A humane upgrade to the prong collar and choke chain, this simple training collar releases a spray to distract and deter a dog when he pulls too hard on leash.

Surveys by dogchannel.com found that over 95% of respondents walk their dogs at least sometimes, but over 65% had dogs who did not walk well on leash. Yet the decades-old choke chain and prong collar for dog training are increasingly rejected by consumers as inhumane. This device, at a similar price point, leverages the same spray deterrence widely used in humane anti-bark collars. It sprays a fluid of choice (water, citronella, etc.) when the dog pulls too hard, thereby diverting him without hurting him.

As the dog thrusts forward against the collar, he depresses a mechanical trigger that releases the spray outwardly. The tension of the trigger also doubles as a protective buffer for his neck. Dog owners can pull back on the leash to initiate a gentle correction as well.

Market Evaluation:

• The pet industry has been largely recession-proof, with surveys by National Pet Owners and by the American Pet Products Association predicting a 5 percent profit increase and a significant increase in pet ownership between 2010 and end 2011.
• The continual release of new anti-pull devices for walking dogs (head halters, harnesses, ultrasonic devices, etc., typically at much higher cost than this device), points to an unmet need in this category.
• Current spray collars for training only exist in the electronic remote control category. This device would offer some of the same capabilities at much lower cost.
• Positive responses have been received from distributors and potential end users.

Product Evaluation:

• Was a finalist in the As Seen On TV product search at Edison Nation (affiliate of Everyday Edisons TV show)
• Received positive commercial assessment report by United Inventors Association V.P. Gerald Udell's evaluation service, Innovation Institute, (formerly Wal-Mart Innovation Network)
• Appropriate for all kinds of dogs
• Entails basic plastic manufacturing components

The Patent:

The full patent may be viewed at the US Patent Office website: 7,992,525 Issue date was Aug. 9, 2011.

*Note:

The CAD model pictured above is one embodiment. Other embodiments include a Martingale style collar with an interior contoured squeeze bulb that sits against dog's neck and releases spray from a cartridge outside the collar (see graphic). The patent includes device claims and a method claim covering all designs of pull pressure mechanical spray release.