Choosing your LEUCHTIE

Which size does my dog need?

The 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.
Measuring a dog's head with a tape measure at the widest point, just in front of the ears.
  1. Measure around the widest part of your dog's head, just in front of the ears. Keep the tape measure tight.

  2. Choose the closest size. If your dog is between two sizes, choose the smaller one.

  3. If your dog's neck is wider than its head, measure the neck where the LEUCHTIE will sit, and choose the size based on that measurement instead.
LEUCHTIE Mini LEUCHTIE Plus and Easy Charge
size in cm size in inches size in cm size in inches
25 10 35 14
27.5 11 37.5 15
30 12 40 16
32.5 13 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
Model Popular sizes (cm) Dog's weight (kg) Example breeds
Weights and breeds are a guide only. The right size depends on your dog's build, sex and coat. For example, female dogs often need one size smaller than males, and dogs with long fur around the neck often need one size larger than short-haired dogs.
Mini 30 6-8 Jack Russell Terrier
Bolonka
32.5 8-10 West Highland Terrier
Sheltie
Plus & Easy Charge 35
37.5		 10-15 Whippet
Tibetan Terrier
40
42.5		 16-23 Border Collie
Spaniel
45
47.5		 24-30 Australian Shepherd
Dalmatian
50
52.5		 31-36 Retriever
German Shepherd
55
57.5		 37-42 Rhodesian Ridgeback
Hovawart
60 43-50 Bernese Mountain Dog
Rottweiler
How do the LEUCHTIE models differ?

See our "What is the difference?" page.
Which colours are brightest?

How bright a colour looks always depends on how long and dark your dog's coat is. It also depends on the model, how far away your dog usually is, and your own preference.

Colours from brightest to least bright:

  1. Green* / Neon Green
  2. Turquoise
  3. Lime*
  4. Ice Blue
  5. White*
  6. Sunny Yellow
  7. Blush*
  8. Blue
  9. Lavender*
  10. Sunset Orange
  11. Hot Pink
  12. Red

*Supplied with a clear tube.

If your eyes are sensitive to light, or your dog has short hair and stays close to you, a less bright colour may be more comfortable.

Colours may look slightly different depending on your screen and its settings.
Does the LEUCHTIE work with long-haired dogs?

Yes. All models use very bright LEDs.

  • Colour: the longer, thicker and darker your dog's coat, the brighter the colour you should choose. See "Which colours are brightest?" above.
  • Model: for very long-haired dogs, such as Australian Shepherds or Newfoundlands, and for dogs that roam far from you, we recommend the Easy Charge. It shines at a constant brightness without fading as the batteries drain.
Will the LEUCHTIE dazzle me?

This is very rare, although people perceive brightness differently. If your eyes are sensitive:

  • Choose the Plus or Mini. These do not shine at a constant brightness.
  • Choose a less bright colour, such as Sunset Orange, Sunny Yellow or Hot Pink.
Is the LEUCHTIE waterproof?

Yes. All models are fully waterproof. Your dog can swim and dive while wearing one.
Is the LEUCHTIE heavy?

No. LEUCHTIEs utilise very small components, many designed with our suppliers, so the LEUCHTIE is light enough for small dogs.

The battery pack looks solid but is not. It is a tube with a cap at each end, so it adds very little weight.

Ordering, delivery and returns

Do you deliver abroad?

This store serves the United Kingdom only. If you have reached us from elsewhere, please visit LEUCHTIE.com.
When will my order arrive?

See our delivery times.
What are the shipping costs?

See our shipping information.
Which delivery service do you use?

Royal Mail.
How do I exchange my LEUCHTIE for a different size or colour?

Please get in touch via our Contact Us page.
How long is the guarantee?

LEUCHTIEs bought by private customers from the online shop come with a 5-year guarantee. See our Warranty Terms.
How can I give a rating?

Only customers who have ordered from our online shop can review the items they bought. We will email you a review link two weeks after your order arrives. You can also leave a review on the product page.

About the LEUCHTIE

Does the LEUCHTIE have different light settings?

No. The LEUCHTIE only shines with a steady, bright light.

In our experience, flashing lights unsettle many dogs, especially fast or irregular flashing. Flashing can also make other dogs tense, which can lead to conflict, and many owners find it distracting.

A steady light does not bother your dog. Many dogs feel more secure in the dark when wearing one. The light is also bright enough to make your dog clearly visible from all sides, even at a distance.

Tip: if your dog does not like having a collar or harness put on, keep the battery pack facing upwards while you put the LEUCHTIE on. It will stay off until your dog is wearing it.
Why does the LEUCHTIE not have a switch?

Since 2003, LEUCHTIE's principle has been: "What is not there cannot break."

