Clayton interviews Mark Condon, the founder and owner of iPuppy, a groundbreaking dog training enhancement device. Mark shares the journey of developing iPuppy over the past two years, highlighting its unique features, including a large paw button that sends push notifications and video calls to pet owners when pressed by their dogs. The conversation delves into the training process for dogs, the potential applications of the device in service dog scenarios, and the challenges of bringing a tech product to market. Mark also discusses his background as a financial planner, the marketing strategies for iPuppie, and future product expansions, including the possibility of remote door opening and two-way video calls.

KEY TAKEAWAYS

Product Overview: iPuppie is a dog training enhancement device that allows dogs to press a button connected to Wi-Fi, sending a push notification and initiating a video call to the owner's phone.

Training and Use Cases: Initially designed as a potty training tool, the iPuppie has evolved to serve various purposes, including emergency communication for service dogs and notifying caregivers when a dog needs to go outside. 

Marketing Strategy: The marketing approach focuses on reaching dog trainers, service dog handlers, and breeders, rather than the average pet owner. 

Sales Channels: Currently, iPuppie is sold through its website, Amazon, and TikTok Shop. The company is exploring additional partnerships and retail opportunities. 

BEST MOMENTS

 "It's the only thing out there on the market that has the push notification in the video." - Mark

 "I think of it and I like, I can definitely see, like, let's say if you're an older person, or you have a disability..." - Clayton

 "It's not as difficult to train your dog to press it as you might think." - Mark

"I underestimated just how difficult it was to want to create the product." - Mark

"If you can get people who are very knowledgeable, very enthusiastic about your product to get behind it, the sales you'll create is phenomenal." - Clayton

HOST BIO

Clayton Payne is an industry veteran of three decades of working in the pet industry. Brought up working in his parents' pet store, Clayton has seen the industry evolve over five different decades and has been on the cutting edge of the industry since the nineties. Building pet businesses from scratch, establishing multi-national distribution chains and having worked in every aspect of the industry, Clayton has a rare insight into the Pet Industry that is rivalled by few. 

Clayton has been the spearhead of many of the industry's changes and has introduced numerous new concepts to market with a trail of success behind him. He has worked in numerous countries within the pet industry, speaks four different languages and has established both import and export relationships on all continents (excluding Antarctica).

As well as being COO of one of the UKs fastest growing insect technology companies, Clayton is a Pet industry consultant who has consulted for many household brands and delivers sales training to pet trade professionals.
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