Anyone in the dog business?
 

Well after a lot of thinking I decided dogs are who I belong with. I want to start a company that specializes in dog supplies.

Right now I have been making blankets and treats. Any advice you guys have is much appreciated. I know now isnt the time to start a business but I have to start somewhere.

Heres a bit of lame advise, I worked at petco for years... If your product isn't organic, hypoallergenic, have "fluffy" rhinestone studded in the pillow... Most people will just buy from a chain store. Easy returns, lower prices.. Need a nich and a catchy name like bark friendly or some crap

My wife works at a dog daycare and grooming facility, called Scrub a Pup. They have groomers there, plus on Saturdays, they have a room where people can wash their own dogs. Its a suprisingly steady business, even now in this downturn.

I was also fortunate enough to have lived next door to the guy that invented the Chuckit http://www.caninehardware.com/. I did some of the intial modeling of it for him, but he had to hire someone that could dedicate more time to it. I'll tell ya, we had some of the happiest dogs in our neighborhood, with all the toys he tried to invent.

Not sure what kind of advice you need - 'cept it takes a long time to get products out and you'll struggle for a while until you find something that sells.

I am mainly just looking for someone to guide me. I am starting pretty fresh. Any product advise or anything would be nice. I know it will probably take an eternity but that is fine. I have some ideas.

If your going to try dog breeding at least rent or buy a Stud, puppys with your face may not sell well ?

although im only 19 me my dad have been the business type for all our lives! he has owned many companies some good some bad.. best advice for you is to start small and work your way up to the bigtime. home businesses can make you some good money.. try out ebay, craigs list, etc and get your name to the public before you invest a grip of money in an actual store.
can you sew? i know people will pay for awesome looking doggie cloths. that would be an easy ebay business.

also.. dont get discouraged when things are tough.

As gay as it sounds, I actually can sew. My mom has a $6,000 sewing machine and I have often taken advantage of it. I have made my dogs blankets because their winter coats arent coming in yet.

Nah, sewing is a very handy skill to know. Not sure if you have any decent upholstery shops near you, but I have an idea that may fit your skillz? Here in my town there is not a decent auto upholstery shop. I do alot of headliners, and am good at taking the seats apart and swapping the factory covers, cushions and such. But I do not have the equipment or experience to actually make the covers. That 6k sewing machine must be sturdy enough to sew vinyl, and leather. Just an idea. I have been thinking about getting a big used machine and getting the hang of it, or getting the wife into making stuff. You could pass out some cards at car shows, etc. Also, boat people will pay to have seats made for the boats, and that is super easy.

Might fit with you making the dog sheets/blankets? Always good to have a diverse selection of people to cater to.

It could definitely sew through vinyl or leather. I have sewn through a few layers of denim just to see what it could do.

I can also embroider with the machine for a personalized touch for the lady friends.

Now I need to see how many people would be intersted in the blankets and treats. The treats are made with one thing in mind. Allergy free. The blankets arent anything too special yet.

About 10yrs ago, my sister in an act of rare thoughtfulness made our dogs blankets that have been treasured to the point they are now worn threadbare. They were nice, simple, quality blankets but had a Boston Terrier embroidered in one corner and the dogs name. Like "Bullet's Blankie" and "Marsha's Blankie" under the Boston Terrier.

That personal touch will go a long way.

sewing is not gay.. i've known how to sew for about 10 years now.. and do so often.. my g/f dont even know how to sew.. i can hand stitch and use a sewing machine.. jack of all trades certified in none.. really.. i can do anything..lol

I could defintely embroider the dogs names and possibly that type of dog. I could have to ask my mom about that one.

I also thought of specail made treats. For example, my dog loves cheese, so thats how his treats are made. My mom's dog loves chicken, so thats how her treats are made.

My mom and a top golden retriever breeder have started up a dog supplement company called 'Juka Organics'.... first market product is a organic flax oil/lignan in a 1kg jug, called 'Flax Forward'. Provides your dog with many benfits and nutrients that they just don't get from the standard popular crap dog food that 90% of the dog food 'manufacturers'. The toxic dog food that majority of people feed their friendly 4 legged companions are full of food 'waste', as well as not having no where near the amount or variety of nutients a K9 needs to be healthy. This is why so many dogs have diseases, and disorders... as well from the handful of vaccines that are administered to them. (my own dog died directly from a vaccine)

The flax forward provides your dog with a luxurious healthy coat, greatly improved joint health, bowel health, puppy brain development, and improved 'leanness', or increased muscle mass, and many other benefits.

But any company is no easy task to get going, takes alot more effort and work than one might think. If you do end up getting into the K9 market, go for the 'health food' market, as people are figuring out, and learning that the large pet food manufacturers are liers and deceivers.

Yeah I plan to go into, and stay into the health food market. I am not by any means trying to be a big company. I am staying local but will try to expand within my community.

I am going to be handing out samples to my neighbor for her to try and I will be taking a big bag down to my vet for them to give out. I also plan on making a few cards to help spread the word.

I created an e-mail address too. treats4canines@gmail.com