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a life less posted:I think you might be shoe horning yourself into a corner if you set out to focus entirely on primitive breeds right from the start. Once you make a name for yourself you might have people searching you out for their Huskies, etc, but until then you're going to have loads of people asking you about their Shih-poos and Heinz 57 Mutts.
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Apr 20, 2012 18:02
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a life less posted:I think you might be shoe horning yourself into a corner if you set out to focus entirely on primitive breeds right from the start. Once you make a name for yourself you might have people searching you out for their Huskies, etc, but until then you're going to have loads of people asking you about their Shih-poos and Heinz 57 Mutts. This is half true. From the dog training standpoint, it seems perfectly logical - help all dogs, get more experience, more experience = impress more clients, etc. But from a marketing standpoint, one of the very very best things you can do as a solo business owner is to find a niche and cater to it. If you try to be all things to all people, you will blow your marketing budget faster than a 14 year old boy with his first Maxim. If you develop your niche and market specifically to it, you become not just a generalist, but a specialist, and people want to work with specialists. Specialists get a name for being experts at what they do, they get more direct recommendations from people in that niche, and people are willing to pay more for a service from a specialist.
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Apr 20, 2012 20:47
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a life less posted:I think you might be shoe horning yourself into a corner if you set out to focus entirely on primitive breeds right from the start. Once you make a name for yourself you might have people searching you out for their Huskies, etc, but until then you're going to have loads of people asking you about their Shih-poos and Heinz 57 Mutts. Part what ButWhatIf said, part I just don't want to do those dogs.  In my grooming work, I have to deal with whatever dogs by boss decides to take (which doesn't include large ones, which SUCKS for me), this endeavor is purely as my own hobby. I'm in no way intending to make a living off of it, and I'm not going to need to fill classes or anything. I strictly want to work in people's homes helping them make their dogs better family pets. I have a full time job and a 9 month old baby anyway, I don't have time for a whole lot of clients!  I figure it would be the sort of thing where I'd carry around business cards and hand them out if I happened to see a dog I'd want to work with, and look for referrals from the rescue we got Buddy from. My only overhead, for the most part, would be insurance so I wouldn't need to do a whole lot to break even.quote:I'm not loving the ___ Spirit names. It just comes off as too wannabe mystic, and I would roll my eyes at a place called that if I passed by. Yeah, I sooooo didn't think of that. I was more thinking that since I can't call it "Stubborn rear end in a top hat Dog Training," something like that would get the point across nicer. Anyone have ideas along those lines, then? quote:I tend to like the more punny names. How about something like, "Partners in Crime"? Or... "My Life With Dogs"? "Me, My Dog and I"? See, I'm just soooo burned out on those kinda things. Every grooming shop and training place around here has something "clever" or "funny" as their name, so I really want to try to go in a different direction, if I can. This isn't really something I'm making a BUSINESS business with, btw, it's pretty much something I can register and throw on a business card, if that matters.
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Apr 20, 2012 23:43
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"Stubborn rear end in a top hat Dog Training" That's it. Look no further. 
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Apr 21, 2012 00:26
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"Positively Primitive Training"? That way you've got bases covered - primitive breeds and positive training. Alternatively, "Ancient Affirmations". I do adore alliterations.
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Apr 21, 2012 02:18
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I think you should remember that since a lot of people get primitive breeds because they're ~cute~ and not because they know anything about them, they might not know their dog even is a primitive breed. I'd try to go for a name without primitive or ancient in it just because of that.
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Apr 21, 2012 02:45
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Radio! posted:I think you should remember that since a lot of people get primitive breeds because they're ~cute~ and not because they know anything about them, they might not know their dog even is a primitive breed. I'd try to go for a name without primitive or ancient in it just because of that. Yeah, that's exactly what I was thinking, too. Why does this have to be so hard? It's really difficult giving a name to something that you're going to be stuck with for a very, very long time. No wonder my son didn't have a name until he was born. Took like 2 weeks to name our cat, too. And I mulled for YEARS over what to name the kennel I'm going to start one day. This isn't looking so good, is it?
