2 Hounds Design
2 Hounds Design is a U.S. manufacturer of premium no-pull dog harnesses, martingale collars, and leashes, selling direct-to-consumer via Shopify and through curated wholesale channels to retailers, trainers, vets, and rescue organizations across 10+ countries.
- Company typePrivate
- Founded2003
- HeadquartersIndian Trail, United States
- Headcount11–50
- GTM typeB2C
- OfferingHardware or Manufacturing
What 2 Hounds Design does
2 Hounds Design is a privately held U.S. pet product manufacturer specializing in premium no-pull dog harnesses, martingale collars, leashes, and accessories. Founded in 2003 by Alisha Navarro (background in theoretical and applied physics) with a $500 initial investment for her two retired racing Greyhounds, the company operates from a 20,000 sq ft manufacturing facility in Indian Trail, North Carolina, employing over 50 professionals under Lean Manufacturing practices. Its flagship Freedom No-Pull Harness features patented dual-connection architecture — a front clip that redirects pulling via leash steering and a back martingale loop that applies gentle compression feedback — combined with Swiss velvet lining, stainless steel hardware, and 3800 lb test webbing. The catalog spans 1,124+ SKUs across nylon, velvet-lined, satin-lined, and recycled (EarthStyle) webbing materials, with collars available in widths from 5/8" to 2" for breeds from toy dogs to sighthounds.
The company operates a dual-channel go-to-market: direct-to-consumer e-commerce via a Shopify storefront (free shipping over $65 in the U.S.) and a curated wholesale channel serving independent retailers, professional trainers, behaviorists, veterinarians, and animal rescue organizations across 10+ countries (USA, Canada, Australia, Hong Kong, Israel, Japan, Malaysia, New Zealand, Singapore, South Korea, UAE). Distribution is deliberately restricted from third-party marketplaces (Amazon, eBay, Walmart) to protect retailer margins via MAP pricing. Revenue mechanics are primarily transactional unit sales (harnesses $33-$50+, collars $8-$50+, leashes $11-$24+) plus ancillary streams: a $12.99 chewing warranty replacement program and digital gift cards. Sub-brands include EarthStyle (eco-friendly recycled materials) and #Donate2Hounds (rescue charity program that has raised over $500K for adoption organizations in its first 10 years). In August 2023, 2 Hounds Design acquired Yellow Dog Design, another North Carolina-based pet product company, marking its first major inorganic expansion move. The company is bootstrapped with no venture funding, has earned the 2020 Pet Product News Editor's Choice Award and Pet Business Industry Recognition Award, and has been featured in CNN, Forbes, NBC, New York Times, People Magazine, and Entrepreneur.
2 Hounds Design firmographics
Firmographics- Name
- 2 Hounds Design
- Legal name
- 2 Hounds Design, Inc
- Website
- https://2houndsdesign.com
- Company type
- Private
- Founded year
- 2003
- Operating status
- Operating
- Headcount range
- 11–50 employees
- Short description
- 2 Hounds Design is a U.S. manufacturer of premium no-pull dog harnesses, martingale collars, and leashes, selling direct-to-consumer via Shopify and through curated wholesale channels to retailers, trainers, vets, and rescue organizations across 10+ countries.
- Ownership category
- akta.pro rank
2 Hounds Design industry classification
Industry- Product category
- Dog Collars and Harnesses
- NAICS
- Pet and Pet Supplies Retailers (459910)
- SIC
- Retail-Apparel & Accessory Stores (5600), Wholesale-Apparel, Piece Goods & Notions (5130)
- akta.pro primary industry
- Pet Apparel & Accessories Retail (Leashes, Collars, Clothing) (CRALAHAM)
- akta.pro secondary industries
- Pet Accessories & Travel Gear Distribution (Collars, Leashes, Carriers) (CRAOAKAF), Pet Toys, Training & Enrichment Products Distribution (CRAOAKAE)
Keywords
Where 2 Hounds Design is headquartered
LocationHeadquarters
- HQ city
- Indian Trail
- HQ country
- United States
- HQ region
- North America
Offices2 records
Markets served
2 Hounds Design business model
Business model- GTM type
- B2C
- Offering type
- Hardware or Manufacturing
- Cost components
- Personnel, Supply Chain, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Technology or R&D
Revenue model
- Direct E-commerce Sales (B2C): Direct-to-consumer sales through company website (2houndsdesign.com) selling Freedom harnesses, dog collars, leashes, bandanas, and accessories. Products are custom-made for each order with standard production times of 2-10 business days depending on product type.
- Wholesale/B2B Sales: Wholesale sales to independent retailers, trainers, vets, behaviorists, and rescue groups worldwide. No minimum order requirement. Protects retailers with MAP pricing policy.
- Chewing Warranty Program: Replacement warranty program for Freedom Harnesses that have been chewed - $12.99 for US customers. One warranty per harness with simple replacement process via email with photo documentation.
