TUENNE
since 2009
The Founder
I'm Nick, the founder of Tuenne | Technical Outdoor Design. I'm a Rhode Island School of Design grad with a degree in Industrial Design.
While I have fond memories of climbing and mtn biking, surfing has pretty much taken over.
Tuenne was originally inspired by gear used in climbing and biking and remains to be, but we also hope to bring some surf vibes to our design in the very near future. So, stay tuned for our new "Ocean Proof" Waterproof Leash and Collar Line - It's coming this Spring.
Our Story
While at Design School in 2007, I got Nigel, this beast of an English Bulldog pictured here. He inspired me to dive into designing what has now become our famous patented modular leash. He has since passed but his legacy remains in the Tuenne name. Tuenne was named after me (Nick) and Nigel - hence...2N
As a Climber, Mountain Biker and Outdoorsman, basically everything I owned was made by an outdoor brand. So, Nigel came along and naturally I'm going for the Patagonia of pet products. I was surprised to find nothing like that existed at the time. Remember Tuenne is O.G. and we are talking 2007 here. I began to play with retired ropes donated by my local climbing gym.
I started to machine endcaps from aluminum and tried some plastic over-molding onto ropes. It was a challenge to figure out a way to attach endcaps to the ropes in a way that would withstand the force adequate for a dog leash. The solution, with the help of the co-inventor, Alan Ackley of Ackley Metals, was quite extraordinary, resulting in 3 Utility Patents, custom fixtures, and lots of custom machined parts.
So what started off as just an idea to make my own dog leash for Nigel to walk around Providence, RI with, turned into a bigger idea, and an opportunity to do something greater. Here we are in 2025, still making leashes. Come try one, we know you will appreciate the story behind them and all that has gone into this amazing product.
North
Nigel has since passed but is never forgotten. North, my Beagle Corgi mix now rules the roost. So, N&N's legacy continues as Nick and North.
North has crazy amounts of energy, loves to bark at just about everything, but is literally the best dog, well they all are, aren't they????
North comes every day to the shop and helps make the leashes in the way of lounging and doing nothing and every so often offers up his paw of approval.
Authentic Climbing Rope
We are AUTHORIZED resellers of: Mammut Swiss Ropes, Sterling Ropes, Beal Ropes , Edelrid Ropes, and Black Diamond Ropes.
Auto Locking Carabiner
The carabiner has a spring assisted locking mechanism. Beware of leashes using carabiners that don't lock. They can open and are unsafe.