Shake Off Dog Washing Station

The founding principle of “Shake Off” is the centrality of the human-animal relationship, viewed from a zoo-anthropological perspective. The idea stems from the need to create a device that promotes physical and emotional well-being through a non-invasive and intuitive approach. The inspiration comes from the natural movement of both humans and animals.

Our goal was to create an innovative design object capable of stimulating and enhancing the human-animal relationship during a critical moment such as grooming and washing. We aimed to design an object that is accessible and engaging for both parties.

We plan to industrialize the product, exploring potential partnerships with companies in the pet, wellness, and educational sectors. The goal is to bring “Shake Off” into clinical, educational, and recreational contexts, expanding its range of use.

Our starting point was to interpret the dog not only as a the product user but as a sentient partner in a shared experience. Drawing from zooanthropology and ethological design, we collaborated with behavioral veterinarians and certified dog trainers to observe dogs’ responses in contexts of physical interaction and hygiene. From these studies, we identified the importance of perceived control and environmental predictability.This led us to develop features such as the adjustable transparent walls, which offer containment without visual isolation, and the interactive water jets, which the dog can activate with paws creating a sense of autonomy. Additionally, the entry system with low steps allows the animal to access the washing space independently, avoiding the stress of forced lifting. These design choices foster trust and transform washing from a passive experience into a relational and communicative one. It’s a design that doesn’t merely contain behavior, but listens to it.

Our choice of r-PETG reinforced with 30% fiberglass was driven by both ethical and functional considerations. From an environmental perspective, r-PETG is made from post-consumer recycled plastic, which significantly reduces the carbon footprint. Fiberglass reinforcement improves mechanical strength, allowing us to create a structure that is lightweight yet resistant to high mechanical and chemical stress.This material also supports long-term durability, reducing the need for replacement and maintenance. From a design standpoint, the composite allows us to shape curved, soft geometries that align with the animal’s perception of space creating a welcoming and non-threatening environment. We believe sustainability must go beyond marketing: it is a structural criterion for creating products that respect the ecosystem and improve the daily lives of animals and humans alike.

The interactive jets were developed in response to a recurring challenge: most dogs perceive the onset of water as unpredictable and uncomfortable, especially when it involves sudden splashes or forceful sprays. We observed that allowing the dog to trigger the jets via paw contact transformed the experience into a form of controlled play.This required the design of a low-pressure hydropneumatics circuit, sensitive enough to respond to light touches while ensuring safety. The jets produce a gentle, fan-like spray, avoiding any high-pressure stimulation. Additionally, we included a gradual ramp-up in water intensity, guided by the operator but synchronized with the dog’s signals of readiness. The result is a system that not only cleans, but builds trust. It reduces resistance, improves hygiene results, and increases dog’s tolerance for future grooming.