- Gift Cards: Digital gift cards available from $10.00 to facilitate gifting and repeat purchases
Pricing tiers
| Model | Billing | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Unit Pricing | Pay-as-you-go | Freedom No-Pull Harness - Standard Colors |
| Unit Pricing | Pay-as-you-go | Freedom No-Pull Harness - Reflective |
| Unit Pricing | Pay-as-you-go | EarthStyle Collection |
| Unit Pricing | Pay-as-you-go | Martingale Collars - Nylon |
| Unit Pricing | Pay-as-you-go | Satin Lined Martingale Collars |
| Unit Pricing | Pay-as-you-go | Dog Leashes |
| Unit Pricing | Pay-as-you-go | Product Bundles |
| Unit Pricing | Pay-as-you-go | Freedom Harness Chewing Warranty |
| Unit Pricing | Pay-as-you-go | Gift Cards |
Go-to-market motion2 records
Distribution channels3 records
Marketing channels7 records
2 Hounds Design product offering
Product offeringCore offering
2 Hounds Design designs and manufactures premium, made-in-USA dog walking and training equipment, led by the patented Freedom No-Pull Harness with dual leash connection points. The catalog also includes martingale, buckle martingale, and side-release collars, training and Euro leashes, bandanas, ID tags, and an eco-friendly EarthStyle line built from recycled plastic bottle webbing. Products are custom-made per order and sold direct-to-consumer through the company's Shopify website and wholesale to independent retailers, trainers, veterinarians, behaviorists, and rescue groups.
Product overview
2 Hounds Design is a pet product company specializing in no-pull dog harnesses and premium dog collars/leashes. The product portfolio centers on the patented Freedom No-Pull Harness (their flagship) which uses dual connection points for better control, complemented by martingale collars (traditional, buckle, and side-release styles) in various materials including nylon, velvet, and satin-lined options. The company also offers dog leashes (Training Leash and Euro Leash), bandanas, collar flowers, and dog ID tags. Products are available in solid colors and patterned collections including the eco-friendly EarthStyle line made from recycled materials. A chewing warranty program provides discounted replacements for damaged harnesses.
Differentiator
Problem solved
Functional benefit
Brands
- EarthStyle: Eco-friendly product line made using recycled plastic bottles for webbing. Includes harnesses, collars, and leashes with colorful upbeat designs.
- Freedom No-Pull Harness
- #Donate2Hounds
Products and services
- Freedom No-Pull Harness Flagship patented no-pull dog harness with dual leash connection points (front and back), Swiss velvet lining, stainless steel hardware, and 3800 lb test nylon webbing; designed to reduce pulling through gentle pressure and redirection for dogs that pull on walks.
- Martingale Dog Collars Escape-proof martingale collars that close gently behind the ears, traditionally used for sighthounds but suitable for all breeds; available in 5/8", 1", 1.5", and 2" widths in nylon, velvet-lined, satin-lined, and EarthStyle recycled webbing options.
- Buckle Martingale Collars Hybrid collar combining side-release buckle convenience with martingale loop functionality for dogs whose heads are larger than their necks and need an escape-proof fit without slipping over the head.
- Side Release Collars Traditional dog collars with side-release snap-buckle closure offering easy on/off functionality for everyday wear.
- Dog Leashes Dog leashes including the Training Leash for close control and the Euro Leash with double-connection clips and adjustable configurations; available in velvet, nylon, and EarthStyle eco-friendly options.
- Dog Bandanas and Accessories Custom-made dog bandanas, collar flowers, and engraved ID tags in styles including butterfly, bone shape, and Aloha flower designs.
- Gift Cards Digital gift cards available in denominations starting at $10 for purchase and redemption on the 2 Hounds Design website.
- Freedom Harness Chewing Warranty Replacement warranty program for Freedom Harnesses that have been chewed; $12.99 per US customer for one replacement, purchased when needed with email and photo documentation.
Quantifiable outcome
- Products used by shelters, SPCA organizations, humane societies and private rescues worldwide for dog rehabilitation
- +1 more outcomes
Companies that use 2 Hounds Design
Customer profileNamed customers5 records
Segments5 records
Ideal customer profiles3 records
2 Hounds Design technology and API
TechnologyTechnology focussed No
API detail
- Has API
- No
- API docs
- API detail
Core technology
AI maturity
App detail
Feature5 records
2 Hounds Design partnerships and signals
Strategic signalPartnerships
Two partnerships are on record, tiered major and core.
- Yellow Dog Designmajor2 Hounds Design acquired Yellow Dog Design in August 2023. The merger was anchored in North Carolina's pet industry, combining two companies based in Indian Trail, NC.
- Animal Rescue Organizations (Shelters, SPCAs, Humane Societies)core2 Hounds Design works closely with adoption and rescue groups worldwide. The Freedom No-Pull Harness is used by many shelters and rescue organizations to help rehabilitate dogs with little chance of adoption. Company has raised over $500,000 for rescue groups in first 10 years through fundraising, donations, and hosting auctions.
Scale indicators7 records
Recent moves6 records
Expansion highlights6 records
2 Hounds Design competitors and assessment
Company assessmentDirect peers
- Ruffwear: Premium dog harnesses, collars, and leashes designed for active and working dogs. Closely comparable on product category (no-pull/adventure harnesses), premium price positioning, and DTC + specialty retail distribution; differentiated by outdoor/adventure use case versus 2 Hounds Design's pulling-control and rescue-rehabilitation focus.
