How would I go about softening a real leather dog collar with buckle?

saddle soap

a) saddle soap
b) leather balsam
c) soak overnight in light (clean!) oil and cleanse thoroughly with baby wipes ;)

HTH, Teri

Isn't it linseed oil?

More or less any type of oil is ok if suitably removed afterwards :)  I've used both baby oil and olive oil (doesn't need much of either).

regards, Teri

With tack for the horses we always used neatsfoot oil, sinks in best if slightly warmed (slightly being the operative word, I have awful memories of a beautifully, handmade, brand new double bridle being deep-fried by accident!)  It will darken the leather consideralby if it is light coloured.  Rub the oil in thoroughly with a clean cloth, and then "work" the leather gently between your fingers.

bye
Gwen

I have even used liquid parafin.

Sit on it!  Seriously, it really does work.  Whenever you're sat - on the sofa or in the car. etc - just sit on it.  Wriggling your bum helps too - although you might get some funny looks :d  Just mind the buckle! :d

Debs

Go to any saddlers and you will find products for leather care..neatsfoot oil   as someone has already said.  but do not leave over night soaking, as the oil will eventually rot the thread .  remember leather lasts a life time if looked after , but the thread does not...so always check it.

Modern thread is not going to rot.. linen thread though that will.

Soaking in oil is bad anyway, it loosens the fibres in the leather and will make it eventually go all wrinkly and weak.

Clean the leather, then rub in some  oil with warm hands.

If its good quality leather, it will last ages - if its cr@p then nothing you will do will improve it (and most dog collars are made of rubbish leather).

I used a bit of baby oil on a hard collar and it softened beautifully.  Don't know if that's what you should use but it did the trick for me. 

The old, traditional native North American way is to chew it.  :)   Really.  Failing that you can just sit and work it with your fingers while you watch a favourite TV show.

I wouuuuuuuldnt do that with either veg tanned or chrome tanned leather... unless you fancy poisoning yourself.

The Native Americans chewed rawhide type leathers, not tanned leathers.... and thus did not die. :)

I was being facetious, which isn't a good idea on the internet.  But never thought of the tanning aspect.  Good thing theemx is on the ball.

Thanks guys for all your solutions..will try out some It is  a very good leather collar so should come up nicely!   I'll sit on it ,rub it,oil it & chew it & that's just the collar!