Share Facebook Telegram Linkedin

Ten years of PULLER: the interview with fitness tool’s developers

04.08.2021
Updated 19.05.2022
Ten years of PULLER: the interview with fitness tool’s developers

Main points

    In 2021, PULLER, a dog fitness tool, celebrates its tenth anniversary. From a bold idea, It has become a world-renowned dog sports tool that has been used in the Dog Puller World Championship. But the real story of PULLER began much earlier. Yuriy Sinitsa, founder and CEO of COLLAR, and The inventor of PULLER, Serhii Shkot, talks about when and how it happened.


    Please, сould you tell us more about PULLER and accessories?


    Y.S. It isn’t just a toy; it is a fitness and learning tool for the animal. We say that it creates a new connection level between dogs and parents. PULLER consists of two violet rings made of composite materials developed by COLLAR. In 2010, we were searching for suitable materials and researching light industry and automobile manufacturing. We started to experiment and then found the solution. Our materials make PULLER both durable and soft. It is also interesting for the animal: the rubber toys aren’t very comfortable for dogs. We even got some jocular reviews asking what drugs we add to our rings to make pets love them so much. We’re glad to say nothing! PULLER is totally safe, non-toxic, and has no odor. The dog can play with it as a reward. The only thing pet parents have to keep in mind is that pets can still chew the rings into pieces if left with them unsupervised. PULLER is made for training, not for constant playing.

    Now, the team adds comic strips to each PULLER set. A couple of minutes of comic reading explains how to use the tool explicitly.

     

    S.S. We also create lots of additional accessories: gloves which are already on the market, bags, and tools for beginners with big dogs will be available soon.


    How did the idea of the fitness tool appear?


    Serhii Shkot and Yuriy Sinitsa at the Zoomark 2013

    Serhii Shkot – on the left, Yuriy Sinitsa – in the center, at the Zoomark 2013

    S.S. The PULLER’s conceptual ancestors were focus mitts used for boxing training. The boxing experience of the two items, one in each hand, was very suitable for the dog training routine. The main idea was to make the dog move from one hand to another. The sticks weren’t safe and comfortable enough for this kind of training.

    I tried children’s bicycle tires. The rubber may seem the most suitable material that provides both elasticity and durability. But the tires couldn’t endure long training and, importantly, they could harm the dog’s teeth after the activity. The team needed another material. And again, they turned back to the focus mitts concept, safe for training.


    How was this idea made real?


    S.S. I offered the concept to many companies, even to the leaders of the foreign markets that now sell PULLER as COLLAR Company’s partners. The other dog trainers were also skeptical about it. When I showed the prototype to Yuriy Sinitsa, he took it for one evening to try with his dog. Then, he decided to manufacture it with some improvements, especially with the material.

    Y.S. Serhii and I talked about naughty dogs a lot. Why do some of them stop listening to their parents at the very moment of unfastening the leash? What the “magnet” connecting people and pets can be? Serhii described the concepts of the two items and showed Yuriy the prototype ring (it was just a tire for a children’s bicycle at that time). Serhii demonstrated that the dogs became much more obedient during the routine with the rings. They decided that this concept may result in a revolutionary product if combined with the right philosophy. The product had the potential to become much more than an ordinary toy.

    The naming was also quite interesting. Serhii nicknamed his rings “bullets” (puli) because they were flying, metaphorically, with a bullet speed. I liked the pulling more because the dogs became the most excited they had ever been. I suggested the name PULLER which combined the two, and it was a cool and unique name. This uniqueness allowed us to register the PULLER trademark worldwide.

    How did you get pet parents to try PULLER?

    puller sizes

    S.S. At the start of our first expo with PULLER, we hoped to sell a hundred rings, but we just had to keep bringing new boxes from the car. When we got the test items back in 2011, we took the bag with PULLER rings and just went to the dog walkers in the neighborhood. We showed them how to use the new products, and in mere hours our bags were empty! The whole expo was violet; everyone had PULLER.

