FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Press Contact
Shannon Walton
SIMBOL Communications
shannon@simbolpr.com
970.260.9282
Minneapolis, MN (July 19, 2018) — With their sights firmly set on becoming the leader in high-performance products for active dogs and their owners, upstart brand Stunt Puppy has joined forces with like-minded New Zealand brand D-Fa Dogs. The Stunt Puppy name will cover both going forward, but each brings an impressive array of expertly researched and meticulously engineered leashes, collars, jackets, PFD’s and more to the table.
Furthermore, honoring both brands’ long-term commitment to locally produced products – Stunt Puppy’s are all made in the USA, and the large majority of D-Fa’s in New Zealand – the new partnership plans to produce as many products as possible in the USA, and the rest in NZ. Current Stunt Puppy products are available now at select running stores, and of course both brands are available for sale online. When the merger is complete, all dog gear can be found at www.stuntpuppy.com.
The post-merger Stunt Puppy will continue the traditions of both brands to transcend the vast mass-produced dog-product market by making the most durable, versatile, high-end products. All products will continue to be specifically researched and purpose built to excel at the activities for which they’re intended – everything from running to paddling to snow sports and almost anything in between. Stunt Puppy’s motto is, “Built from the dog up,” while D-Fa’s is “Engineered for Dogs,” and the new partnership definitely intends to honor both.
“Be good humans; do what’s right. I really like those ideas – it feels like something a dog would say!” says Angela Hook, founder of D-Fa Dogs and Stunt Puppy partner, and a renowned specialist in human and canine behaviour in her own right. “This is what we mean by building from the dog up. All our products are designed to the dog’s biomechanical and psychological needs first, and then adapted for their humans. “Take the HeliDog Lifting Harness for instance: That’s a very complex piece of gear for a highly specified use. So when we built that, we thought about safety: keeping the pressure off soft tissue when lifting, how wearing the jacket primes the dogs for work, and snugly wrapping around the animal which is known to help dogs feel calmer in stressful situations.”
Ken Goldman, original founder of Stunt Puppy, explains this idea further: “We take our dogs well outside their natural comfort zones – on rivers, in the ocean, out in the snow, to crowded streets and craft breweries. While our dogs may enjoy this, they’re often not naturally equipped to deal with those conditions. It is our job as their guardians to protect them and help them be more comfortable. What’s emerging now is a really keen interest in canine behavior and communication (which goes back to that idea of connection between human and dog). The leash, collar, harness, even a life jacket all communicate something to our dogs. So we do our best to see things from that point of view, how the dog sees it and how we enrich that human/dog connection via gear.”
The new partnership is well under way now, and D-Fa tags and the website will officially disappear soon. However almost every product from both will remain in-line for now, and exciting new products are imminent. The new partnership aims at ultimately creating something that changes the category and the way humans everywhere care for their dogs.
About STUNT PUPPY: Our dogma is a belief in gear that benefits the most noble amongst us - the dogs. We make gear of the highest quality that makes it feel good to be a dog; running, playing and working by your side wherever your adventures may take you.
Gear For Active Dogs
This is gear for dogs that brave autumn without an argyle sweater, ride shotgun in the pickup, nudge their running partner awake before the alarm goes off…you get the idea. Dogs like these need gear that keeps up with them, in the city and the country; the rain and the sun; the hot and the cold; the dark and the light.
This gear is for you and your dog. Whatever you do. Every day.
From Basement to Brand
For years, Ken Goldman searched for the perfect leash and collar for his golden retriever, Bauer. From volunteering at hospitals to running the trails, their lifestyle was busy – and put their dog gear to the test. Dissatisfied with other dog products on the market, Ken retreated to his basement, pulled out a sewing machine (thanks Mom) and created the Stunt Runner™, a dog leash fitted with a flexible connector, which enabled him to run easily with Bauer by his side.
He tested his gear with neighborhood dogs and quickly moved on to the most active of canines: Search-and-rescue dogs, law enforcement dogs, Iditarod dogs, dock-diving dogs. These dogs continue to test all Stunt Puppy products and inspire new gear.
What began as a basement project quickly turned into a national brand. Taking cues from high-quality climbing, skiing and camping gear, Ken used similar materials and construction techniques to ensure his products had the comfort and durability to keep up with even the most active dogs and their owners.
How We Make Gear Fit For A Dog
Human Grade Components
Human-grade fabrics mean gear that's lighter, softer, more breathable, and performs better across a range of conditions. We use human-grade fabrics and components because to us, it's never JUST a dog.
Fit-To-Move™ Design
There are no straight lines on a dog, so there are no straight lines on Stunt Puppy jackets. Curved panels, articulated seams, and adjustments where they're needed most allow for a customized fit that accommodates deep chests, broad shoulders, narrow waists and all the glorious combinations in between.
Lab-Test the Gear
Good on paper isn't good enough for the kind of treatment that our outdoor gear needs to endure. Every Stunt Puppy design is tested and measured by our team of Lab-Testers.
To Make It Right, We Make It in the Right Place
From the first buckle to the last stitch, we manufacture where materials and techniques are the best: New Zealand’s first-rate Merino wool; China’s flotation construction expertise; the United States’ premiere reflective technology. It all comes together in the USA where we can ship with the smallest footprint and help take care of our one beautiful planet.
We Love Our Dogs as Much as You Do
We started with a single jacket made from scraps for Jack, our thermally fragile Ridgeback, and fashioning the perfect leash for Bauer to make his hospital therapy rounds. We still design for the Jacks and Bauers who are making the world a better place, one unconditional wag at a time.
Here's What Makes Us Better
Tubular Webbing
Soft, smooth and strong. The same material used in top-quality climbing and rescue gear. Doesn't pinch the skin or mat the hair.
Patterns
Because your dogs life is seven times too short to live with boredom. We've created a unique line of patterns to fancy up your dog.
Crazy Strong and Crazy Light Carabiners
Active dog owners tend to have their hands full. These carabiners are strong, durable – and so easy to use. They auto lock once clipped onto your dog's collar.
Bar Tack Stitching
We don't glue our materials together or sew like Grandma; we stitch `em right and tight. This super strong stitch is the same one used on climbing harnesses and firefighters' gear.
Duraflex® Buckles
Buckles are one of the key safety features in any leash or collar. So when it comes to buckles, we don't mess around: We use the best ones on the market.
Innovative Reflective Trim
Made with 3M™ Scotchlite™ Reflective Material. Looks great during the day, shows up even better at night, reflecting back up to 500 feet.
Biothane® Waterproof Material
A lightweight and virtually indestructible material that's waterproof and stinkproof. Built to handle weather extremes, it stays flexible in the coldest of conditions.
Dual D Rings
One ring for the tags and one ring for the leash. There’s no need to reach under your dog’s neck to clip the leash and then spin the buckle and tags all the way up to the top of the neck. The second D-Ring is right there on top (and can be repositioned) for you to easily clip right into. And no jingle mingle with the leash and tags.