I am a dog trainer and have been working at Pets Mart. My job is ending because of scheduling issues. Is there a chance of setting up dog training in campgrounds? I will have to work on details, but groups or one on one would ideal. I would like to get on the road a lot sooner then previously planned.
Any ideas? Would it work?
Doris
Roz said
05:27 AM Jul 24, 2007
Greetings, Doris!
With proper planning, you may well find a niche that is not too difficult to put together. There are two approaches I would explore. First, venues that already exist where you would be welcomed to provide your service as a class or on an individual basis. These would be well promoted gatherings or Rallies that would welcome adding such a service.
The other approach would be at campgrounds that specialize in being more than just dog friendly, but seek out to provide dog related activities. You can search within www.dogfriendly.com under "RV Campgrounds" on a state by state search. I know of two campgrounds in NC that virtually solicit dogowners to bring their dogs to "camp".
You may be able to tie this specialty into other workkamping opportunities for both of you.
Our four-legged, furry-snouted children say, "Good Luck!"
Charles
Luvglass said
10:49 AM Jul 24, 2007
I would think their are potential opportunities in just about any campground you go to. Simply put up a notice on the bulletin board, or hang a sign in front of your rig.
I know, with a new puppy, we could use your services. :)
Fred
Floridariz said
01:14 PM Jul 24, 2007
We would ABSOLUTELY use your services! Great idea!
Paula in Fl
jimdee said
03:11 PM Jul 24, 2007
Thank you so much for your feed back on the feasibilty of "Training The Traveling Tails". I wanted to get a feel for this concept before I spent to much time on it. I will create a 1 hr or 3 hr session to start and have more available upon request. I will also include dog walking and pet sitting. I have been training dogs for over 20 years but for PetSMART 2 years. I am certified and a member of the APDT and also certified with AKC as an Evaluator for the CGC (Canine Good Citizenship) certificate. I will take your suggestions to heart and provide the best possible training solution for those on the go.
wmalefyt said
03:40 PM Jul 24, 2007
I think you have a winner. With so many people travelling with dogs you should have no problem finding enough business to keep you busy! One thing to do first is make sure the campground you are in has no problems with your business activities.
We are animal lovers, especially dogs, and would anticipate that we will have a dog at some point which will need training and sitting. We currently don't have a dog, but fully expect we will have one in the future.
Good luck with your plans!
Stan and Trudi said
03:53 PM Jul 24, 2007
We would love to have some dog training. I think a lot of people would. I think like another post said, just post on bulletin board and if it were a large RV resort I bet you would have more business than you could manage. Good luck.
Speedhitch said
04:06 PM Jul 24, 2007
Along with the dog training you might want to train some owners too. Dogs and cats are good folks but their owners sometimes are the ones that need to be trained on how to take care of them! Just an idea I thought I would stick in there. I have never had a real problem with a sweet pooch but the owner that let him potty in my yard now that is something else. I know that the campgrounds that I have stayed in would welcome some training along those lines.
Good luck
Joe and Sherri
DAFT said
07:32 AM Jul 25, 2007
Don't know where you are now, but we would hire you in a NY minute to work with our 10 month old pup, Buddy! Just yesterday we picked up info at local PetSmart store about their 8 week program. Problem is, we don't want to be here for 8 weeks!
We are at the Maumelle COE park on the Arkansas River in Little Rock.
lwfox002 said
06:00 PM Jul 25, 2007
Hi in Arkansas. We spent a couple of nights in Maumelle at that park about 4 years ago.
Enjoy your stay.
Cindy T said
06:53 AM Jul 26, 2007
Pet services is something I've been wondering about too, as I've had a successful pet sitting business for the past 6 years. I just wasn't sure I'd be able to do it on the road.
All of my new business currently comes via referrals. I have a great reputation and my existing customers know that I am very trustworthy. But moving from campground to campground, no one will know me or my reputation. So, let me ask the fulltimers, would you use a dog walker/pet sitter that you meet in the campground?
I'm thinking that I could offer dog walking for people who are going to be out sightseeing all day. I could pet sit for RVers who need to leave their rig for a few days, for whatever reason. Do you think this is a viable "on the road" business? As pet owners, what might be your concerns about hiring a pet sitter/dog walker?
Luvglass said
09:48 AM Jul 26, 2007
Cindy T wrote:
Pet services is something I've been wondering about too, as I've had a successful pet sitting business for the past 6 years. I just wasn't sure I'd be able to do it on the road. All of my new business currently comes via referrals. I have a great reputation and my existing customers know that I am very trustworthy. But moving from campground to campground, no one will know me or my reputation. So, let me ask the fulltimers, would you use a dog walker/pet sitter that you meet in the campground? I'm thinking that I could offer dog walking for people who are going to be out sightseeing all day. I could pet sit for RVers who need to leave their rig for a few days, for whatever reason. Do you think this is a viable "on the road" business? As pet owners, what might be your concerns about hiring a pet sitter/dog walker?
