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Connected Objects Pets

Take your dog on a walk with the CARLOS smart leash to see how the other side lives

Nothing escapes the inevitable fusion of the mundane with Bluetooth technology. It’s in everything from wallets to car diagnostic boards, giving smartphone owners far greater control over things that previously were beyond their wireless reach.

CARLOS tends this trend in a much furrier direction, combining smart design with wireless capabilities to transform the dog walk into a truly 21st century activity. The sleekly designed smart leash with a host of built in characteristics setting it apart from the norm.

Physically, the handle of the leash houses various implements that make any walk easier and safer, things like a night light, bag holder, treat compartment, and an ultrasound insect repellent. Users can even charge their phone with the USB port present at its base, so dog lovers can give their phones one last bit of energy before the day starts.

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Pets

Puppy Wand helps defend owner and pet while taking a walk

A dog is often the most faithful and loyal friend that a person can have. Pets cheer their owners when they are feeling down, rejoice with them when they are happy, and protect them when they believe their owners need it. Puppy Wand was invented by a boy whose beloved dog gave his life for his grandma while they were walking.

According to his story on the video, another dog tried to attack the elderly woman. While the precious family dog was successful in his rescue efforts, he ended up dying from dog bites in the end. The amazing young inventor decided to take the emotional pain of that experience and focus it in a positive way that would benefit others. The leash he created doubles as a means for dog owners to defend themselves and their pet if necessary. It instantly comes apart to form a long stick-like tube that can be used to fend off an attacking dog with one hand, while keeping owner and pet secure with the other.

If the product doesn’t really garner much excitement, the story is certainly enough to pull at the heartstrings of backers. This campaign seeks to raise $5,000 on Kickstarter. Backers get one product for $45 with an expected delivery of June 2015.

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Pets

Leash Tamer won’t tangle, tames several dogs at once

Finding just the right leash for that furry best friend can be a challenge. And retractable leashes are not always as convenient or safe as they need to be.

Leash Tamer is a retractable leash that can be set for three, six, or ten feet but is non-mechanical. Leash Tamer is touted as being multi-functional, which includes being able to tether more than one dog to the leash along with non-mechanical tangle resistance. Basically, it’s made of elastic, which is why it is claimed as being retractable without being mechanical. It also appears that a set of keys can be attached to it so that they don’t have to be carried in a pocket or purse.

It’s not entirely clear how Leash Tamer is any more lightweight, durable or tangle-resistant than other leashes on the market. The notion that there hasn’t been much improvement on leashes is lacking market observations. A few new leash options that backers may want to check out include All Ready Leash, Leash Mate, and The Watchdog. This campaign seeks to raise $40,000. Early bird backers get one Leash Tamer for $19 donation with an expected delivery of April 2015.

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Pets

All Ready Leash hides neatly in a collar, won’t walk dog for you

Does anyone know where the dog leash is? A leash can get misplaced almost as easily as car keys on those days when families are especially busy. But even on those days, Fido still needs to be able to get out of the house for a while. So in an effort to make life easier, All Ready Leash just combines a leash and collar into one item. All Ready Leash only weighs 1.75 ounces and expands up to five feet. It can be used as a regular non-choke collar or slip collar.

Though it only fits dogs that are 15 pounds and up right now, there is one in the works for smaller dogs. Backers interested in the newest inventions in leashes may also want to check out the LeashMate campaign and Watchdog light up leash campaign. This campaign seeks to raise $4,000 by December 2014. For $18, backers get one leash with an expected delivery of December 2014.

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Pets

Leash Mate helps you give your dog a little less slack

There are some people who take their dog for a walk, and then there are dogs who walk their owner. Leash Mate is a safe way for the owner to maintain control without using a retractable leash. The round add-on is available for both flat and round leashes, which means it will work with the leash the user already owns. It’s lightweight, strong, and can be used as a tether when walking more than one dog. For those who love to hike, it can be used to secure the leash around the user’s waist while hiking with their dog. While it seems that it may be less convenient than a retractable leash, Leash Mate also appears to be a safer option for both pet and owner. Those who like to walk at night might like to check out The Watchdog light up leash campaign. This campaign seeks to raise $25,000 CAD (~$22,000 USD) by December 8, 2014.  For $10 CAD (~$9 USD), backers get one product with an expected delivery of March 2015.

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Pets

The Watchdog lights up the leash

It doesn’t take long for savvy parents to refrain from asking, “Whose turn is it to walk the dog?” and just draft one of the kids to do it. The Watchdog may very well change all of that. With flexible, cable light technology exclusive to the company, The Watchdog is a strong, illuminated leash that also offers functioning as a steady or flashing stream of light, which makes night walks safer for pet and owner. The principle behind the 360º cable light technology is similar to neon, except that cable is very flexible. The item must be kept charged in order to function properly, but this is done easily enough with the included USB cord. Pet owners will likely rejoice at their new disco leash, but may be a little halted by the price tag. Backers get one product for $100 with expected delivery in March 2014. This campaign seeks to raise $70,000 on Kickstarter for the chance to give pet owners more enthusiasm to walk their dogs.

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Cell Phone Accessories

Linkmount is a versatile phone leash for the screen smasher in your life

linkmountTaking a concept as simple as preventing people from dropping their phones and turning it into a versatile smartphone accessory is no easy feat. The Linkmount is such a device, offering a reusable, sturdy system to keep phones from being damaged. The phone accessory offers a detachable leash that can be tied to any belt loop or worn around the neck in addition to a ring that slides out and can be worn around a finger or used as a stand. A phone stand is one thing, but a device like this that has so many great features is a simple must-own for anyone dedicated to getting the most from their smartphone. Backers who pledge $20 can get their Linkmount in December.

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Cell Phone Accessories

ReelKlip leashes your smartphone to prevent pavement pounding

ReelKlipLots of smartphone cases can protect your phone if it falls, but ReelKlip takes a more proactive approach. Acting like one of those retractable badge holders used for access at many workplaces, the product consists of a 1.5″ belt-mounted disc and a polyurethane band of up to 3.5″ that snugs tightly around your smartphone that are joined by a 3.5′ feel that lets you bring your phone up to your face. However, applications such as in-car navigation or passing around a photo of your new precious will likely require untethering. A video which shows a wince-inducing montage of phone breakage scenarios drives home the point. A nice complement to a protective case and screen guard, ReelKlip should be available for backers for $17 in March 2014.