Superstitions Only Dog People Understand
It’s Friday the 13th and while most people are out here avoiding ladders and giving black cats the side-eye, dog parents know the real curses. If you’ve ever found yourself without a bag while your dog starts to squat you know that bad walk luck is very real.
Here are a few superstitions only dog people truly understand.
The Poop Ghosting
You saw the squat. You were ready.
But when you go to scoop? Nothing.
Did they fake it? Did it vanish? Will I end up on the NextDoor app? Terrifying.
The Second Poop Curse
You picked it up. You tossed the bag. You felt victorious.
But then, like clockwork, your dog stops again and you have no bag, no backup, and no dignity.
The Trash Can Mirage
There it is. A trash can in the distance. Salvation.
You hustle over, only to find it’s locked, overflowing, or decorative.
The Judgy Window Watcher
Your dog picks the exact spot in front of your least favorite neighbor’s house to drop a deuce.
You make eye contact.
You scoop.
You die a little inside.
The Leaky Bag of Doom
You thought it felt warm. Then…oh god, why is it wet?
That’s not condensation.
It’s time to rethink your life choices.
The Fix: Pööt
We can’t exorcise every dog walk demon, but we can definitely help you stay ready.
One pod. Multi-poop savior. Clean hands. Fewer disasters.
Consider it your anti-curse charm.
Happy Friday the 13th y’all. Drop any other scary dog walk curses if you’ve got ‘em!
So You Wanna Make a Product?
You’d think making a cute little poop pod would be simple, right? You have an idea. You sketch it out. You send it to a manufacturer. Boom — product! Right? Wrong, dear reader. So, so wrong.
Let’s pull back the curtain and talk about what it actually takes to bring a product to life. We’re all about transparency over here and the journey to build Pööt has been exciting, wild, occasionally demoralizing, and surprisingly emotional. And because no one talks about this stuff enough, we are.
Step 1: Have a Great Idea. Question Everything.
We knew there had to be a better way to carry poop, one that didn’t involve swinging bags, so we dreamed up Pööt: a clean, reusable container that holds a single bag, supports multiple poops, and makes you feel like the stylish, sustainable dog parent you are.
That part was fun. The next part? Interesting.
Step 2: Prototype Like a Maniac
Our first prototype was 3D-printed. It was adorable. It was so exciting. It was also… not quite right.
The scoop? Too small. The dream? Still alive.
Prototyping is where you learn that your cute design has to meet the laws of physics, functionality, and oh yeah, manufacturing feasibility which is very different from 3D-printing. We’ve gone through multiple iterations and are still tweaking things like scoop size and overall flow.
Step 3: Enter the Manufacturing Maze
We assumed we’d reach out to a few manufacturers and get the ball rolling. What actually happened:
Some didn’t reply.
Some ghosted mid-convo.
One sent a price quote so high we briefly considered robbing a bank.
A few were great until they realized we weren’t ordering 10,000 units out of the gate.
Finding a partner who understands small-batch manufacturing, sustainability goals, and our specific vision? It’s hard. Really hard.
Step 4: Learn the Acronyms (or at least pretend to)
DFM. MOQ. CNC. RIM. You know, the alphabet soup of production.
We’ve learned what these mean but we’ve also Googled them multiple times.
Fun fact: “DFM” stands for “design for manufacturing,” and yes, that’s its own phase of development. It’s also where a lot of dreams go to die. Luckily, ours just needed some resuscitation and a few part tweaks.
Step 5: Keep Going
There have been days when we felt like everything clicked and days where we wondered if we should just launch a sticker company instead. (We do love the stickers.)
But every little win, every piece of positive feedback, every moment someone says “OMG I NEED THIS” makes it worth it.
We’re not launching Pööt because it’s easy. We’re launching it because it’s better. Better for your dog walks. Better for the planet. Better for your vibe.
What’s Next?
We’re working with our current design and manufacturing partners to rework the prototype and finalize production feasibility. We’re also gearing up for our Kickstarter launch where early backers will get first dibs (and maybe even exclusive colors 👀).
So no, we’re not done yet. We’re still here. Still building. Still giving a crap so you can carry one, stylishly.
Want to see more behind the scenes?
Follow us on Instagram @takeapoot and sign up for email updates to stay in the loop.
Dog Poop Bags: A Highly Scientific Personality Breakdown
An unscientific but painfully accurate personality guide.