    Later, the experience was different. There were excited letters; there were rejection and doubts.

    Tell us more about the Dog Puller international sport?

    Dog Puller world championship

     

    Y.S. We managed to show people the Dog Puller philosophy to thousands of people all over the globe, and it turned into a global movement. Now, Dog Puller is one of the fastest-growing dog sports in the world. The International Federation of Dog Puller, led by President Varvara Petrenko, was created. The National Federations already exist in many countries . Ten to twenty official competitions are held each year, and hundreds of sportspeople participate.

    We are waiting for the 15 teams on the next World Championship: from Canada, Poland, Czech Republic, Hungary, Slovenia, Slovakia, Portugal, Germany, Ukraine, Japan, Israel, South Korea, the USA, Belarus, and Russia.

    S.S. Dog Puller is based on the exercises developed by me. But my best decision was to trust Varvara Petrenko, the President of the International Federation of Dog Puller and not insist on something that would have been an obstacle. For example, I wanted the Puller Running field to be 50 meters and more to throw PULLER far; I also wanted the Puller Jumping performance to be three minutes. But if I’d insisted, Dog Puller could not have survived. The current Dog Puller rules define the Puller Running field as 30 meters long; the Puller Jumping performance is 90 seconds.

    What did Puller’s experience teach you?

    Y.S. If you have an excellent product with great potential, you have to grow and take the market as fast as possible. The fast you do it, the stronger your defense will be because the customer is the final judge. If your product is popular, you don’t have to be afraid of competitors or plagiarism. If it’s not, no patents will save you.

    The second essential thing: if you create something new, you must have a solid immunity to criticism. In the beginning, the employees of COLLAR did not believe this idea: just two simple violet rings, why the CEO is so excited, it will just be another ordinary toy. But PULLER became one of the company’s headliners. Now, it is sold in 70 countries worldwide, two Dog Puller World Championships were held already, and without the quarantine, it would have been an annual event. We do hope to hold the next World Championship this year, though.

    Our main experience in this story is: if you feel that this product is yours — go forward despite all odds. To the inevitable success.

    Rate this article

    Events

    Previous slide
    Next slide
    Documentary Film «From collar to COLLAR Company»

    19.08.2024
    Robot Dog by Unitree Now has Traits of a Real Dog

    Now, any Unitree Go robot can be registered in the…

    21.06.2024
    WAUDOG Fun collection grows bigger

    05.06.2024
    WAUDOG LED flashlight user manual

    03.06.2024
    Expectations went beyond and above at Interzoo 2024

    COLLAR Company, a renowned Ukrainian manufacturer of innovative pet supplies,…

    28.05.2024
    WAUDOG Nylon expanded its collection

    03.05.2024
    WAUDOG Nylon Mono: Elevating Pet Accessories to Impress Discerning Pet Parents

    Украинский производитель COLLAR Company представил свою новейшую серию аксессуаров для…

