Fall in Seattle = Rain, Mud, and… Paws Everywhere
If you’re a dog parent in Seattle, you know the drill: fall rolls in, the rain picks up and suddenly your house is full of paw prints. Muddy paws are just part of life this time of year but there are a few tricks that can make things a little easier.
Here are some of my go-to strategies to keep things under control:
1. Absorbent Microfiber Entry Mat
This one is a lifesaver. Placing a heavy-duty, absorbent mat right by the door helps catch a lot of the wetness and dirt before your pup even steps inside.
2. Towels & Wipes at the Ready
I keep a towel and a pack of dog-safe wipes by the door and do a quick wipe-down as soon as we get in. It’s a small habit that saves me from a lot of floor scrubbing later.
3. Rain Jackets for Rainy Days
On the really soggy days, my dogs gear up in rain jackets. It keeps them (and my furniture) a little drier and they look ridiculously cute too.
Of course, no matter what you do, muddy paws are inevitable. It’s just part of dog ownership life…especially here in the PNW.
Do you have any tips or tricks you swear by to keep muddy paws from taking over your house? Drop them in the comments and share with the community as we could all use the help this time of year!
The Ruff Truth About Grooming: Why Our Dogs Hate It (and Why We Can’t Skip It)
If your pup gives you the side-eye the second you pull out the brush, welcome to the club (ahem, Crowley). Grooming can feel like one of those necessary evils of dog parenting, right up there with bagging poop on a rainy walk.
But just like picking up after them, regular grooming isn’t optional. It’s essential for their health and comfort (even if they act like you’re plotting against them).
Why Grooming Matters
Health check in disguise: Brushing lets you spot bumps, scratches, or ticks you’d otherwise miss.
Goodbye mats, hello comfort: Tangled fur can tug on skin and trap dirt, making dogs itchy and uncomfortable.
Clean paws, clean floors: Regular nail trims and paw checks keep your home cleaner and prevent injury.
Less shedding drama: A little brushing now = less hair tumbleweeds later.
The Struggle is Real
If your dog hates grooming, you’re not alone. My dogs act like I’m auditioning them for a horror movie every time I bring out the brush. (Pro tip: the dramatic sighs are Oscar-worthy.)
Dogs resist grooming for a lot of reasons:
They don’t like being restrained.
Loud clippers or blow dryers are scary.
Brushing can pull if their coat has knots.
Honestly? They’d just rather be playing or napping.
Making It (Slightly) Less Miserable
Here are some tricks that have saved my sanity:
Short & sweet sessions: Five minutes of brushing beats an hour-long battle.
Reward system: Treats, praise, and belly rubs turn grooming into something worth tolerating.
Desensitize early: Handle their paws, ears, and tail gently during cuddle time so they get used to touch.
Professional help: Groomers have magic powers (and the patience of saints).
The Bigger Picture
At the end of the day, grooming isn’t just about looking cute (though that’s a perk). It’s about keeping your dog healthy, comfortable, and happy, even if they don’t see it that way.
Because being a dog parent means doing the not-so-fun stuff too. Picking up poop. Clipping nails. Wrestling them into the bath. It’s not always glamorous, but it’s always worth it.
And hey, that’s exactly why we created Pööt, because even the “necessary evils” of dog parenting deserve a smarter, cleaner upgrade.
Your turn: Does your dog tolerate grooming, or do they put on a full dramatic performance like mine? Share your funniest grooming fails with us…we could all use the laugh.
Book Review: The Book Your Dog Wishes You’d Read
We’re changing it up a little bit this week. I recently read this book that I highly recommend to each and every dog parent whether a seasoned expert or you just brought your first baby home! The gist: if dogs could talk, what would they tell us about how to be better humans for them? That’s the question Louise Glazebrook explores in The Book Your Dog Wishes You’d Read.
The Big Idea
This book isn’t about training tricks or teaching a perfect sit. It’s about perspective. Glazebrook flips the script, asking us to see life through our dogs’ eyes and instead of focusing on commands, it’s about building a relationship rooted in communication, consistency, and respect.
Key Takeaways
Your energy matters. Dogs pick up on so much more than words. Your mood, tone, and body language all shape their behavior.
Boundaries = love. Giving your dog clear rules isn’t “mean” and it helps them feel secure and connected to you.
Enrichment is everything. Walks aren’t just bathroom breaks; they’re opportunities for sniffing, learning, and joy. We’ve talked about this before but quality > quantity sometimes!
Every dog is different. There’s no one-size-fits-all. The best thing you can do is pay attention to your dog’s personality and needs.
What I Loved
This book feels like having coffee with a trainer who actually gets it. Glazebrook keeps it real; she’s funny, straightforward, and clearly passionate about helping people understand their pups on a deeper level. I found myself nodding along, thinking about my own dogs and how much of their world is shaped by the way I show up for them. It also made me love them even more which I always think is impossible.
