GROUND DOG
Where the forest, the dog and the human circuit meet
HOW A DOG WALK BECAME AN EXPERIMENT IN GROUNDING
Ground Dog is the practical outcome of several years of curiosity about grounding, nature connection and the quiet electrical relationship between the human body and the Earth. What began as simple voltage observations during daily walks gradually evolved into a working system designed to bring grounding into an everyday ritual many people already share with their dogs.
The idea is now protected by trademark and patent registration and the first handcrafted leather prototype was produced in Devon. From there the project moved into testing: pilot studies, multimeter voltage measurements, and real-world use during ordinary walks. The next stage is a refined cotton webbing prototype, designed to make the system lighter and more accessible while keeping the core pathway intact.
Ground Dog is developing step by step, through craft, observation and careful experimentation with the aim of creating a simple tool that connects people, animals and the Earth beneath their feet
The Prototype
The first working Ground Dog system was produced as a handcrafted leather prototype made locally in Devon. The aim was simple: create a durable dog collar and lead that could carry a continuous core pathway from the dog’s natural contact with the Earth through to the human hand. Careful attention was given to materials, construction and comfort for both dog and walker. The leather version proved the concept and allowed the first real-world testing to begin.
The next stage is a refined prototype made from cotton webbing, developed in collaboration with Storeys & Tails. This version is designed to be lighter, more accessible and easier to produce, while maintaining the conductive core that allows grounding to take place. Working with Storeys & Tails brings together practical craftsmanship and thoughtful design, helping to shape a version of Ground Dog that can move from prototype into wider use.
The Pilot Study
The leather prototype was used in an initial 4-week observational pilot study with a volunteer participant. The aim was not to make medical claims but to observe whether any measurable or experiential changes occurred during normal use of the grounding lead during daily walks.
The participant reported improvements in sleep quality, reductions in chronic pain, greater emotional calm and increased creativity and energy. These early observations are encouraging and have helped shape the design of the next round of prototypes and a broader pilot study.
Voltage Experiments
Alongside the observational study, simple electrical measurements have been carried out using a digital multimeter. These tests demonstrate the basic principle behind Ground Dog: when the system is connected to the Earth, human body voltage drops significantly through the core pathway created by the collar, lead and handle contact.
These experiments are intentionally simple but important. They help confirm that the system is functioning electrically as intended, grounding the human body through the natural contact of the dog with the Earth.
Craft and Place
Ground Dog is being developed slowly and carefully in Devon, with a strong emphasis on craftsmanship and thoughtful design. Wherever possible, prototypes are made locally and tested in the landscapes that inspired the idea in the first place — woodland paths, fields and quiet country lanes.
Working Together
Ground Dog is being developed by Nina Walsh and Zizi Relton, long-time friends whose paths eventually converged around a shared belief in nature-based wellbeing.
Nina leads the invention, research and product development, drawing on her background in sound engineering, frequency research and grounding studies. Zizi brings strong organisational and business experience from years working in leadership roles within education and wellbeing environments and currently works at the Glastonbury Frequency Medicine Centre.
Both are trained Shinrin-Yoku (forest bathing) practitioners, and both share a deep respect for animals, nature and the quieter ways people can reconnect with balance in everyday life.