- Kurgo: Maker of dog harnesses (including the Tru-Fit and enhanced-strength no-pull harnesses), collars, leashes, and travel gear. Comparable on product category (harnesses and walking accessories), DTC + wholesale distribution, and active-lifestyle branding; broader into travel/car seats than 2 Hounds Design.
- Blue-9 Pet Products: Maker of the Balance Harness, a leading no-pull dog harness, plus training collars and leashes. Most directly comparable on no-pull harness technology and trainer/recommendation channel, sharing the same professional trainer and behaviorist customer base as 2 Hounds Design.
- Lupine Pet: Premium nylon dog collars, harnesses, and leashes with a lifetime replacement guarantee, sold DTC and through independent pet retailers. Comparable on premium-priced accessories, Made-in-quality emphasis, lifetime warranty program (analogous to 2 Hounds Design's chewing warranty), and specialty retail distribution.
- EzyDog: Premium dog harnesses (including the Chest Plate Harness for pullers), collars, and leashes sold globally DTC and through specialty retail. Closely comparable on no-pull harness engineering, premium positioning, and international wholesale distribution footprint.
- Max and Neo Dog Gear: Direct-to-consumer dog harnesses, collars, and leashes with a strong rescue-giving-back mission (donates a product to a rescue for each sold). Closely comparable on product category, mission-driven brand identity, and rescue community alignment with 2 Hounds Design's #Donate2Hounds program.
- Dog Copenhagen: Premium ergonomic dog harnesses (including the Comfort Walk Air) designed for no-pull walking, sold DTC and through specialty retail globally. Comparable on premium no-pull harness engineering, Scandinavian-influenced design language, and international wholesale distribution.
- Canada Pooch: Premium dog apparel, harnesses, collars, leashes, and accessories sold DTC and through specialty retail with strong North American presence. Comparable on premium price positioning, fashion-forward design, and DTC + wholesale go-to-market motion; broader portfolio than 2 Hounds Design.
Broad incumbents
- PetSafe (Radio Systems Corporation): One of the largest pet product companies, offering harnesses, collars, leashes, and a deep portfolio of training, containment, and behavior products. Overlaps with 2 Hounds Design on harnesses/walking accessories but competes mainly through mass-market and big-box channels at lower price points.
- Coastal Pet Products: Established wholesale manufacturer and distributor of pet collars, leashes, harnesses, and accessories sold through mass and specialty retail. Comparable on the wholesale side of the business and on accessories product line, though Coastal serves a broader price spectrum and retail channel than 2 Hounds Design.
Market position
Strengths5 records
Weaknesses5 records
Competitive moat4 records
Key risks7 records
Key highlights7 records
Customer concentration
2 Hounds Design social profiles
Digital presence2 Hounds Design financial estimates
Financial estimateRevenue estimate
Valuation estimate
2 Hounds Design leadership team
Management profileNumber of profiles
Profiles2 records
2 Hounds Design funding detail
Funding detailFunding overview
Funding rounds
Investors
Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
2 Hounds Design M&A and investment
M&A and investmentM&A
Investments
M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Frequently asked questions about 2 Hounds Design
What does 2 Hounds Design do?
2 Hounds Design designs and manufactures premium, made-in-USA dog walking and training equipment, led by the patented Freedom No-Pull Harness with dual leash connection points. The catalog also includes martingale, buckle martingale, and side-release collars, training and Euro leashes, bandanas, ID tags, and an eco-friendly EarthStyle line built from recycled plastic bottle webbing. Products are custom-made per order and sold direct-to-consumer through the company's Shopify website and wholesale to independent retailers, trainers, veterinarians, behaviorists, and rescue groups.
Is 2 Hounds Design a public or private company?
2 Hounds Design is a private company. It is classified as founder individual operated bootstrapped and is currently operating.
When was 2 Hounds Design founded?
2 Hounds Design was founded in 2003. It employs 11 to 50 people.
Where is 2 Hounds Design based?
2 Hounds Design is headquartered in Indian Trail, United States, in the North America region.
How does 2 Hounds Design make money?
Four revenue lines are on record. Direct E-commerce Sales (B2C) is the primary driver. The others are wholesale/B2B Sales, chewing Warranty Program and gift Cards.
Who are 2 Hounds Design's main competitors?
Direct peers on record are Ruffwear, Kurgo, Blue-9 Pet Products, Lupine Pet, EzyDog, Max and Neo Dog Gear, Dog Copenhagen and Canada Pooch. Broad incumbents are PetSafe (Radio Systems Corporation) and Coastal Pet Products.
Does 2 Hounds Design have an API?
No public API is recorded for 2 Hounds Design.
What industry is 2 Hounds Design in?
2 Hounds Design's product category is Dog Collars and Harnesses. Its primary akta.pro industry code is CRALAHAM, Pet Apparel & Accessories Retail (Leashes, Collars, Clothing), with a secondary code of CRAOAKAF, Pet Accessories & Travel Gear Distribution (Collars, Leashes, Carriers). Its NAICS code is 459910 and its SIC code is 5600.