Recent company materials state that Outward Hound has been growing under its current identity for roughly 15 years, although historical sources trace the underlying business to the late 1990s. A 2018 industry profile identifies Kyle and Jennifer Hansen as founders in 1998, while later legal filings describe the company as having been founded in 2005. The precise founding year therefore depends on whether one refers to the original business or a later corporate entity.4

Origins: Kyjen

The roots of Outward Hound lie with Kyle and Jennifer Hansen, who founded a dog-products business originally known as Kyjen. The company was established on the premise that dog owners required better-quality products capable of providing meaningful play and engagement. The Hansens subsequently relocated the business from California to Colorado.4 Early operations concentrated heavily on innovative dog toys and accessories. Rather than treating toys merely as items for chewing, Kyjen emphasized mental stimulation, problem-solving, interaction, and physical activity. This philosophy became central to the later Outward Hound identity.5 Products sold under the early portfolio included Plush Puppies, Invincibles, Outward Hound, and Dog Games. By 2013, Kyjen was distributing through more than 100 distributors and approximately 1,100 retailers.1

2013: Riverside investment

A significant turning point occurred in 2013 when private-equity firm The Riverside Company acquired Kyjen. Riverside lists its investment in Outward Hound as beginning in August 2013 and ending in December 2017.1 This investment helped establish a platform for a larger pet-products group. Instead of remaining primarily a dog-toy company, the business began adding complementary pet brands through acquisitions.

2015: Bionic and Petstages

Outward Hound acquired Bionic Pet Products in January 2015. Bionic was known for durable dog toys, adding another specialized toy line to the portfolio. Subsequently, the company expanded into the broader pet-products market through the acquisition of Petstages. This acquisition was notable because Petstages offered products aimed at both dogs and cats, with a strong emphasis on developmental and functional pet products.6

2017–2018: Expansion under J.W. Childs

In December 2017, Outward Hound was acquired by J.W. Childs Associates, a U.S. private-equity firm. This ownership period coincided with aggressive expansion of the brand portfolio.7 In 2018, the company acquired several brands, including:

• Wholesome Pride: A natural pet-treat company founded in 2013 by Chase Peterson.8
• Charming Pet: A dog-toy company founded by Nick and Christine Watts, known for products such as K9 Tuff Guard toys.9
• Planet Dog: A well-known dog-toy company founded in 1997, recognized for its Made-in-USA Orbee-Tuff products and socially responsible positioning.7

The Planet Dog acquisition strengthened Outward Hound’s position in durable and premium dog toys while bringing the Orbee-Tuff product family into its portfolio.23

2020s: Multi-brand pet company

Over time, Outward Hound evolved from a company primarily associated with dog toys into a broader dog-and-cat consumer-products platform. Its current portfolio spans toys, puzzle games, feeding products, treats, beds, travel products, and other accessories.13 The company currently lists nine major brand identities on its website: Outward Hound, Best Friends by Sheri, Wholesome Pride, Nina Ottosson, Planet Dog, Charming Pet, Catstages, Petstages, and Pupstages.3 Some acquired brands have been integrated into other parts of the portfolio; for example, Planet Dog products are now part of Petstages, although the Planet Dog identity continues to be represented within the company’s offerings.20

Outward Hound has undergone several stages of private-equity ownership. The Riverside Company acquired the original Kyjen business in 2013.1 J.W. Childs Associates subsequently became the owner in December 2017. During this period, Outward Hound expanded its brand portfolio through acquisitions such as Wholesome Pride, Charming Pet, and Planet Dog.14 Most recently, in July 2026, H.I.G. Capital announced that affiliated funds had assumed majority ownership of Outward Hound. The company stated that the transaction would provide additional resources for product innovation, stronger retail partnerships, and expansion into additional pet-product categories.1115 The current CEO is Jared Mosher, who noted that the H.I.G. transaction would allow further investment in brands, product development, and growth opportunities.16

Outward Hound operates as a multi-brand pet-products company. Rather than selling every product under a single brand, it maintains distinct brands with different identities and areas of expertise to address various consumer needs and price segments.

