“WowWow”: This is how the dog collar made of DHDL performs in the BRIGITTE test

“The Lions’ Den”
“WowWow”: The dog collar in the BRIGITTE test

by Pia Goward

May 31, 2021, 1.30 p.m.

As a dog owner you can always recognize us not only by weatherproof clothing but also by one characteristic – next to the dog, of course – namely the dog’s leash wrapped around our body. Because whether in the forest, on the meadow or on the dog beach – if the dog is allowed to run free, the leash has to be lifted somewhere. After all, we don’t want our beloved four-legged friends to get caught in a bush with their leash or even injure them. As the owner, we are usually responsible for storage. But Walburga and Reto Falkenberg from Rosengarten want to change that, because they have developed a dog collar with an integrated leash.

“WowWow”: The story behind the product

The idea too “WowWow” came to the couple while walking their dog when the question came up again “Where to put the leash?” Instead of having it around the neck, strapped across the upper body or holding it in hand, the two wanted to develop something that uncomplicated fun for dogs and their owners alike means. This not only gave rise to the idea for their invention “WowWow”, but also the first prototype. After a few attempts and a company was founded in 2018, the first collars in sizes S, M and L are on the market. More are to follow.

The structure and handling of the collar are simple. On the belt strap, i.e. the collar, there is a small housing in which the rope is hidden, which later serves as a leash. It looks delicate, but it can up to 150 kilograms of pulling force withstand. The loop of the collar is attached using the integrated magnets on the loop and collar and should attach to the collar by itself even after it has been accidentally released. The Extension cord has a length of 43 centimeters, with the loop it extends to 63 centimeters. That sounds short at first, but the leash is only for that briefly securing the dog thought. For a longer walk on a leash, the founders recommend a conventional leash that can be attached to the collar.

That is what the product promises

“WowWow” founder of “The Lion’s Den”

The founders Walburga and Reto Falkenberg also want to inspire investors from “Die Höhle der Löwen” with their product. “We attach great importance to high-quality materials. Our collar can withstand up to 150 kilograms of tensile force,” summarizes founder Walburga in front of the “Löwen”.

The “WowWow” collar in the BRIGITTE test

For the BRIGITTE test, two collars in sizes S and M will be sent to me. My dog ​​Bruno is a mixed breed of Australian Shepherd and King Poodle – so not small. It is therefore immediately clear: Bruno needs size M, which is suitable for a neck circumference of 37-46 centimeters. Ideal for an Australian Shepherd, according to the founding website, but the mix with the royal poodle affects the size of the neck circumference. You will find out what that means in a moment.

First impression

The collars are delivered in a cardboard box and are attached to cardboard with cable ties. Next to the collar is a small note from the team in the box. The collars look high quality and well made. But how about the handling?

During the application

Putting on the collar is described as easy. After all, you just have to pull it apart a little, which is made possible by the integrated rope – and finally put it over the dog’s head. This also works perfectly, but Bruno usually wears a harness, which is why he was a little surprised at first and didn’t want to get used to the new wearing comfort immediately. However, this may also be due to the fact that the collar may have been a little too small. Not only did I get a minimal shock, but Bruno too, when I pulled out the leash with the help of the loop and, through a jerky movement from Bruno, lost the loop from my hand. This buckled back to the collar at a breakneck speed, which frightened Bruno very much. An absolute no-go, as it can be a bit scary in general.

After the first attempt, I let the collar rest for a few days and then tried it a second time in the garden. The shock seemed to be forgotten and even when romping around in the garden Bruno showed no complaints about the collar. However, I cannot confirm that the loop automatically finds its way back to the magnet on the collar. After loosening it through playful movements, the loop hung loosely on the collar of Bruno.

My conclusion from the “WowWow” test

I found it interesting that Product of “WowWow” to test, especially because of the integrated leash. For Bruno we only use a dog harness – on the one hand because of its immense power, on the other hand because in the event of pulling moments he will not be injured on the trachea or larynx and cannot “just” twist out of the collar. According to the animal welfare organization Peta, harnesses are better for dogs, precisely because of these reasons. However, Martin Rütter’s dog professionals are of the opinion that a dog should be used to bothso that he knows that he is not allowed to pull on the collar, for example. Opinions about what is best for dogs have been divided for years, and I’m not an advocate of anyone. My previous dog was almost exclusively with a collar during his lifetime – but it was also a completely different breed. Therefore, when buying, you should pay attention to what temperament your dog has. Because “WowWow” is, as already mentioned, not intended for long walks, but only for situations in which the dog should be “controlled” due to external influences such as traffic or other encounters.

The collar is therefore quite suitable for certain dogs for exercise areas. Another plus point is that work is currently being carried out on a dog harness. The only thing I’m not a fan of is the research of buckling the loop back.

Did you miss an episode or want an overview? All further information about “The Lion’s Den” can be found here.

Sources used: The Lion’s Den, Vox, WowWow, peta.de, martinruetter.com