    15.03.2024
    The WAUDOG Dog and Cat Fountain

    02.02.2024
    Four-legged active lifestyle: how Ukrainian pet brands created a product for energetic dogs

    02.02.2024
    WAUDOG Waterproof anatomical H-harnesses added to collection

    19.01.2024
    COLLAR Company - 28 Years

    03.01.2024
    WAUDOG Treats: A Tasty Way to Care for Your Pets

    04.12.2023
    Dog Puller World Championship 2023 in Poland

    29.11.2023
    WAUDOG Nylon Recycled — successful combination of innovations and eco trends

    29.11.2023
    SuperZoo 2023: Special offers and releasing novelties

    28.11.2023
    WAUDOG R-leash with waste bag container

    28.11.2023
    TOP 7 myths about pet products every pet store owner should know

    27.11.2023
    PetExpo 2023: unique offers and novelties

    27.11.2023
    Pet industry: boosting sales with WAUDOG Nylon pet accessorie

    24.11.2023
    Hot eco trends in the pet business 2023

    Read more about 2023 hot eco trends in the pet…

    09.06.2023
    How to open your own pet store?

    Find out in our article how to make a pet…

    26.05.2023
    Zoomark International 2023: COLLAR Company welcomes visitors with Special Expo offers

    Visiting us at the show, you will receive a “Show…

    12.05.2023
    Spring clothes for dogs: what do customers choose in the warm season?

    What do customers choose in the warm season

    25.04.2023
    Trilateral agreement to reconstruct kindergartens № 4 and № 72 in Chernihiv

    Peace Winds Japan and the COLLAR Company, have raised funds…

    21.04.2023
    Toys for large breed dogs and their owners: Flyber, WAUDOG Fun, PitchDog

    Read more about different types of toys for large-breed dogs.

    07.04.2023
    The Quietest Aquarium Compressor in the World aPump USB that Works from a Powerbank

    The quietest aquarium compressor in the world aPump USB that…

    30.03.2023
    Global Pet Expo 2023: COLLAR welcomes visitors

    COLLAR Company will also be participating in the Global Pet…

    16.03.2023
    COLLAR Company will participate in the ExpoZoo 2023

    COLLAR Company will participate in the ExpoZoo exhibition 2023 in…

    07.03.2023
    Trendy glowing dog collar – an exciting novelty for safe walks

    A glowing dog collar is not a fantasy. Especially, when…

    10.02.2023
    Wholesale pet beds with removable elements – a bright novelty in your assortment!

    Read more about pet beds with removable elements – a…

    27.01.2023
    WAUDOG Classic collection expands with new pet accessories

    The COLLAR Company unveils new products within the WAUDOG Classic…

    19.01.2023
    Military Collection to show contribution of dogs to the common victory of Ukraine

    The COLLAR Company introduces a new “Military” collection of pet…

    13.01.2023
    LIKER Ball: 5 dog toys for indoor activities

    Read our article about 5 amazing dog toys for indoor…

    23.12.2022
    The COLLAR Company's Challenges and Achievements in 2022

    How the Company coped with all challenges and what achieved…

    16.12.2022
    Silicone travel water and food bowls for dogs and cats in the new WAUDOG Silicone series

    Discover silicone travel water and food bowls for dogs and…

    09.12.2022
    Beauty matters. 3 stylish, innovative aquarium lights by AquaLighter

    Read about 3 innovative AquaLighter LED lights, which design is…

    18.11.2022
    WAUDOG Fun glow-in-the-dark ball

    To make pets happier, the COLLAR Company released a splendid…

    11.11.2022
    WAUDOG like Patron: The Pet Collection «HERRRO»

    We present a new collection from the legendary Ukrainian dog…

    03.11.2022
    3 best pet carriers, that you should offer your customers

    Learn more about advising pet carriers for your customers in…

    14.10.2022
    Exclusive collection Colors of Freedom to support Ukraine

    The COLLAR Company is extremely happy to announce the release…

    03.10.2022
    Get ready for cold weather: what dog clothes will be in demand in Autumn/Winter 2022

    Get ready for cold weather: what dog clothes will be…

    23.09.2022
    WAUDOG Smart ID app Reunites Lost Pets with their Parents

    The COLLAR Company announces the release of the new mobile…

    16.09.2022
    WAUDOG Smart ID app Reunites Lost Pets with their Parents

    16.09.2022
    The COLLAR Company Presents the New GiGwi Toys Collection

    The COLLAR Company Presents the New GiGwi Toys Collection

    09.09.2022
    TOP 3 innovative pet products for your customers

    TOP 3 innovative pet products for your customers

    01.09.2022
    United24 Media about the COLLAR Company

    United24 Media about the COLLAR Company

    23.08.2022
    Dennerle LED lamps for Aquariums passed ECM Certification

    LED lamps for aquariums of trade mark Dennerle, Germany, that…

    09.08.2022
    A brand-new collection of Dog Toys WAUDOG Fun

    A brand-new collection of Dog Toys WAUDOG Fun

    03.08.2022
    Reflective Drawstrings for WAUDOG Smart ID Pet Tags

    WAUDOG’s collection of dog toys grows larger

    03.08.2022
    Be confident and sell confidence: pet products with a lifetime warranty from the manufacturer COLLAR Company

