We’re on TV! DOGPAK Presents on Höhle der Löwen Switzerland

DOGPAK on the Swiss Version of Shark Tank

When you start a company, you dream about sharing your idea with the world. But standing under bright studio lights, pitching your heart out in front of a panel of seasoned investors (in Swiss German, no less)—and knowing the whole country will soon be watching—that’s a whole different level.

That’s exactly where we found ourselves recently: DOGPAK will be featured on Höhle der Löwen Schweiz, the Swiss version of Shark Tank. The TV channel has released a teaser clip of our pitch, and while the exact air date hasn’t been announced yet, we can finally share that our episode is coming very soon.

For us, this is more than just a television appearance. It’s the chance to bring our mission—making outdoor adventures with dogs simpler, smarter, and more fun—to a national audience. We couldn’t be more excited to share this journey with you.

What is Die Höhle der Löwen Switzerland?

For those outside of Switzerland, Die Höhle der Löwen (literally “The Lion’s Den”) is the Swiss version of the hit TV formats Shark Tank or Dragon’s Den. Each week, entrepreneurs and startups step into the studio to present their ideas to a panel of experienced investors—known as “the lions.” These investors are some of Switzerland’s most successful business leaders, with the power to turn a small company into the next big story with a single deal.

It’s more than just a TV show—it’s one of the country’s biggest platforms for innovation. Startups get the rare chance to pitch directly to top investors in Switzerland, while viewers discover new products, inspiring stories, and cutting-edge ideas. For many young companies, appearing on Die Höhle der Löwen can be a turning point: a national stage for exposure, investment, and growth.

That’s why being invited onto this start-up TV show is such a huge milestone for DOGPAK.

How DOGPAK Got Here

Every startup has a story, and DOGPAK’s begins with Thunder, my dog for nearly 16 years, who followed me through 32 countries, hiking, camping and adventuring in every kind of climate. We had a simple idea: make outdoor adventures with dogs easier, safer, and more enjoyable. From rugged mountain trails to city streets, we wanted to create gear that keeps dogs and their humans connected, comfortable, and ready for anything.

Applying to Höhle der Löwen Switzerland was a natural, though ambitious, next step. We knew it would push us to articulate our mission clearly, refine our pitch, and show why DOGPAK isn’t just another dog product—it’s a solution for dog owners who love adventure.

The journey to the stage wasn’t just paperwork and applications; it was late nights testing prototypes, practicing our presentation, and imagining how we could stand out in front of the investors. Every detail mattered—from pitch timing to anticipating the questions the lions might ask. And it all had to be in Swiss German, neither mine nor Peggy’s native language. 

Standing in that studio, seeing the cameras, lights, and the panel of investors for the first time, we felt a mix of nerves and excitement like nothing else. This wasn’t just a business opportunity—it was a chance to share DOGPAK’s story with a national audience.

Our Pitch Experience

Walking onto the stage is something you can’t fully prepare for. The lights, the cameras, the hum of anticipation—it hits all at once. For a moment, everything else disappears, and it’s just you, your team, and the story you’ve worked so hard to tell.

Pitching DOGPAK dog gear in front of the lions was a different kind of adrenaline rush than what I’m used to. And certainly different than what Peggy is used to. Every word, gesture, and product demonstration carried weight. You quickly realize this isn’t just about a product—it’s about conveying passion, vision, and the potential to make a real impact.

For me, it was nerve-wracking, but not unfamiliar. Years of wrestling, a stint as a pro bull rider, and countless BASE jumps had taught me how to face fear head-on, how to turn anxiousness into excitement, and how to rise to the occasion when it matters most. I’d learned that the key to getting through tough situations is preparation: practice, practice, practice. In the days before filming, I rehearsed relentlessly, knowing we’d only had about two weeks to prepare. It was daunting, but I wasn’t about to let a little discomfort or inconvenience derail a dream.

And then came the twist: the pitch would be in Swiss German, on national television. Swiss German isn’t my native language—it’s not even my second or third. And it isn’t Peggy’s native language either. It’s a notoriously difficult dialect to learn, and I knew my words would be under the microscope. The question was whether my language skills would hold up under the spotlight, convincing an intimidating panel of investors that DOGPAK was worth the risk.

Here’s a glimpse of what made DOGPAK stand out:

• Innovation-First Design: Ergonomic dog backpacks that distribute weight comfortably, weather-resistant materials for Swiss mountain conditions, and safety features for long hikes.
  
  

• Adventure-Ready Versatility: Gear designed for mountain treks, urban exploration, and camping adventures alike.
  
  

• Passion and Vision: Every product we create is guided by our commitment to helping dogs and their humans enjoy the outdoors safely and comfortably.
  
  

While we can’t yet reveal the outcome, the energy in the room was electric. The questions, curiosity, and genuine engagement from the investors reminded us why we started DOGPAK in the first place. Seeing the trailer for our episode was absolutely surreal.

DOGPAK’s Mission & Vision

At DOGPAK, our mission has always been clear: to make outdoor adventures with your dog simpler, safer, and more enjoyable. Whether it’s a weekend hike in the mountains, a Sunday city stroll, or a camping trip in canyon land, our products are designed to keep dogs comfortable, humans prepared, and every adventure stress-free.

But DOGPAK is more than just gear. It’s about fostering the bond between humans and dogs, encouraging exploration, and making the outdoors accessible for everyone. Each product is guided by innovation, quality, and a deep understanding of the unique needs of dog owners who crave adventure.

Being on Die Höhle der Löwen Switzerland isn’t just a milestone—it’s a platform to share this vision with a wider audience. We hope that by showing our passion on this stage, more people will discover how the right dog backpack for hiking can transform an ordinary walk into a memorable adventure.

When & How to Watch the Episode

While the exact air date hasn’t been announced, it’s coming very soon—and we’ll share the details as soon as they’re confirmed.

The episode will be broadcast on 3+ in Switzerland. The show can be accessed online at oneplus.ch although I’m not sure if it is only viewable from Switzerland. More information to follow. To stay updated, follow us on Instagram, TikTok, and our newsletter for the official date and time.

Closing Thoughts

This is more than a TV appearance—it’s a celebration of the DOGPAK mission: connecting humans and dogs through adventure, innovation, and thoughtful design. We hope our story inspires fellow entrepreneurs, dog lovers, and outdoor enthusiasts alike.

Stay tuned for the episode, follow along on our social channels, and join us as we continue making adventures better for dogs and their humans everywhere. The journey is just getting started—and we’re so glad you’re here with us.