Intelligent toys are business in pet market Lode

SÃO PAULO-specializing in different toys for pets, the Gaucho PetJog created a virtually indestructible ball for dogs. Made of durable material, the product hold the bites and still loose snacks as the animal toys, stimulating its action. Like other Brazilian newcomers, the company has invested in research and development and offers alternatives to imported products.
Between own resources and external contributions, the total invested in PetJog so far is $1 million. The product, which began to be developed in early 2014, hit the market in April 2016 and today has dealers in nine States. Named PetJog, the ball is sold on the company''s website and also in petshops.
According to Artur Frischenbruder, one of the partners, the inner product is made with a plastic extensively, the same used in the armor of cars. "In this way, it can withstand a pressure of up to 1.3 ton", he says. The outer part is rubber, not to injure the animal. This non-toxic layer has grooves which serve to release the snacks while the dog is having fun with the ball. "It''s a toy that stimulates the intelligence of the pet, because he has to understand that, swinging the ball, your food will come out," he explains.
According to the entrepreneur, the only part that can deterior with time is the outer layer. The inside, which can be stocked with food that the customer wants, is made to withstand falls and bites. "It''s more a matter of aesthetics, but the toy is still working normally," he says.
The PetJog is marketed in two models. The difference is in the size of the grooves (with 12 mm diameter; or great, with 15 mm). Both versions have Strawberry essence, so that the pet find them more easily.
The proposal of a sturdy toy, which provide fun and relieve the stress of the dog, is similar to that of other items national manufacturers, such as, PetGames, PetBall and Buddy Bolt, the Buddy Toys, both in São Paulo. This type of product is more common abroad, but comes to Brazil with expensive prices because of taxes and import duties. The partner of PetJog says that some competitors work with value-added products smaller.
Signature of pet products
In addition to the toy, the PetJog offers its customers a monthly subscription called Pet Boss Club. In this service, the company sends to the House of the person a box with different products for the animal once a month. The options vary between 54 and R$ 174 R$ monthly.
"The box is customized according to each dog from the client in the matter. Inside it we send products, true, dewormers and training tips. In addition, every month we have a different puzzle, the person discovers when he receives the box, "he says.
With the subscription, the client gets a discount coupon to spend on products sold by the company, which, in addition to the PetJog S, sells accessories for pets, such as beds and clothes. Without revealing the billing, the partner States only that the recipe has been growing, on average, 42% per month.
More interaction
The company works in another project to increase the interaction between pets and toys. The new ball, which will be called PetJog Full, will emit sounds and lights that can be programmed by the smartphone.
By means of an application, the user can download the profile of your dog, with their behavior logic, and insert on the ride. "Just pair the phone next to toy with application information, which can be changed at any time," says the entrepreneur.
For the development of the project, you should still take a year and a half to get ready, the PetJog is collecting resources and already has a contribution of 400,000 R$ obtained in the program Sesi/Senai 2016.1 Innovation.