Why Dog Parents Should Read It
Whether you’re a first-time puppy parent or have a couple of seasoned pals at home, this book is a reminder that our relationship with dogs is a two-way street. They give us so much…companionship, laughter, unconditional love, and this is a guide to giving back in ways that actually matter to them.
Are You the Same as Your Dog? Science Says… Probably.
You’ve probably heard the joke that dogs start to look like their owners—but it’s not just matching hairstyles and outfits (and yes, we know some of you do it, and it’s fine). Science says there’s actually something to it, and it goes way beyond appearances.
Research has shown that dogs often mirror their humans’ personalities. In a 2019 study published in the Journal of Research in Personality, researchers found that dog owners and their pets frequently share traits like extroversion, agreeableness, and even emotional stability. Spend enough time together, and your dog isn’t just learning “sit” and “shake”, they’re learning you.
Extroverts tend to have dogs who love making friends at the park. Homebodies? Their dogs are just as happy to curl up on the couch and call it a day. And anxious owners? Yep, sometimes you end up with a pup who also jumps at every little sound outside the window. (We somehow ended up with both; multiple personalities, multiple dogs. It tracks.)
And honestly? That’s what makes it so good.
Because whether you’re the “weekend warrior” type with a dog who thinks every trail is their personal runway, or a cozy homebody with a snoring sidekick who hasn’t moved from the same sunny spot all afternoon (looking at you, Presley), your dog gets you. They don’t just adapt to your life; they become a part of it, quirks and all.
And maybe that’s why we love them so much. Because when your dog mirrors you, it’s like having a furry little reflection that doesn’t judge you for needing to couch rot on a Saturday morning. They’re just there. Loyal, intuitive, and maybe just a little bit like you.
So if you’ve ever wondered whether you and your dog are the same… the answer is probably yes. And honestly? That’s exactly how it should be.
Dog Poop Etiquette: The Unwritten Rules (and How Pööt Can Help)
We all know the basics of being a good dog neighbor: pick it up, don’t leave it on the sidewalk, and please don’t pretend you “didn’t see it.” (We all saw you, Carl.) But as any dog owner knows, the unspoken rules of dog poop etiquette go way beyond the bag.
Here’s a handy guide to keeping it classy on your walks PLUS how Pööt was designed to make it all a lot easier:
1. Pick It Up. Always.
Yes, even “in the bushes.” Even when it’s raining. Even when no one is around.
Why it matters: Leftover poop doesn’t magically vanish it contaminates soil and waterways especially Puget Sound (hello fellow Seattleites!).
How Pööt helps: Your Pööt pod can handle multiple pickups in one walk, so there are no excuses for “leaving one behind.”
2. Double-Check Your Knot Game
There is no greater betrayal than reaching into your pocket later and realizing your bag wasn’t sealed. We have been there way too many times.
Why it matters: …do we really need to explain this one?
How Pööt helps: Our drawstring liners are basically poop vaults. One pull, and you’re safe from disaster.
3. Don’t Be the Trailhead Poop Bag Person
You know the type: they pick it up… and then abandon the bag and think there is a magical poop fairy who will clean up after them.
Why it matters: Because “I’ll grab it on the way back” is a lie 90% of the time. Remember our last post about the beach bags? Yeah, don’t do it.
How Pööt helps: Pööt clips to your leash or bag, keeping hands free (and the smell locked down) until you get home.
4. Contain the Chaos
Multi-poopers, we see you (@Crowley). Juggling several bags while holding a leash is not a vibe.
Why it matters: Fewer bags = fewer dropped messes.
How Pööt helps: One pod, one scoop, one liner. Clean hands, calm walk.
5. Respect the Sidewalk (and Your Neighbors)
Nobody likes a surprise landmine in their yard. Be a hero. Cross the street if you need to.
Why it matters: Dog owners already get a bad rap. Don’t be that person.
How Pööt helps: Less hassle = fewer “oops I’ll come back for it” moments.
Dog poop etiquette doesn’t have to be complicated. It just takes a little effort, some common sense, and the right gear. Pööt was built to make being a responsible dog parent as easy and stink-free as possible.
Because if we can all follow these rules, our sidewalks (and our noses) will thank us.
Poop Bags Don’t Belong on Beaches (Or Anywhere, Really)
Intro: A little story
Over the Fourth of July weekend, I took a trip to the Washington coast. Think misty forests, driftwood-lined beaches, and one recurring eyesore: abandoned dog poop bags.
They were everywhere. On the trail. In the bushes. Literally stuck between rocks on the beach. You probably saw my instagram post about the beautiful beach and one lonely poop bag. Hot take: If you’re going to bag your dog’s poop and then leave it behind, you might as well not bag it at all (we don’t condone this but just to be dramatic).
The Problem: A poop bag is not a plan
Let’s talk about what actually happens when you “set it down to grab later” and then don’t. Spoiler alert:
Plastic poop bags can take hundreds of years to break down.
Even compostable bags won’t decompose properly if they’re just tossed in the wild.
