Anyways, I have found myself to be great with dogs. I'm an excellent trainer, all dogs love me, and people love me as well. I just came up with an idea. What if I opened my own dog training and maybe even grooming business?
But obviously since everything has been in-home before, I have no idea what it takes to open an actual business. What type of place should I lease? What should I have there? How much would the estimate cost be?
If you've opened up a business similiar, could you tell me experiences and any tips you'd find helpful?
Thanks!
ps. please don't slam this idea. sure, im young, and it may not happen, but at least if it can happen i will have a plan, right?
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You are lucky that I'm on right now :)
I am 14 (you probably aren't this young) and I've been volunteering at a dog washing salon/groomers for two years. The way I got there was by my contacts. Best friend's aunt opened a dog spa...wanted me to help out...
Do you have any contacts like that? If so, take your dog to training classes and get close to the trainer, then ask HER if maybe you could intern? Or ask her some tips? Something like that would be cool.
Well we had a trainer at my dog washing place, and she set out business cards and it was like a dual partnership. People would come to get their puppies washed...think hey what a misbehaved puppy...see business cards, get referred by store, ect.
OR
People would come for the training, get their dogs nice and dirty, or realise there dog is dirty and hey since they're there, wash their dog. It worked so well until property values got too high and our trainer moved.
Definately get a website. And get some pictures of you with dogs, people saying how great you are, whatever you feel necessary.
And you might want to buy some training videos :) Just watch like Ceasar Millan or something and record his shows.
Also, a dog washing business is SOOOO expensive. A single tub could run you a couple thousand dollars, just the tub, that's it. You'd probably want around 4, maybe even 6, depending what you prefer.
Hey good luck :)
EDIT-- My friend's aunt bought her business from a man who was selling his. This saved her so much money because he left her all of her tubs, supplies, everything.
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- I'm in the process of starting a small business. Let me tell you the number 1 thing. . it is EXPENSIVE. The startup costs of even the tiniest business could keep you in debt until business takes off, if it does.
That said, it is smart to wait to make such a large investment, especially if you do not know the basics of starting a business. Community colleges offer courses on start-ups and that may help you get going.
You will need a business license, which I believe you have to be 18 to legally obtain. (They are free, on the IRS website). Other than that, check the library or bookstore on books for starting up a small business. - All I can think of is: do you have some sort of Entrepreuner class in your school? I am currently enrolled in a similar class, and it will help you learn how to do literally a *ton* of things involved with owning/operating a business of your own.
Also, consider talking to other people in your town who have opened up their own small businesses. They will have a bunch of helpful information. - This isn't a slam, but don't try to open a dog training business. In order to do justice to potential clients you need much more training before you can take money to train dogs.
Try apprenticing with experienced trainers first and in a few years think about opening a training business - Every idea has to have a plan. You have dreams and ambitions which is the start. You have to research farther than the answers you will get here.
At your age without business management, dog behavior skills, grooming experience and financial $$$ planing you would be in the dark trying to open your own place right now.
My suggestion would be to get a job at a dog daycare. Most good ones also offer grooming and training classes. You need to learn all you can and that takes time.
Experience is the key to your dreams. You can do it. You have roll up your sleeves and get "slobbered" on first!!