Exploring the future of AI-based pet training with Traini

Dog parents often are stumped by what their dogs are trying to communicate to them, and how to communicate back with them. People hire private trainers, join group classes, search online for solutions, and now turn to apps on their phones for training guidance.

Traini, an interactive AI-based dog training platform, is taking pet training apps one step further by applying an AI model to help pet owners understand dog behavior and provide personalized recommendations. We talked with Arvin Sun, CEO of Traini, to hear how AI can elevate pet training and why generative AI solutions need to be supplemented.

What inspired you to create an AI-based training app for pets?

The idea for our AI-based pet training app originated from my wife’s concern about not finding a suitable solution to train our dog. Despite numerous services available, we couldn’t find one that met our needs.

I started investigating the needs and issues faced by dog owners, especially in terms of dog training and behavior. I spoke with over 2,000 dog owners and all of them said they had difficulty with dog training. This motivated me to create a platform that gives dog owners a tool to train their dogs at home.

We launched in the Apple App Store in September 2022, and the app has gained 300 times organic registered user growth in the past year. 

How does your AI-based solution work, and what role does generative AI play in it?

Traini uses computer vision (CV) to capture the dog’s gestures and provide real-time feedback to pet owners. This technology allows users to understand their dogs’ behavior and make corrections.

Generative AI like ChatGPT can provide answers, but it doesn’t always offer solutions. To bridge this gap, we’ve developed our own model, which we call “Pet GPT.” It focuses on behavior and training questions and recommends solutions to users. By combining CV, Pet GPT, and other data, we aim to provide a comprehensive pet training experience.

Why should pet owners choose an AI-based training solution over traditional methods like a dog trainer or group classes?

The convenience and efficiency of AI-based training make it an appealing choice for pet owners. Many pet owners, especially younger generations, want to train their pets at home. Traditional in-person training may be time-consuming and difficult to find.AI-based solutions offer an alternative, allowing pet owners to address behavioral issues and train their pets on their own schedules. Also, AI can provide tailored solutions based on a pet’s unique needs, making it a more personalized approach to training.

How can AI and tech contribute to other aspects of pet care?

AI has the potential to change pet care beyond training. For example, AI can be used to monitor and analyze a pet’s health, providing insights into their physical well-being. Additionally, AI can help address issues like pet anxiety, which has become increasingly prevalent, especially during the pandemic. As the pet tech industry continues to evolve, we can expect AI to play a more significant role in areas such as nutrition, health monitoring, and overall pet care.

What has been the most challenging aspect of starting a pet tech business?

Convincing investors to trust us and our solution has been the most challenging part of starting a pet tech business. Innovating in the pet tech industry comes with risks, and investors often want to see success in using technology to solve a traditional problem before they invest. The need to explain the potential market size, profitability, and the value our solution brings is an ongoing challenge.