Pet toys

Toys remain one of the most recognizable categories. Examples include plush toys, squeaky toys, durable toys, chew toys, interactive toys, hide-and-seek toys, puzzle toys, and treat-dispensing toys. The Hide A Squirrel line is a prominent example where dogs remove squeaky plush animals from a larger plush container, turning a conventional toy into an interactive puzzle positioned around mental stimulation and natural hunting instincts.1221

Puzzle and enrichment products

Pet enrichment is a major part of the company’s identity. The portfolio includes puzzle products associated with Nina Ottosson, whose games are designed around dogs and cats working to discover hidden treats. The company frequently positions play as both physical and mental exercise rather than merely entertainment.19

Feeding products

Specialized feeding products include slow-feeder bowls, interactive feeders, treat-dispensing products, and puzzle feeders. The Fun Feeder line is designed to make mealtime more interactive and slow down eating. Company FAQs state that feeding products use food-grade plastic and are made without BPA, PVC, lead, or phthalates.10

Treats

Through Wholesome Pride, Outward Hound expanded into pet treats, particularly natural and limited-ingredient products. Wholesome Pride was originally founded around the concept of treats with simple ingredient lists and no additives.18

Beds

Best Friends by Sheri provides a significant presence in pet bedding. The brand is especially associated with plush, comfortable beds intended for dogs and cats, complementing the toy-focused business by addressing the pet-home market.18

Outdoor and travel products

Products intended for taking pets outside include life jackets, travel gear, carriers, backpacks, car accessories, and outdoor equipment. This category connects to the broader concept of making adventures with pets safer and more enjoyable.24

Outward Hound

The flagship brand includes interactive dog toys, plush toys, puzzle products, feeding products, travel equipment, and other dog accessories. It emphasizes play, enrichment, exploration, and the relationship between pets and owners. Notable products include Hide A Squirrel, Invincibles, Fun Feeder, and various interactive puzzle products.1320

Nina Ottosson

This enrichment brand specializes in puzzle games requiring dogs and cats to interact with mechanisms to access hidden treats. It helped popularize the idea of food puzzles as structured mental enrichment for pets.19

Planet Dog

Originating in 1997, Planet Dog became known for products such as Orbee-Tuff, a durable dog-toy material and product line. Outward Hound acquired the brand in 2018.23

Petstages

Petstages focuses on developmental and functional products for pets, including toys and accessories for different life stages. It also serves as the current home for Planet Dog products within the brand structure.26

Best Friends by Sheri

Primarily associated with pet beds and comfort products, especially plush beds for dogs and cats.18

Wholesome Pride

Focuses on pet treats, particularly natural and limited-ingredient products. Acquired in 2018.8

Charming Pet

Founded by Nick and Christine Watts, this brand is known for durable and interactive dog toys, including K9 Tuff Guard technology. Acquired in 2018.9

Catstages

Extends the enrichment philosophy into the cat-toy and cat-accessory market.3

Pupstages

Focuses on products designed specifically around puppies and their developmental needs.3

A defining characteristic of Outward Hound is its emphasis on purposeful play. Many products are designed around specific behavioral concepts such as mental stimulation, problem-solving, natural hunting behavior, slower feeding, physical exercise, interactive play, boredom reduction, and developmental enrichment. The Riverside Company described the products as differentiated by their emphasis on dogs’ mental and physical wellbeing through problem-solving, stimulation, and engagement with humans.1 This philosophy is evident in products like Hide A Squirrel, where the dog must locate and remove individual squeaky animals rather than simply chewing a plush toy.21

Outward Hound states that its products are designed in Colorado, USA. Manufacturing is carried out primarily through trusted partners in China, while some chew products and treats are made in the United States.17 The product-development process involves testing with office dogs and volunteer members of the Woof Pack, followed by safety approval from independent testing laboratories before products reach stores.25

Outward Hound has developed an international distribution network. The company states that its products are sold around the world through pet-specialty stores and other retailers in numerous markets.22 Historically, the business expanded substantially through distributors; in 2013, Riverside reported that Kyjen products were sold through more than 100 distributors and 1,100 retailers.1 Today, the company operates as a global pet-products business with both physical retail and online distribution. In the Philippines, Outward Hound products such as the Hide A Squirrel puzzle toy are available through local pet supply retailers and online marketplaces.29

Outward Hound’s stated mission is “To enrich the lives of pets and their families worldwide with innovations that deliver happiness.”2 The company’s values are built around three themes: Love (caring about pets, customers, employees, the environment, and product quality); Respect (acting with integrity, communicating transparently, and focusing on solutions); and Unity (teamwork, empowerment, having fun, and giving back to communities).27 Branding tends to be playful and pet-centric, using terms such as “pet parents,” “pack,” “woof,” and “tails,” while the underlying strategy centers on functionality and enrichment.