Switches and buttons wear out and can let in water and dirt. Instead, all LEUCHTIEs in our UK shop switch on and off automatically using a motion sensor:

  • Battery pack facing down: the LEUCHTIE switches on.
  • Battery pack facing up: the LEUCHTIE switches off, within about a minute.

This design makes the LEUCHTIE fully waterproof, robust and long-lasting.
How do I know which model I have?

Check the size sticker. All current LEUCHTIEs show the model name and size on the light itself.
Where are the electronics?

In the tube. The battery pack only holds two batteries: standard or rechargeable, depending on the model.

Getting started

Where can I find the instruction manuals?

You can download or print the manual for your model here:
How do I activate my LEUCHTIE Plus or Easy Charge?

Before first use, remove the red insulation cap. It is on the opposite side to the size sticker.

  1. Hold the silicone sleeve against the battery pack and pull the tube out at a slight angle. Do not use force.
  2. Remove the red cap and throw it away.

3. Push the tube straight back into the battery pack. Make sure the contact spring goes in straight and does not bend.

4. Press the tube and battery pack firmly together until there is no gap.
How do I activate my LEUCHTIE Mini?

One battery is fitted the wrong way round, so the LEUCHTIE does not switch on during delivery. Turn it round before first use:

  1. On the side with the size sticker, twist gently to separate the tube from the battery pack. Do not use force.
  2. Remove the battery from the end of the tube and turn it round.
  3. Put it back into the tube, negative end first.
  4. Push the battery pack back onto the tube, keeping the spring centred.
  5. Press the tube and battery pack firmly together until there is no gap.
How do I attach the fixation loop?

Every LEUCHTIE comes with a fixation loop. You clip it to your dog's everyday collar so the LEUCHTIE does not get lost if it comes off.
  1. Pull one end of the tube out of the battery pack.
  2. Slide the tube through both clear rubber rings on the loop.
  3. Push the tube back into the battery pack until there is no gap.
  4. Clip the loop to your dog's everyday collar.
How do I put the LEUCHTIE together correctly?

If the tube and battery pack are not connected correctly, the LEUCHTIE may come apart or lose contact.

Correct assembly:

  • The tube is pushed fully into the battery pack, with no gap.
  • On both sides, the silicone sleeve sits centrally over the join, with the ridged end on the battery pack, and is not damaged.

Common mistakes:

  • There is a gap between the tube and the battery pack.
  • The sleeve has been pushed past the stop and sits too far onto the battery pack.
  • The sleeve sits too far onto the tube.
  • The sleeve is on the wrong way round.
  • The edge of the battery pack was bent when the tube was inserted, so the tube cannot go in fully.

Batteries and charging

How do I change the batteries in my LEUCHTIE Plus?

Before you start:

  • Use branded AAA alkaline batteries. Do not use rechargeable batteries.
  • Remove flat batteries straight away to avoid damage from leaks.

When the light becomes noticeably dimmer, replace both batteries. Work in a clean, dry place, with dry and grease-free hands.

  1. Hold the silicone sleeves against the battery pack and pull the tube out at a slight angle. Do not use force.

1. Remove both old batteries.

2. Insert the new batteries so that the negative end of one battery shows at one end, and the positive end of the other battery shows at the other end.

4. Connect the tube:

  • blue-marked end (with the size sticker) to the negative terminal
  • red-marked end to the positive terminal

Push each end straight in as far as it will go, until there is no gap. Do not bend the springs.

5. Test it by pointing the battery pack downwards. The LEUCHTIE should light up.

Do not put used batteries in household waste. Take them to a battery recycling point.
How do I charge my LEUCHTIE Easy Charge?

Charge it before first use. After that, charge it once a week or after about 10–15 hours of use. Regular charging:

  • keeps the LEUCHTIE at full brightness
  • extends battery life by preventing the batteries from running completely flat
  • means it is always ready to use

To charge:

  1. Plug the charging station's USB cable into a USB power source, such as a plug adapter, a computer or a car. The green light shows the station is ready.
  2. Place the LEUCHTIE's charging contacts on the station. The magnets line them up automatically.
  3. The red light shows it is charging. It is fully charged when the green light comes on as well.
How do I replace the rechargeable batteries in my Easy Charge?

We cannot currently supply replacement rechargeable batteries. Please contact us before replacing them.

Removing the batteries:

  1. Separate the tube from the battery pack on both sides by bending it gently.
  2. Pull both silicone sleeves off the battery pack.
  3. Carefully bend the battery contacts back with a pointed object, such as a small screwdriver or cocktail stick, until the batteries are exposed.
  4. Tap each end of the battery pack on a table or your hand until both batteries fall out.