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Apr 21, 2012 11:54
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So upon letting the dogs back inside from their morning playtime, I'm greeted with the sight of Iyola's collar tag - still attached to the D-ring - on the driveway, next to a broken collar clasp. There is no fabric in sight. I'm guessing one of them... ate... it? Poopwatch it is. 
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Apr 21, 2012 13:01
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WolfensteinBag posted:Yeah, that's exactly what I was thinking, too. You'll know when you hit upon it. I wrote lists of words and variants forever trying to find the right name, hoping it hadn't already been registered. When I found the right one, it was like hearing a tiny gong or something in the back of my head. I tried it out on people I knew, and everyone (with one exception because he did not know it was a real phrase that people use) liked it, so I jumped right on it; and voila: You Sly Dog Training was born.
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Apr 25, 2012 20:09
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ButWhatIf posted:You'll know when you hit upon it. I wrote lists of words and variants forever trying to find the right name, hoping it hadn't already been registered. When I found the right one, it was like hearing a tiny gong or something in the back of my head. I tried it out on people I knew, and everyone (with one exception because he did not know it was a real phrase that people use) liked it, so I jumped right on it; and voila: You Sly Dog Training was born. Hahaha! I love it! I can't believe that wasn't taken. You're right, I'll figure it out eventually. Thanks!
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Apr 26, 2012 02:36
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What about something based on the word "Rogue"? Or "Brat" 
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Apr 26, 2012 14:10
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notsoape posted:What about something based on the word "Rogue"? Or "Brat" OH MY GOD. I love the idea of using Rogue!!!! I soooo have to think on that, thanks!!!
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Apr 26, 2012 20:53
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Rogue makes me think immediately of the word "Rover" for the alliteration. The Rogue Rover Rover Gone Rogue (uh, kind of a Girls Gone Wild vibe) Rogue Spirit Behavioral Training Rogue Paw Training (this could pair with a paw illustration for a logo) The nice thing about playing with the names is that, I assume, people who want the type of training you'll offer will be researching for trainers. You don't have to have a name that is super-easily-readable for people driving past on the highway. It can be a little playful/clever and still have the clarity you need.
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Apr 26, 2012 21:20
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Rogue Husky Dog Training? Bit narrow, but I don't care.
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Apr 26, 2012 22:12
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I REALLY like the alliteration of Rogue Rover, tbh.
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Apr 27, 2012 04:22
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I kinda hate the name Rover, though...  Just personal preference.
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Apr 27, 2012 11:31
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"Rogue Remedies" ?
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Apr 27, 2012 13:04
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dog gone rogue
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Apr 27, 2012 13:32
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This is why I run: She's SO HAPPY, OMG!!! We did 7.55 miles this morning and she was so thrilled. Look it her grin. I loving love malamutes.
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Apr 29, 2012 19:19
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Can anyone tell me their experiences with American Eskimos and German Spitz? My friend has her heart set on one. As far as I can tell there are no breeders in Australia. There are a fair few breeders of German Spitz which seems to be the closest breed. My friend is somewhat of a homebody, doesn't have any other pets, works fulltime. Might go out once or twice a week with friends but otherwise is at home. She has had a GSD when she was younger. I'm worried she doesn't know what she's getting into with a primitive breed and suggested she go to a show and talk to some folks first...
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Apr 29, 2012 19:44
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Is she willing to be physically active? I mean, really physically active? These are not good dogs for couch potatoes.