    Be confident and sell confidence: pet products with a lifetime…

    21.07.2022
    WAUDOG Harnesses:  what types of harness for dogs are better to order for pet store?

    What WAUDOG types of harness for dogs are better to…

    08.07.2022
    SuperDog and SuperCat pet food — new heroes to make your pets happy and healthy

    COLLAR Company is driven by a commitment to continuous improvement…

    01.07.2022
    What to sell in the summer: TOP-5 popular summer pet products in a pet store during the hot season

    How can a pet store avoid a negative balance and…

    27.06.2022
    WAUDOG pet beds with removable pillows

    WAUDOG is happy to present its new pet product in…

    22.06.2022
    AiryVest coat with velcro straps

    AiryVest brand presents its new bright coat for dogs with…

    22.06.2022
    Officially-licensed Rick and Morty collection

    Officially-licensed Rick and Morty collection

    22.06.2022
    COLLAR Company presents its patriotic Bravery Collection

    COLLAR Company presents it's new Bravery Collection

    22.06.2022
    How Pets Patrol Feeds and Rescues Pets in Ukraine

    Pets Patrol, a charity project aiming to help pets affected…

    17.06.2022
    COLLAR Company at Interzoo 2022 in Nuremberg

    At the Interzoo exhibition in Nuremberg, where it were 1,300…

    08.06.2022
    Surpassed expectations at Interzoo 2022

    COLLAR Company, the pet product manufacturer from Ukraine, visited Interzoo…

    06.06.2022
    COLLAR Company will participate in Interzoo 2022

    COLLAR Company will participate in Interzoo exhibition in Nuremberg, Germany…

    23.05.2022
    Collar Company has started charity project for pets in Ukraine

    To provide help for pets during wartime, the Ukrainian Collar…

    19.05.2022
    “Pets Patrol” in Chernihiv

    We introduce a new social project from COLLAR Company, supported…

    04.05.2022
    From cooperation with NASA to unexploded ordnance on site. How the Chernihiv pet products manufacturer COLLAR Company works during the war

    The war did not pass by the company COLLAR. Several…

    02.05.2022
    COLLAR Company has analyzed the Most Popular WAUDOG Designs in 2021

    COLLAR Company has analyzed the Most Popular WAUDOG Designs in…

    15.02.2022
    COLLAR Company’s social projects in 2021

    26 years, 78 countries, 5 external offices and a team…

    31.01.2022
    COLLAR Company Successfully Passed Certification ISO 9001

    On December, 2021, COLLAR Company successfully passed certification ISO 9001:2015.…

    06.01.2022
    Pet parent profile unveiled by COLLAR

    GlobalPETS wrote about COLLAR Company customer analysis: what are the…

    30.12.2021
    European level stadium in Chernihiv

    European level stadium in Chernihiv

    28.12.2021
    COLLAR Company: A home for every pet

    COLLAR Company: A home for every pet

    28.12.2021
    The Canistherapy: a friendship therapy

    Since 2011, together with the Chernihiv Center "Vidrodzhennya", canister therapy…

    28.12.2021
    “Chernihiv-Arena”: stadium built by COLLAR Company

    “Chernigiv-Arena”: stadium built by COLLAR Company

    28.12.2021
    The COLLAR Company participated in GlobalPETS Forum

    On January, 23-25 in Amsterdam (Netherlands) the COLLAR Company participated…

    24.12.2021
    Yurij Sinitsa, the COLLAR Company owner, became the winner of PET ICON Awards

    Yuri Sinitsa, the COLLAR Company owner, became the winner of…

    23.12.2021
    COLLAR Company continues developing the partnership with NASA

    We are glad to announce that the collaboration with NASA…

    23.12.2021
    Interview with founder and CEO of COLLAR Company

    How to meet and cope with crises? How complicated situations…

    23.12.2021
    COLLAR Company celebrated Take Your Dog To Work Day

    Take Your Dog To Work Day is a special day…

    22.12.2021
    MAKING PETS HAPPY: COLLAR Company social initiatives

    In 2020 COLLAR Company launched several socially responsible initiatives to…

    22.12.2021
    2.5 times more effective  LEAN manufacturing tools on in the COLLAR Company production lines