Let’s face it, everyone’s got their own approach to the dog poop situation. Some of us are ultra-prepared. Some of us are walking disasters just praying our dog doesn’t make it a double. And some? Some are out here winging it with one sad bag and vibes alone. We’re not here to judge (okay, maybe a little), but we are here to decode what your poop bag strategy says about you as a person. Let’s dig in.
1. The Over-Preparer
You’re carrying no fewer than six bags at any given moment. Your coat pockets, treat pouch, and car all have backup rolls just in case. Your dog could poop four times in five minutes and you’d barely flinch.
Personality Traits: Organized, anxious, probably has a color-coded calendar. Might own a label maker.
Poop Bag Behavior: Favors lavender-scented bags, stored in a pristine holder shaped like a bone.
2. The One-and-Done Optimist
You bring exactly one bag. Always. You believe in your dog. You trust the process. You live on the edge. And sometimes? You regret everything.
Personality Traits: Chill, spontaneous, possibly in denial.
Poop Bag Behavior: Will 100% be found muttering “please don’t go again” halfway through the walk.
3. The Pocket Stuffer
Loose bags. Crumpled. Possibly ripped. Chaos. Floating around in your coat like confetti. You don’t remember putting them there. You just know they’ll show up eventually, usually when you’re reaching for your phone.
Personality Traits: Scrappy, resourceful, chaos in human form.
Poop Bag Behavior: Constantly pulling out used tissues and wondering, “Is this clean?”
4. The ‘I Forgot Again’ Scrambler
You leave the house with nothing but hope. Every time. You’re the reason dog parks have that weird box of community bags. You're not proud. But you are resourceful.
Personality Traits: Forgetful, adaptable, possibly still looking for your car keys.
Poop Bag Behavior: Has borrowed from strangers and probably used a Starbucks napkin once.
5. The Double Bagger
Whether it’s fear, paranoia, or trauma from a previous leak, you double up every time. Some say it’s overkill. You say it’s common sense.
Personality Traits: Cautious, mildly distrustful, probably the designated “planner” in every friend group.
Poop Bag Behavior: Acts like they’re handling toxic waste. Honestly, kind of fair.
6. The Sustainability Saint
You’ve tried compostable bags. You’ve researched local pet waste programs. You dream of a better world—one where picking up poop doesn’t come with 500 years of plastic waste.
Personality Traits: Idealist, detail-oriented, down to spend extra time finding the right bag.
Poop Bag Behavior: Tells you which bags are greenwashed and why.
Where does Pööt fit into all this?
Well, whether you’re a prepper, a forgetter, or a sustainability saint—we made Pööt to make dog poop pickup just a little bit less annoying (and a whole lot less wasteful). No judgment here. Just a better way to carry the crap.
What’s Actually Happening in Your Dog’s Brain on Walks?
If you’ve ever watched your dog stop to sniff literally everything, zigzag like they’re on some secret mission, or suddenly bolt after a squirrel with zero warning, you’re not alone. Walks might feel like casual daily routines to us, but for dogs, they’re a sensory wonderland, packed with information, instincts, and emotions. I always imagine it’s their “scrolling time”, their dopamine rush from the world around them since they can’t scroll (no thumbs and everything). Let’s break down what’s actually going on in your dog’s brain every time you clip on that leash.
1. Sniffing is Brain Work
Dogs navigate the world through scent, not sight. With over 100 million sensory receptor sites in their nasal cavity (compared to our 6 million), their sense of smell is tens of thousands of times more sensitive than ours [1].
Each sniff tells your dog a story: who passed by, what they ate, their emotional state, and even reproductive status. A single fire hydrant is basically a community message board. Letting your dog sniff is more than just polite, it’s essential mental stimulation. In fact, studies show sniff-heavy walks can help reduce anxiety and lead to a more emotionally balanced dog [2]. A dog trainer years ago told me it’s quality > quantity as far as walks go and I never forgot that.
2. The Zigzag Is Instinctual
You might find your dog’s walk pattern chaotic, but there’s method to the madness. That zigzagging behavior? It’s tied to their ancestral hunting instincts. Wolves and wild dogs use a similar pattern when tracking prey or exploring unfamiliar terrain [3].
So if your pup looks like they’re on a mission, well… they are. Their brain is constantly mapping out the environment, collecting data, and deciding where to go next. And yes, sometimes that data points directly into a hedge or right in front of mom’s feet (ahem, Crowley).
