summer.
Please make sure that you store it upright with the black battery section facing upwards to prevent it from switching on unintentionally and thus discharging. This would harm the batteries.
If this is not ensured, you can also remove the battery compartment.
This way, your LEUCHTIE will be ready for the next dark season.

If your LEUCHTIE has a loose contact please check whether:

the LEUCHTIE is firmly connected on both sides: the battery pack and the tube must be fully pushed together so that no gap is visible between the battery pack and the tube.
both springs, which protrude from the tube, are straight and tightly screwed into the nut and show no discoloration.
the edges of the battery compartment are not kinked and therefore the tube cannot be pushed on as far as it will go.
the silicone sleeves are located centrally over the transition from the tube to the battery pack (the end of the silicone sleeves with the ring bead is located on the battery part).
the silicone sleeves fit tightly and have no defects.
the inside of the silicone sleeves and the ends of the tube over which the sleeves sit are clean, dry and especially free of grease. Because of the sebum deposits of the dog's coat, we recommend cleaning the sleeves with warm water and washing-up liquid if necessary (rinse well and allow to dry completely). Please do not use any aggressive or solvent-based cleaning agents.
the LEUCHTIE is attached to the collar / harness and tension on the fixation loop, especially when the dog lowers its head, causes a short loss of contact or even the opening of the LEUCHTIE.

If necessary, a little contact spray on the springs / battery poles can also help.

The contact springs are screwed into a nut like a screw, which is located in the connecting socket.

1) To replace a bent spring, turn it counter-clockwise out of the socket with your thumb and index finger.

2) Remove the coloured spring retainer with a pointed object (screwdriver, flat-nose pliers, etc.).

3) Screw the new contact spring with the tightly fitting coils first 4-5 turns clockwise into the connecting socket.

4) Then check that the spring is firmly seated in the thread by pulling gently on it. Be careful not to overstretch the spring.

5) Then insert the spring retainer into the socket via the contact spring. Note the two colors of the spring retainers: Blue sits in the tube side with the size sticker, red in the other side.

Now gently press the bushing against a flat surface to fully press the spring retainer into the bushing. Make sure that the contact spring is not kinked or bent in the process.

6) Repeat the insertion of the spring on the other side of the tube.

7) Insert the two ends of the light tube one after the other straight into the battery compartment. Be careful not to bend the contact springs.

8) Press the battery compartment and the tube firmly together on both sides as far as they will go. IMPORTANT: There must be no gap between the battery compartment and the tube:

Notice:
The spring retainers have two functions: On the one hand, they ensure that the spring is aligned with the center of the battery pole, and on the other hand, they indicate by color how around the light tube and the battery compartment must be connected.

Possible causes may be:

The LEUCHTIE was not activated for the first use: We have compiled information on how to activate the LEUCHTIE Mini as well as the Plus and Easy Charge models.

The energy is used up: Please insert two new batteries for the battery-powered models Mini or Plus or recharge the Easy Charge immediately.

The batteries were inserted the wrong way round when changing the batteries: Information on the battery change for both Alkaline batteries and rechargeable batteries is linked.

The battery pack has been placed the wrong way round on the tube: Please check this with the linked information on changing the batteries.

The LEUCHTIE is not closed correctly: Press the battery pack and the tube firmly together on both sides as far as it will go - there must be no gap between the battery part and the tube.

The contact springs are defective: The springs protruding from the ends of the tube on both sides are either not straight or not tightly screwed into the nut.

The batteries have leaked: If you notice battery acid in the battery part or discoloration on the plastic sockets at the ends of the tube, on wires or on the cable inside the light tube, please send us your LEUCHTIE for repair.

Correct connection of battery compartment and light tube

Please always ensure a correct connection between battery compartment and light tube. Otherwise the connection may open too easily or loose contacts may occur.

Assemble the LEUCHTIE correctly:

The silicone sleeves are located on both sides centrally on the transition from battery part to light tube and do not show any defects.

A) The LEUCHTIE is completely closed up to the stop: there is no gap between the light tube and the battery compartment.
B) The sleeve end with the annular bead sits on the battery pack on both sides.

Possible sources of error

LEUCHTIE is not completely closed:

The light tube is not completely inserted into the battery compartment. A gap can be seen between the light tube and the battery pack.

Incorrectly attached silicone sleeves:

The sleeve is not pulled all the way to the stop on the battery part - it sits too far on the light tube.

The sleeve is pulled beyond the stop of the battery part - it is too far on the battery compartment.

The sleeve is attached the wrong way round. The sleeve end with the ring bead must be on the battery compartment.

Kinked battery compartment:

The edge of the battery compartment has been accidentally kinked when the light tube was inserted into the battery compartment.

As a result, the light tube cannot be inserted completely into the battery part up to the stop.

In comparison, a correctly seated battery compartment with the sleeve attached.

Battery Powered Models

Important note:

Please use brand alkaline batteries type AAAA and remove empty batteries immediately to avoid any damage from leaking batteries.
In case of longer periods of non-use (e.g. in summer) please remove both batteries.