Wildlife can be harmed by ingesting or getting tangled in the bags.
And let’s be real, IT IS GROSS.
Whether it’s laziness, forgetfulness, or just not knowing better, this is how we end up with poop bags polluting some of the most beautiful places on earth.
The Solution: Make it easier to do better
This is exactly why I created Pööt; not just because I’m a dog parent who’s tired of juggling bags on walks but because we all need better options
Pööt is a reusable, clip-on pod that stores the used bag(s) until you’re near a trash can.
No swinging bags. No handholding. No excuses.
Just clean walks, happy trails, and one less “wtf” on the beach.
Call to Action:
Let’s not be the reason someone else’s perfect hike gets ruined by a bag of poop in a fern.
Be a better human. Keep it clean.
Pööt is coming soon.
Hi, I'm Kassy and This is Pööt.
It’s been a minute since we officially said hello so I figured it was time for a reintroduction. Whether you've been following Pööt from the beginning or just stumbled into our little corner of the internet, welcome. Let’s catch you up.
I'm Kassy, the founder of Pööt, and a longtime member of the "why does my dog poop four times on every walk" support group. (Not a real group, but maybe it should be.)
For the last several years I’ve been walking my dogs Crowley and Presley and juggling an armful (okay well I do clip them on our poop bag dispenser) of plastic bags looking for a trash can that never seemed to appear. I’d mutter something along the lines of "there has to be a better way" or “Crowley, why do you poop so much!?” I finally started brainstorming ideas and, a few months ago, thought of something genius (I am biased).
Enter: Pööt.
Pööt is a reusable dog waste container that clips to your leash or belt, holds multiple pickups in one walk, and helps you cut down on single-use plastic. It’s clean, secure, and (most importantly) not a bag swinging off your hip or leash. It also comes with a compostable inner liner, a stash slot for the scoop, and a vibe that says “I’m classy, even when carrying poop.”
We’ve come a long way since the idea first hit me (probably while holding poop). We filed a provisional patent and handled all the legal shenanigans and we’ve been deep in the trenches of prototyping and design for manufacturing (check out our earlier blog posts if you want to learn more about all THAT). We had to pivot our original 3D designer recently but we’re working with a new one now, and things are back on track. It’s all part of the process, right? RIGHT? (I am sweating.)
So, what’s next?
We’re still planning a Kickstarter launch later this year, though our original timeline of late summer might shift to fall. The extra time gives us space to fine-tune the design, test it in the real world, and make sure we’re delivering something that truly makes your walks cleaner, easier, and a little more joyful.
In the meantime, we’re continuing to build the Pööt community, a crew of dog lovers, earth protectors, and people who are simply tired of plastic bags breaking mid-walk. We’ll be sharing more behind-the-scenes updates, walk tips, dog memes (obviously), and some giveaways as we get closer to launch.
If you’re new here: welcome! Please feel free to join our mailing list to stay up to date on all the newness. And if you’ve been here from the start: thank you for sticking with us while we build something weird and wonderful. We couldn’t do it without you.
Stay tuned, stay sustainable, and stay ready. It’s almost time to Pööt.
—Kassy
What Is Tooling, Anyway? (And Why It Costs So #$%@ Much)
AKA: Why we’re not rolling Pööt out of our garage next week (jk we don’t have a garage anyway).
If you’ve been following along on our journey, you’ve probably heard us mention “tooling” a few times. And if you’re like, “Cool… but what does that actually mean?” you’re definitely not alone.
Let’s break it down in non-engineer speak:
So... what is tooling?
Tooling refers to the molds or custom equipment manufacturers create to produce a product at scale. In our case: the Pööt pod, its lid, scoop slot, and all the little functional details that make it magical.
Basically, if you want your product to be made the same way, every time, you need a custom tool (or mold) to do it.
Think of it like a super fancy cookie cutter. But instead of dough, it’s shaping recycled plastic into the Pööt pod of our dreams.
Why is it so expensive?!
Because it’s custom. Because it’s heavy-duty. And because it has to be perfect before production starts. Tooling is often made of hardened steel or aluminum and machined to exact specs. We're talking serious equipment built to handle thousands of units.
Even small, simple products can cost thousands just to tool. And we’ve got… parts. With curves. And latches. And scoops. 🙃
Why does Pööt need it now?
We’re getting ready for our first real production run. That means we’re moving out of 3D printing and into small-batch manufacturing the close-to-final versions that need to function, seal, and scoop just right. No wonky lids or tiny scoops allowed.
Tooling is the big leap between “this idea is cool” and “this product is in your hands.”
How does this tie into Kickstarter?
Even though we’re fronting some of the tooling costs ourselves, Kickstarter will help recoup those expenses and fund the first batch of real-deal Pööt pods.
So when you back us, you’re not just buying a product, you’re helping fund the machine that makes the product. And we think that’s pretty cool.
More questions about tooling? Manufacturing? Shoot us a note because we love a good nerd-out.
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