Product families associated with Outward Hound and its portfolio include:

• Hide A Squirrel: Interactive plush hide-and-seek toy12
• Invincibles: Squeaky dog toys13
• Fun Feeder: Slow-feeding bowls10
• Nina Ottosson puzzle games: Treat-based enrichment puzzles19
• Orbee-Tuff: Durable Planet Dog toys23
• Best Friends by Sheri beds: Plush comfort products18
• Wholesome Pride treats: Natural and limited-ingredient treats8
• Petstages and Catstages enrichment products: Developmental toys for dogs and cats26

The current catalog covers toys, games, beds, bowls, treats, and gear across both dogs and cats.28

“Outward Hound” can refer to both the corporate group and a specific consumer brand. Historically, the corporate business was known as The Kyjen Company. The Outward Hound name subsequently became the dominant corporate and brand identity. Historical legal documents still identify the company as The Kyjen Company, LLC d/b/a Outward Hound.14 Older corporate records and acquisition announcements may use Kyjen, while contemporary retail and corporate materials generally use Outward Hound.

• 1998: Kyle and Jennifer Hansen establish the original dog-products business.4
• 2000s: The company develops dog toys and accessories under Kyjen and related brands, including Outward Hound, Plush Puppies, Invincibles, and Dog Games.
• 2013: The Riverside Company acquires Kyjen.1
• 2015: Bionic Pet Products and Petstages become part of the expanding portfolio.6
• 2017: J.W. Childs Associates acquires Outward Hound from Riverside.7
• 2018: Outward Hound acquires Wholesome Pride, Charming Pet, and Planet Dog.8923
• 2020s: The company continues developing its multi-brand dog-and-cat platform.
• July 2026: H.I.G. Capital becomes the company’s new majority owner.1115

As of August 2026, Outward Hound is in a new phase of ownership following H.I.G. Capital’s acquisition of a majority stake in July 2026. The company states that the investment is intended to accelerate innovation, strengthen relationships with retailers, and expand category opportunities.16 Outward Hound has evolved from a Colorado-based dog-toy company into an international, multi-brand pet-products platform. While its best-known identity remains associated with playful and interactive dog products, the wider company now encompasses toys, puzzles, feeding solutions, treats, beds, travel products, and cat products under a collection of specialized brands.

1. Outward Hound | www.riversidecompany.com
2. About Us | Outward Hound
3. Brands – Outward Hound
4. GROWTH UNLEASHED
5. Motion to Seal/Sealed and Exparte Filings:
6. Riverside Adds To Outward Hound
7. Outward Hound Acquires Planet Dog
8. Outward Hound Acquires Wholesome Pride – Furtropolis
9. Outward Hound Acquires Charming Pet – Furtropolis
10. FAQs | Outward Hound
11. Outward Hound Announces H.I.G. Capital as New Majority Owner to Support Next Chapter of Growth
12. Hide A Squirrel Plush Puzzle Toy
13. Outward Hound Dog Toys, Slow Feeders, & Pet Gear
14. Microsoft Word – 01.0 – SDFL Outward Hound Complaint (including utility patents and CR) 4902-8086-3008 v.1
15. Outward Hound Announces H.I.G. Capital as New Majority Owner to Support Next Chapter of Growth
16. Outward Hound Announces H.I.G. Capital as New Majority Owner to Support Next Chapter of Growth | Morningstar
17. Outward Hound | See Full Importer History | ImportGenius
18. Best Friends – Hexagon Capital Alliance
19. The Nose Knows: Nose Work Games for Dogs – Furtropolis
20. The Best Hide and Seek Dog Toys for Interactive Fun – Furtropolis
21. Hide-A-Squirrel Dog Toy Review 2026: Soft, Plush Puzzle Toy!
22. Growth Unleashed: Outward Hound Sets Centric PLM as Digital Foundation to Underpin Expansion
23. Outward Hound® Acquires Planet Dog® Made in USA Dog Toy Platform
24. Outward Hound Brand Spotlight and Giveaway | Sierra Blog
25. Centric Software PLM Helps Outward Hound Raise The Woof
26. Outward Hound® & Petstages® At Global Pet Expo
27. Outward Hound | www.riversidecompany.com
28. New For 2022
29. Outward Hound Hide A Squirrel Puzzle Dog Toy – Pet Warehouse | Philippines