    How the Ukrainian manufacturer of pet products managed to optimize…

    22.12.2021
    COLLAR Company equipped all WAUDOG collars with QR pet tags

    The smart tags became part of WAUDOG Design, WAUDOG Nylon,…

    20.12.2021
    COLLAR Company and ТМ GIGWI became partners

    Collar Company announces the beginning of the partnership with GIGWI.

    20.12.2021
    COLLAR Company wins CIPS Innovation Award-2021

    WAUDOG Re-cotton accessories got the prestigious China International Pet Show…

    16.12.2021
    СOLLAR COMPANY is the first Ukrainian expo member at Pet South America 2021

    The expo season continues! COLLAR Company has showcased its new…

    02.12.2021
    COLLAR Company to participate in Interzoo digital

    From June 1 to June 4, 2021, the COLLAR company…

    23.11.2021
    COLLAR Company won “Product of the Year 2020|2021”

    The WAUDOG ring-shaped retractable leash has won the “Products of…

    14.11.2021
    The national team of Hungary became the World Champions of Dog Puller-2021

    On October 16-17, the Dog Puller World Championship took place…

    17.10.2021
    The Dog Puller Championship will take place in a new format

    The President of the Dog Puller Federation, Varvara Petrenko, confirmed…

    10.09.2021
    The Dog Puller World Championship 2021 will be held in new format

    The DPWC 2021 will be held in a whole new…

    01.08.2021
    WAUDOG pet products impressed US visitors of the exhibition

    WAUDOG pet products impressed US visitors of the exhibition COLLAR…

    27.03.2021
    The Union of Ukrainian Entrepreneurs delegation visited COLLAR Company

    The Founder and CEO, Yuri Sinitsa, met the guests and…

    18.03.2021
    WAUDOG Waterproof — winner of TOP FOR DOG 2020!

    The WAUDOG Waterproof accessories have been recognized as the best…

    23.12.2020
    COLLAR Company continues to help homeless animals in 2020

    The year 2020 has become an active social project year…

    21.12.2020
    COLLAR Company at Global Pet Expo 2020

    On 26-28 of February 2020 the biggest annual pet products…

    29.02.2020
    The EU Ambassador in Ukraine visited COLLAR Company

    The EU Ambassador in Ukraine visited COLLAR Company. On the…

    26.02.2020
    COLLAR and Ferplast embark on collaboration

    Ferplast has included the Puller training toy of the Ukrainian…

    07.01.2020
    COLLAR Company at China International Pet Show

    On 20-23 of November in Shanghai, China, China International Pet…

    24.11.2019
    The COLLAR Company at Zoomark - the biggest European pet expo!

    The COLLAR Company participated at Zoomark - the biggest European…

    09.05.2019
    COLLAR Company team took part in CIPS 2018

    COLLAR Company team took part in CIPS 2018!

    30.09.2018
    COLLAR Company at Global Pet Expo 2018

    Global Pet Expo (GPE) is the main exhibition in pet…

    24.03.2018
    The COLLAR Company meets friends!

    The representatives of the Animalis/Crazy Paws — the exclusive distributor…

    24.12.2017
    COLLAR Company is a headliner of modern trends on the Global Pet Expo!

    COLLAR Company is a headliner of modern trends on the…

    23.03.2017
    AiryVest dog jacket won the Industry Recognition Award 2016

    AiryVest dog jacket won the Industry Recognition Award 2016.

    23.12.2016
    Top For Dog 2016: PULLER is the best!

    PULLER dog training tool by COLLAR Company won the 1st place…

    22.11.2016
    Become a partner