3. Walks Offer Choice, and Choice Reduces Stress
Research shows that dogs who are given more agency on walks like choosing the direction, pace, or what to sniff actually experience lower cortisol levels (aka, stress hormones) [4].
While structure has its place, occasional "decompression walks" where dogs lead the way can do wonders for their mental health. Bonus: a relaxed dog is less likely to act out at home.
4. Walks Reinforce Your Bond
Every shared adventure (even the ones involving poop) strengthens your relationship. Consistent walking routines have been linked to increased attachment and trust between dogs and humans [5].
Whether you're dodging puddles or power-walking through squirrel-infested zones, you're deepening your connection and giving your dog a chance to safely explore the world with their favorite human.
So, what does this have to do with Pööt? If walks are the highlight of your dog’s day, we believe the logistics (like poop pickup) shouldn’t ruin the vibe. Pööt is designed to keep things clean, convenient, and low-stress so your dog can sniff their heart out while you focus on enjoying the journey.
Sources:
[1] Horowitz, A. (2009). Inside of a Dog: What Dogs See, Smell, and Know. Scribner.
[2] Rooney, N. J., & Bradshaw, J. W. S. (2003). "Links between play and dominance and attachment dimensions of dog-human relationships." Journal of Applied Animal Welfare Science.
[3] Coppinger, R., & Coppinger, L. (2001). Dogs: A Startling New Understanding of Canine Origin, Behavior & Evolution. Scribner.
[4] McGreevy, P., & Boakes, R. (2007). Carrots and Sticks: Principles of Animal Training. Cambridge University Press.
[5] Serpell, J. A. (1996). In the Company of Animals: A Study of Human-Animal Relationships. Cambridge University Press.
Poop Bags Are a Trash Problem (Literally)
Let me start by saying this: if you use poop bags, you're doing the responsible thing. You're picking up after your dog which is more than a lot of people can say. So let’s be clear: you’re not the problem. But poop bags? They’re still part of a bigger one. I didn’t start this project because I wanted to become the face of sustainable dog waste. I started it because I was juggling two leashes, a coffee, and a warm bag of poop in my hand thinking, "There has to be a better way."
Then I did a little digging. (Get it? Digging? Because dogs dig…okay never mind…)
In the U.S. alone, we use over 500 million plastic dog poop bags every year and most of those go straight into landfills where they’ll sit for hundreds of years. That’s a whole lot of plastic wrap for something that breaks down in a week. There are better bag options out there and companies like Earth Rated and others are making compostable and biodegradable alternatives that are a step in the right direction. That matters. It’s progress. But the truth is, we’re still using way too many of them.
It’s kind of wild how routine it’s become: bag the poop, tie it off, and carry it like a weird little purse. And if your dog’s a multi-pooper? You either untie the bag (risky and don’t ask me how I know) or give up and reach for another one. It’s wasteful, inconvenient, and honestly a little ridiculous when you stop to think about it.
But here’s the thing: this isn’t about guilt. This is about awareness. It’s what we’ve been given and thankfully, some companies are doing the work to make things better. That said, I also think we deserve options beyond “use a bag and hope for the best.”
That’s why I started building Pööt - a reusable, clean-carry pod for people who want something smarter, cleaner, and a little less trashy (literally). It’s not here to replace progress, it’s here to expand it. Will it change the world? Maybe not. But can it make dog walks a little easier, less wasteful, and way less gross? That’s the goal.
We can’t undo the system overnight. But we can keep building better ways to deal with the dirty work.
Sources:
Quick Pupdate
Thank you so much for all the feedback! Seriously, you all have been amazing. We’re moving fast over here (faster than your dog spotting a squirrel) and your questions, ideas, and encouragement have been a huge part of the process.
Got lingering questions? Curious about scoops, sizes, or what happens when things get… squishy? We’ve got you. Check out our FAQ for all the dirty (but cleanly answered) details here.
Some of your suggestions have already made it into our planning so know that we’re listening and we’re not done.
More updates coming soon — and maybe a sneak peek!
THANK YOU!
I just want to say thanks for checking out the website, first and foremost. I have a lot of ideas, some of them more wild than others, but after years of facing this problem in my own day-to-day routine I started brainstorming solutions and I wholeheartedly believe in this one.
Additionally, when I ask for your feedback, I really am interested! I want Pööt to be helpful, sustainable, and used by dog walkers everywhere and I can’t do that alone.
Stay tuned in the blog for additional mockups and to document our journey.
Thank you again from all three of us!
Kassy, Crowley, and Presley xx