Designing our first product wasn’t about launching something quickly. It was about getting something right.
By the time we reached this point, we already knew the problem we were trying to solve. We’d lived it. We’d written about it. And we’d spent time understanding how small design decisions can change how everyday moments feel, especially for dogs who find getting ready for walks difficult.
This harness didn’t start as a product idea.
It started as a question.
How can getting ready for a walk feel calmer for everyone involved?
Starting With the Experience, Not the Feature List
When people talk about dog harnesses, the conversation often jumps straight to features. Padding. Hardware. Materials.
Those things matter, but they weren’t where we began.
We started with the experience of putting a harness on and taking it off. The moment before the walk. A dog’s body language. The way anticipation can quietly turn into avoidance when something feels uncomfortable or unpredictable.
That’s why our first harness is a step-in design.
Nothing goes over the head.
Movements stay low and visible.
The process feels slower, more predictable, and easier to repeat calmly.
For many dogs, especially puppies and dogs sensitive to handling, that difference matters.
Why Step-In Felt Like the Right Place to Start
Step-in harnesses aren’t new, but they’re often overlooked in favour of more technical or training-led designs.
For us, step-in made sense because:
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it removes pressure from the head and neck
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it creates a clear, repeatable routine
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it supports calmer handling
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it’s intuitive for both dog and owner
Our experience with Luna shaped this decision. She never grew comfortable with over-the-head harnesses, no matter how gentle we tried to be. Putting one on felt tense. Taking it off felt just as difficult.
That tension wasn’t something we wanted to accept as normal.
So we didn’t.
Designed for Everyday Walks, Not Perfect Ones
This harness isn’t designed for performance training sessions or perfectly behaved walks.
It’s designed for real life.
Morning walks when you’re half awake.
Quick trips outside.
Evening walks where your dog wants to stop and sniff everything slowly.
We focused on:
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ease of use
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balanced fit
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secure but gentle structure
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simplicity over complexity
Because if something feels awkward or frustrating, it doesn’t become part of your routine. And the best-designed product is the one you actually enjoy using.
Quiet Design, Intentional Choices
Visually, we wanted the harness to feel recognisable without being loud.
No gimmicks.
No unnecessary detailing.
Nothing shouting for attention.
Instead, we focused on creating something that feels distinctly Twine & Co. Thoughtful, understated, and considered. The kind of design that doesn’t need explanation.
If you know, you know.
We asked quieter questions:
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does it sit naturally on the body?
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does it feel calm to put on?
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does it respect how dogs actually move and react?
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does it look considered without trying too hard?
The result is a harness that feels intentional rather than technical.
Who This Harness Is For
This harness is designed for:
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puppies learning what walks are
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dogs who dislike anything going over their head
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dogs sensitive to handling
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owners who value ease over gimmicks
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people who want walks to feel shared, not managed
It’s not about correcting behaviour.
It’s about supporting comfort and confidence.
Where This Fits in the Twine & Co Story
This harness is our first product, but it isn’t a one-off.
It reflects how we think about design, routines, and everyday life with dogs. Slow decisions. Thoughtful choices. Products that earn their place rather than demand attention.
If you’d like to explore the thinking behind it further, you might also find these helpful:
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Step-in vs over-the-head harnesses: which is right for your dog?
Each piece builds on the last.
We designed this harness because we believe small design choices can change how everyday moments feel. Especially for the dogs who trust us to get it right.
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