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Ian White & his pup Leo
Anyone who has trained a puppy knows their love of using their mouths to grab shoes, purses, diapers, tails and people's hands. Teaching them to keep their mouths to themselves can be a huge challenge. But now there is a fun, specific technique that may help puppies and dogs understand that hands are not for biting, but puppets are!
Paw Pets, a small company founded and based in Oakland, invented an original solution to dog's mouthy ways. Their hand puppets (Paw Pets), are designed and manufactured specifically for dogs to learn and play with.
"My poor grandmother's hand was the inspiration for Paw Pets," says Ian White, one of the two founders. White's grandmother was the recipient of a particularly playful pup who mouthed her hand causing it to bleed.
White, who was working on his MBA, researched for proof that his idea already existed. He scoured stores, the internet, questioned seamstresses and puppet makers. It seemed he had hit on an idea not yet in the marketplace.
In October of 2008, Paw Pets was launched with three character hand puppets: Crocobob, Sharkiana, and Hippolynne. Some of the "games" these Paw Pets can play with your dogs are "The Tail Teaser," "The Hide-&-Seek Nibbler," and "Paw Pet Pounce Workout." Each game is interactive between you and your dog, with the Paw Pet puppet generating the fun.
While Paw Pets have been wonderful for dogs and people, helping them to spend quality time together, the company has also reached out to homeless animals by supporting and donating the toy puppets. In fact, White organized the shooting of a PSA for Pets Unlimited with the help of Academy of Art students all in an effort to raise awareness of animals waiting to find new homes.
Paw Pets also works with professional dog trainers who have found the puppets to be a great tool in teaching dogs. Brandt Wilson of Top Dawgs Inc, says, "Paw Pets engages your dog socially and playfully in a non-aggressive way."
To see how Paw Pets and your dogs might become new best friends, look through the photos.
Play training for big dogs
White, his mother Lynne, donating Paw Pets to ARF
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Comments
I have one of these great toys and my two pups love them. The toy has lasted a long time and looks great. Nice work!
My dog Laya, an American Bulldog, was one of the original Paw Pets testers and we still have her shark. Looking forward to the Bamboo shark.
The Paw Pets that I've given as gifts have been huge hits!!
My dog Jose loves his Paw Pet. This is truly a great product. Every dog owner should buy one.
You know, what a clever idea. I bought Crocobob about two weeks ago and he immediately became my dog's favorite toy. We've played with it every day since we bought it.
Can't think of a more creative gift to give these days! Been looking for something original and fun. Bravo to Paw Pets for the high quality product!
my best boy created these and I love them. my dog friendly friends are gobbling them up. well done!
I've yet to see such an interactive and socially engaging dog toy. Great way to play with your pet!
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