Dog Business Advice

[MTAussie]

My family has 15 acres in Eastern Montana and I am getting out of the Navy in about 4 months. We are thinking about opening a small business where people can possibly rent an area for frisbee, agility, or whatever, practice or shows. Maybe have an indoor arena as well for the winter. And maybe offering other services such as do-it-yourself dog bathes, pet supplies, to go along with the events. Maybe people could rent field to bring their dogs just to get them out of the house, especially if they have a aggressive dog that is not able to go to dog parks. Maybe having agility equipment for people to practice. Any thoughts or ideas? Would this be something that any of you would use?
Thanks so much! :D
Chelsey

[asta7775]

I think it sounds like a neet idea, the do it yourself dog baths have become popular where I live as you get to leave the mess behind. I heard of a place that has a small herd of sheep so hearding breeds can get it out of their system now and then. I don't know what you would charge for something like that. You could also have some type of pond or pool that is safe for dogs. Being able to practice agility or just to try it out would be neet as not a lot of people have the space for something like that. I think people would come as it would be a safe place to let your dog off leash. You could also offer puppy socialization classes, teach the basic commands and allow the pups to learn how to interact with other's without the fear of adults harming them. We did that at one of the clinics I worked at and it was a hoot. We would start off with letting them tussle a little to blow off some energy and then work with them on their basic commands, sit, stay, down that sort of thing for about 10-15min and play time and another 10-15 mins of teaching and then end with play time. We had treats for them and then a puppy graduation at the end of the 6wks. Where they got little diplomas we made on the computer. No one fails as it is really to socialize them so they learn how to interact with other dogs. On occasion we would bring in a calm adult dog for the pups to interact with as well as a dog friendly cat. Each pup got to check out the cat and adult dog individually and then the owner would practice some of the commands they learned, it was to help teach the pups how to control themselves and to listen to their owners in new and exiciting situations and when they encounter other dogs and cat's on their walks without going crazy. I think the possibilities of things you could are endless. I hope other's have more ideas for you. Good luck.

[MTAussie]

Awesome! Thanks for the ideas! The puppy class is a really good idea. I think we may be the only people still awake and posting right now!!:tired: I think the sheep idea would be good, but I don't know too much about herding. I think that would be a big undertaking. Maybe I could move into that after a little while, or depending on the demand. So many ideas! I can't wait to get started! What kind of puppy do you have?
~Chelsey

[asta7775]

I don't have one right now, I have been wanting to get one forever but it just hasn't been the right time. We are either working too many hours or the place isn't big enough. My inlaws live upstairs and they have a border collie so I get my fix from him and from my parents dog, they have a golden retriever australian shepherd cross. Both dogs like to herd our feet when they are lying down and you step over them. I have two cat's but hopefully someday soon we can get a dog, I will probably go to the shelter when the time comes and knowing me I will look for the saddest case as long as he/she won't eat my cat's, it will have to be med/large dog as we are avid outdoors people and go hiking and camping a lot and we will need a dog that can keep up.
I think we are the only ones left on too, as I haven't been able to sleep very well lately.
It was nice to meet you and good luck with the business plan, I hope it works out well for you. When I do get a dog it would be something I would be interested in.