PAWTALKS WITH CLINK DESIGN

What was the inspiration behind Clink Design?

The inspiration behind launching Clink Design came from my journey as a dog owner and trainer. After adopting my Border Collie, Ganzhe, in 2022, I realized the need for practical, well-designed training tools that promote positive reinforcement. This led me to create the Clink Clicker, a combination of a treat dispenser and clicker, to make training more enjoyable and efficient for both pets and their owners.

How does your brand differ from other industry brands in the same category? What gives you the competitive edge?

Clink Design stands out from other brands in the pet training category by combining innovation, functionality, and aesthetic appeal. Our flagship product, the Clink Clicker, uniquely integrates a treat dispenser with a clicker, allowing for seamless training sessions without juggling multiple tools. Unlike conventional clickers or treat pouches, the Clink Clicker is compact and ergonomic, making training more efficient and enjoyable. Additionally, our focus on high-quality, durable materials ensures that our products are built to last, giving pet owners a reliable tool they can trust.

Describe the ingredients you look for in the products you use.

At Clink Design, we use high-quality, food-safe, and durable materials to ensure safety and longevity. Our treats are made from natural, high-protein ingredients with no artificial additives.

"We ensure that our designs solve real training challenges, are easy to use, and made from high-quality, pet-safe materials. We also consider ergonomic design to enhance comfort and practicality for pet owners."

Walk us through your development process — from ideation to the product we see on the shelf.

Our development process starts with identifying a real problem faced by pet owners during training. After sketching initial concepts, we create 3D models and prototypes to test functionality and ergonomics. Through iterative prototyping and feedback, we refine the design for optimal usability. Once finalized, we select high-quality materials and partner with reliable manufacturers to ensure consistent production. The final product undergoes quality checks before reaching the shelves.

What are some things you take into consideration during the creation of new products?

When creating new products, we focus on functionality, durability, and user experience. We ensure that our designs solve real training challenges, are easy to use, and made from high-quality, pet-safe materials. We also consider ergonomic design to enhance comfort and practicality for pet owners.

Other than Clink Design, what is something you are passionate about?

Aside from running Clink Design, I am passionate about 3D printing and designing functional accessories, as well as outdoor activities like hiking with my dog and exploring nature.

What is one major lesson you learned about running a business?

One major lesson I’ve learned is the importance of adaptability. Whether it’s refining a product based on customer feedback or adjusting strategies to meet market demands, staying flexible has been key to sustaining growth and success.

What are some challenges you have overcome with Clink Design?

One of the biggest challenges we faced during the design process was managing production delays. Initially, we launched the Clink Clicker on Kickstarter, but shipping was delayed by three months due to unexpected manufacturing issues. We addressed this by refining the design and working closely with our manufacturing partners to ensure quality, ultimately delivering a better product to our backers.

What would you say is your most effective marketing channel?

Our most effective marketing channel has been social media, especially TikTok and Instagram, where we showcase our products in real-life training scenarios. Initially, we focused on Kickstarter for crowdfunding, but as our brand grew, social media became essential for building community and driving sales.

"After adopting my Border Collie, Ganzhe, in 2022, I realized the need for practical, well-designed training tools that promote positive reinforcement. This led me to create the Clink Clicker, a combination of a treat dispenser and clicker, to make training more enjoyable and efficient for both pets and their owners."

Give us the backstory of your brand’s name.

The name "Clink Design" comes from the distinct "clink" sound made by our flagship product, the Clink Clicker, during training sessions. It symbolizes the connection between pets and owners through positive reinforcement and effective communication.

What would you like to see for Clink Design's future?

I envision Clink Design expanding its product line to include more innovative training tools and accessories, while building a strong community of pet owners who value positive reinforcement. I also hope to establish partnerships with trainers and pet retailers to make our products more accessible.

What do you think is the most prominent concern in the pet industry?

One of the most prominent concerns in the pet industry is ensuring product safety and quality. With increasing awareness among pet owners, there’s a growing demand for products made from safe, durable, and non-toxic materials that support pets' health and well-being.