Hi Cindy,
Most full timers get used to dealing with new people, because that's what we experience every day. Doctors, dentists, hairstylists, barbers, supermarkets and restaurants, are almost always a first time experience.
Actually, to some of us, that's one of the main enjoyments of the lifestyle, even the most mundane aspects of daily life are new experiences every day.
If you are friendly and like animals, I'm sure that will come through and you won't have any problems in starting your new business.
Good luck,
Fred
hogans1947 said
02:31 PM Jul 26, 2007
What about dog grooming? Now I would be interested in that, although you would probably need more "stuff". Brenda
Cindy T said
04:19 PM Jul 26, 2007
I do groom my own dog (toy poodle) but I've never done it for other people. You do need quite a bit of equipment for the actual hair trimming, nail trimming, shampooing, hair drying etc. And you need a place big enough to bathe the dogs as well.
In my area (Denver) we have some mobile dog grooming businesses. These are folks who typically have a utility trailer or van specifically designed as a mobile grooming salon. They pull up to your house, plug their trailer into your water supply & electricity, and groom the dog on the spot. I suppose if you're in a campground that is near a city where this service is available, they could come to the campground too.
emeacham said
10:58 AM Aug 1, 2007
Hi Doris, this sounds like a great idea. I would love to have the opportunity to put my furkids through some remedial training, but it's hard to find places to do that on a drop-in basis. The time we spend in one place seems to fluctuate too, so sometimes we're in one place a week or more, and sometimes only a night or two.
Would you find a campground where you would stay through a season, for example, South Texas or Arizona in the winter and Colorado in the summer? Or would you travel around and try to find students as you go?
Keep us posted, if you start this business, I'd like to find you!
Happy travels, Ellie
Doris said
08:51 AM Aug 2, 2007
Thank you so much for your input. I am currently in Troy, Mo which is about 1 hour NorthWest of St. Louis. I will be working at PetSMART for 2 more weeks and at that time will be persuing this idea. I will not be traveling at this time be will be going into different towns 1 or 2 times a week at each place IF I can find places that are willing to give me access for an 1 or 2 hrs to a building.
We plan to travel around in an RV in the next couple of years and don't plan to stay in one place real long unless we really like it where we are. I'll keep you posted. My e-mail address is dridenhour@centurytel.net please stay in touch.
Any ideas? Would it work?
Doris
With proper planning, you may well find a niche that is not too difficult to put together. There are two approaches I would explore. First, venues that already exist where you would be welcomed to provide your service as a class or on an individual basis. These would be well promoted gatherings or Rallies that would welcome adding such a service.
The other approach would be at campgrounds that specialize in being more than just dog friendly, but seek out to provide dog related activities. You can search within www.dogfriendly.com under "RV Campgrounds" on a state by state search. I know of two campgrounds in NC that virtually solicit dogowners to bring their dogs to "camp".
You may be able to tie this specialty into other workkamping opportunities for both of you.
Our four-legged, furry-snouted children say, "Good Luck!"
Charles
Paula in Fl
We are animal lovers, especially dogs, and would anticipate that we will have a dog at some point which will need training and sitting. We currently don't have a dog, but fully expect we will have one in the future.
Good luck with your plans!
Enjoy your stay.
Most full timers get used to dealing with new people, because that's what we experience every day. Doctors, dentists, hairstylists, barbers, supermarkets and restaurants, are almost always a first time experience.
Actually, to some of us, that's one of the main enjoyments of the lifestyle, even the most mundane aspects of daily life are new experiences every day.
If you are friendly and like animals, I'm sure that will come through and you won't have any problems in starting your new business.
Good luck,
Fred
Brenda
Hi Doris, this sounds like a great idea. I would love to have the opportunity to put my furkids through some remedial training, but it's hard to find places to do that on a drop-in basis. The time we spend in one place seems to fluctuate too, so sometimes we're in one place a week or more, and sometimes only a night or two.
Would you find a campground where you would stay through a season, for example, South Texas or Arizona in the winter and Colorado in the summer? Or would you travel around and try to find students as you go?
Keep us posted, if you start this business, I'd like to find you!
Happy travels,
Ellie
We plan to travel around in an RV in the next couple of years and don't plan to stay in one place real long unless we really like it where we are. I'll keep you posted. My e-mail address is dridenhour@centurytel.net please stay in touch.
-- Edited by Doris at 20:02, 2007-08-29