Inserting new batteries:

  1. Hold the battery pack with the charging contacts (A) facing up and the label on the tube (B) on the right.
  2. Insert the batteries using the red and blue markings on the contact plates:

    red = positive end of one battery
    blue = negative end of the other battery

  3. Press both contact plates back into the battery pack, flat side against the batteries.
  4. Refit both silicone sleeves, with the ring marking (C) towards the battery pack.

Reattaching the tube:

  1. Connect the red-marked end of the tube to the red contact plate, and the blue-marked end to the blue contact plate. Push each end in straight, without bending the springs.
  2. Press the tube and battery pack firmly together on both sides until there is no gap.
How do I change the batteries in my LEUCHTIE Mini?

Before you start:

  • Use AAAA alkaline batteries only.
  • Remove flat batteries straight away to avoid damage from leaks.

When the light becomes noticeably dimmer, replace both batteries. Work in a clean, dry place, with dry and grease-free hands.

  1. Twist gently to separate the tube from the battery pack. Do not use force.
  2. Remove both old batteries from the ends of the tube.
  3. Insert new AAAA (LR61) batteries:

    - on the side with the LEUCHTIE label, negative end first
    + on the other side, positive end first

  4. Push the battery pack back on, keeping the springs centred.
  5. Test it by pointing the battery pack downwards. The LEUCHTIE should light up.

Do not put used batteries in household waste. Take them to a battery recycling point.
How should I store my LEUCHTIE over summer?

Mini and Plus: remove both batteries.

Easy Charge:

  1. Charge it fully, until both the green and red lights on the charging station are lit. You can also top it up during storage.
  2. Store it upright, with the battery pack at the top. This stops it switching on and draining the batteries, which damages them.
  3. If you cannot store it upright, remove the battery pack.

Troubleshooting

My LEUCHTIE does not switch on

Possible causes:

  • It has not been activated. See how to activate the Mini or the Plus and Easy Charge.
  • The batteries are flat. Fit two new batteries (Mini or Plus) or recharge it (Easy Charge).
  • The batteries are the wrong way round. See how to change the batteries.
  • The battery pack is on the wrong way round. See how to change the batteries.
  • It is not fully closed. Press the tube and battery pack firmly together on both sides until there is no gap.
  • The springs are faulty. The springs at each end of the tube must be straight and screwed tightly into the nut. See "The spring is missing or bent" below.
  • The batteries have leaked. Please send your LEUCHTIE to us for repair if you see either of these:

    — battery acid in the battery pack
    — discolouration on the plastic sockets at the ends of the tube, on the wires, or on the cable inside the tube
My LEUCHTIE Easy Charge does not charge

Possible causes:

  • The charging station is not connected to power. The green light will be off.
  • The LEUCHTIE is not fully closed. Press the tube and battery pack together until there is no gap.
  • The charging contacts are dirty. Clean the magnetic contacts. Sticky tape removes metal particles easily.
  • The batteries are faulty. Please contact us.
My LEUCHTIE has a loose contact

First check that the LEUCHTIE is put together correctly (see "How do I put the LEUCHTIE together correctly?" above). Then check that:

  • both springs are straight, screwed tightly into the nut, and not discoloured
  • the edges of the battery pack are not bent, as this stops the tube going in fully
  • the silicone sleeves fit tightly and are not damaged
  • the inside of the sleeves and the ends of the tube are clean, dry and free of grease

Your dog's coat leaves an oily residue, so wash the sleeves in warm water with washing-up liquid if needed. Rinse them well and let them dry completely. Do not use harsh or solvent-based cleaners.

Also check that the fixation loop is not pulling on the LEUCHTIE. Tension on the loop, especially when your dog lowers its head, can briefly break the contact or pull the LEUCHTIE open.

A little contact spray on the springs and battery terminals can also help.
The spring is missing or bent

Each contact spring screws into a nut inside the socket at the end of the tube. A coloured spring retainer sits over the spring. The retainer keeps the spring centred on the battery terminal, and its colour shows which way round the tube connects to the battery pack.

To replace a spring:

  1. Unscrew the bent spring anticlockwise with your thumb and index finger.
  2. Remove the coloured spring retainer with a pointed tool, such as a small screwdriver or flat-nose pliers.

3. Screw in the new spring clockwise, tightly wound end first, for 4–5 turns.

4. Pull gently on the spring to check it is secure. Do not overstretch it.

5. Slide the spring retainer over the spring and into the socket:

  • blue retainer: the end of the tube with the size sticker
  • red retainer: the other end

6. Press the end of the tube gently against a flat surface to push the retainer fully in. Make sure the spring does not bend.

7. Repeat on the other end of the tube if needed.

8. Push each end of the tube straight into the battery pack, without bending the springs.

9. Press the tube and battery pack firmly together on both sides until there is no gap.

Still have a question?

If you still have an unanswered question, please let us know.

 Contact Us