When the brightness of the LEDs decreases significantly, both batteries are empty and have to be replaced immediately.

Please change the batteries in a clean and dry place and make sure that both the LEUCHTIE and your hands are dry and free of grease.

Separate the tube from the battery pack by pulling them apart with a slight twisting movement, taking care not to use excessive force.
Remove both old batteries from the ends of the tube.
Place the new batteries (type AAAA / LR 61) into the light tube while observing the correct polarity as per illustration: The side with the LEUCHTIE label goes with the negative pole of the battery ahead and the side without the label goes with the positive pole ahead into the light tube.
Push the battery pack back into the ends of the tube. Take care that the springs are centred in the battery pack.
Test that the LEUCHTIE is working by pointing the battery compartment down.

The used batteries cannot be disposed of with the regular household waste! Please dispose of them via the appropriate commercially available containers or drop them off at public collection points.

Important note:

Please use brand alkaline batteries and remove empty batteries immediately to avoid any damage from leaking batteries.
In case of longer periods of non-use (e.g. in summer) please remove both batteries.

When the brightness of the LEDs decreases significantly (LEUCHTIE Plus) or the LEDs start flashing (LEUCHTIE Premium), both batteries are empty and have to be replaced immediately. Please change the batteries in a clean and dry place and make sure that both the LEUCHTIE and your hands are dry and free of grease.

1) Separate the tube from the battery pack by pulling them apart with a slight angular movement, taking care not to use excessive force. In doing so, hold the silicone sleeves onto the battery pack.

2) Remove both old batteries.

3) Place the new batteries (Alkaline Type AAA/Micro, no rechargeable batteries!) into the compartment while observing the correct polarity as per illustration: On one side you can see the negative pole of one battery, on the other the positive pole of the other battery.

4) Connect the tube and the battery pack as follows: The blue marked end of the tube with the size sticker onto the negative terminal of the battery, the red marked end of the tube onto the positive terminal of the other battery. Insert both ends of the tube one after the other straight into the battery pack as far as it can go. There must be no gap between the battery pack and the tube. Be careful not to bend the contact springs.

5) Test that the LEUCHTIE is working by pointing the battery compartment down.

The used batteries cannot be disposed of with the regular household waste! Please dispose of them via the appropriate commercially available containers or drop them off at public collection points.

Easy Charge

Before using the LEUCHTIE for the first time: Charge the batteries.
Please charge the batteries as early as possible:

We recommend charging the batteries once a week or after approx. 10 – 15 hours burn time overnight.
The maximum brightness of your LEUCHTIE is maintained.
This leads to a longer battery life (no deep discharge).
It guarantees the greatest possible operational capability.
If the LEUCHTIE is not used for a longer period of time (e. g. in summer), please fully charge the batteries before taking it out of operation.

Recharging the batteries:

Connect the USB cable of the charging station to a USB power source (e.g. USB power supply unit or USB socket of a car/ PC, etc.).
The green LED of the charging station indicates that it is ready for use.
Place the charging contacts of the LEUCHTE onto the charging station. The magnetic charging contacts will automatically align.
The red LED shows that the batteries are recharging.
The batteries are charged as soon as the green LED starts to light up in addition to the red LED.

Removing the batteries

Detach the tube from the battery pack on both sides with slight kinking movements.
Pull both silicone sleeves off the battery pack.
Bend the battery contacts carefully using a pointed object (e.g. a small screwdriver or toothpick) until the batteries are exposed.
Tap both sides of the battery pack one after the other on a table or against your hand until both batteries fall out.

Inserting new batteries

The charging contacts (A) of the battery pack point upwards, the label on the tube (B) is on the right side.
There are red and blue markings in both the sockets of the tube and in the contact plates of the battery section. Insert the new rechargeable batteries into the battery pack as shown in the picture:
red side = contact with the positive pole of the battery
blue side = contact with the negative pole of the other battery
Press the two contact pads with the flat side back into the battery pack onto the battery poles.
Put both silicone sleeves back on the battery pack. The ring marking of the sleeves (C) points to the battery pack.
Connect the tube and the battery pack as follows:
the red marked end of the tube onto the red contact pad / positive terminal of the battery
the blue marked end of the tube onto the blue contact pad / negative terminal of the other battery

Attaching the battery pack

Insert both ends of the tube one after the other straight into the battery pack. Be careful not to bend the contact springs.
Press the battery pack and the tube firmly together on both sides as far as it can go, until they are closed properly. There must be no gap between the battery pack and the tube.

Possible causes may be:

The charging station is not connected to a power source: The green diode is not lit.
The LEUCHTIE is not closed correctly: the battery pack and the tube must be fully pushed together so that no gap is visible between the battery pack and the tube.
The charging contacts are dirty: Check and clean the magnetic contacts. Adhering metal particles can be easily removed from the magnets with adhesive tape.
The batteries are defective: Replace them with new rechargeable batteries of the same type. For the Pro Easy Charge and Premium Easy Charge model: NiMH batteries type AAA 1.2 V with low self-discharge.