Dragons' Den viewers baffled by dog swimming pitch
Some fans weren't too sure about Andrew Brownlie's idea
What did you miss?
Dragons' Den fans were left scratching their heads as a man went on the show looking for an investment in his dog swimming business.
Viewers posted messages on social media expressing their confusion and asking if it was "a joke", as Andrew Brownlie went looking for £10,000 for his Canine Dip and Dive company, accompanied by his dog, Buddy. He described the firm as a "unique swimming pool for dogs", but some viewers thought that was hilarious.
"I wanna see that spaniel do the backstroke and triple pike from a 20 foot diving board," one quipped on X.
What, how and why?
Brownlie was on the BBC show on Thursday, 23 January and explained that his business came about after he worked teaching dogs to dive.
"They would take off and do long jump," he explained. "While I was doing that I noticed so many dogs were scared of water, so I started to develop various methods to help these dogs overcome their fear and get them swimming."
Telling Deborah Meaden and co that his swimming sessions included Puppy Paddle, pool parties and senior sessions, he said he was after £10,000 for 5% of his business.
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Viewers weren't sure, with several posting messages about it on X.
"Is this a joke, swimming dogs?" one fan asked. "They’ve already got something like this in Eastbourne - it’s called the sea…" another pointed out.
Someone else remarked: "Call me a spoil sport, but I can’t see doggy swimming pools being the next big thing!" "Dog swimming?" posted another, with a puzzled face emoji.
"I'm assuming that if a dog can't swim....it's not really an issue," said another viewer, as another suggested it was "a novelty". Somebody else joked: "Swimming dogs. Some people are away with the fairies."
However, others liked the idea, with one posting: "My dog would love this!!"
Another said: "Why am I struggling to take this seriously!? It’s a great idea."
What happened?
Brownlie was open about running his company for the love of it and said becoming rich wasn't his main goal. "I will not become a millionaire doing this and that's not the aim," he said.
Some of the Dragons questioned whether he really needed an investor, but Sara Davies was apparently taken with his pitch and offered him all the money, for a 25% stake. Peter Jones offered half the money, saying he would happily share with Davies for 20% of the business.
However, Brownlie decided to turn it down, telling the Dragons he and his wife had agreed not to give away more of their firm. "I am going to have to say no," he said.
Dragons' Den airs on BBC One on Thursdays.