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Apr 29, 2012 19:51
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I'd be even more concerned with socialization. Can't speak for German Spitz, but AEs get so attached to their one owner that, if not properly socialized, they can become fear aggressive. Honestly don't think I've met one that wasn't "Bite first, ask questions later," with anyone outside the family. :/
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Apr 29, 2012 20:33
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^^^ Yeah, that, in long form. Actually, my Eskie is a complete couch potato. She sleeps most of the day and gets tired out by short play sessions or 45 minute walks. She may not be typical, but being active (like border collie active) is not usually the first thing you have to worry about with American Eskimos. So I have an Eskie. Here she is:  IMG_0801 by Kiri koli, on Flickr It's kind of hard to tell, but from what I've read, American Eskimos used to be called German Spitzen and were renamed during WWII. They are a different but related breed from Japanese Spitz (though I can't tell the difference by looking) and there could always be offshoots/slight differences for the German Spitzen in Australia, but overall, I think the descriptions are essentially the same. Eskies do not make good first dogs, even compared to other primitive breeds. Here's what I wrote the last time I was asked about this: me posted:...they are high energy, very smart but also stubborn dogs. They are very good at learning, but not the easiest to train because they want to know what's in it for them, rather than just being pleased to please like other breeds that are regarded as easily trainable. If your friend is going to get a puppy from a breeder, than she will be able to do the socialization stuff properly. This is ABSOLUTELY VITAL! The trainers I work with always say that they've never seen a normal Eskie. They are extremely easy to gently caress up because their nature is to be suspicious and paranoid and easily anxious/fearful if not made bomb-proof, which leads to reactivity. An Eskie puppy need to be properly socialized, under the guide of a professional who uses positive training in the case of your friend who doesn't sound very experienced. Your friend will have to be up on good training techniques. If she justs wants a cuddly friend, get another dog. If she's looking forward to training, maybe doing dog sports, and is into that stuff, then she may do okay. Like I said, I love my Eskie and I think, if raised right, they are amazing dogs. Tons of personality, smart, agile and cute as all get out. Great for doggie sports and fun companions. But they are not easy. Kiri koli fucked around with this message at 20:45 on Apr 29, 2012 |
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Apr 29, 2012 20:43
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Kiri koli posted:It's kind of hard to tell, but from what I've read, American Eskimos used to be called German Spitzen and were renamed during WWII. They are a different but related breed from Japanese Spitz (though I can't tell the difference by looking) and there could always be offshoots/slight differences for the German Spitzen in Australia, but overall, I think the descriptions are essentially the same. Wait, Eskies are rebranded German Spitzes, basically? Hunh. Never knew that. I always assumed they were...well, I didn't really know what I assumed but now that I'm reading up on them this is a really interesting piece of history.
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Apr 30, 2012 11:03
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Thanks for the info folks. I suspect she is being overwhelmed by the "fluffy cute thing" factor and not being rational about time commitments and/or dog handling abilities. I'm going to try to push her more in the Maltese/Lhasa/not a spitz direction I think. We live close enough that I can help her out if she gets in over her head. The rebranded German Spitz thing is something I read on Wikipedia, wasn't sure if it was true! But it seems like in some countries, large spitz down through Eskies, Keeshonds and Poms are classed as different sizes of the same breed? I thought it was neat as German Spitz come in all different colours.
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Apr 30, 2012 11:24
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It's very confusing and I don't really know how to find better sources than just googling around, though I've done that a lot. I just recently came across the German Spitz of all colors thing. I think probably Eskies were brought over as German Spitz from Germany and then renamed during WWI (not WWII, I was mistaken about that) and maybe they were also bred with other breeds before becoming an official breed themselves? That's what the AKC says anyway (though reading the temperament section, I'm not sure I believe anything they say). Another fun fact: Eskies were apparently circus dogs during the early 1900's because they are so smart and agile. Kiri koli fucked around with this message at 14:19 on Apr 30, 2012 |
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Apr 30, 2012 13:27
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Kiri koli posted:Eskies do not make good first dogs, even compared to other primitive breeds. Here's what I wrote the last time I was asked about this:
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May 1, 2012 20:26
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huskyjackal posted:I love this post, my only Eskie encounters were as a small child, either running for the life of my achilles tendons or leering away from a short lip-commissured growling dog at my feet or on the adjacent chair. It was always typical case of "old lady's single dog, never gets out because she doesn't so it hates and is scared of everything". I bet a socialized one would be SO nice to pet! All that fluff! I<3 Psyche photos. She is amazing to cuddle with and pet. I am totally spoiled, petting a short furred dog is just not the same. Everyone we introduce her to is always so disappointed that they can't pet her. My mom keeps reminding me that I need to fix her because next time she's going to pet that dog! It's really unfortunate that people get them without knowing what they are in for and then inevitably end up with a messed up dog.  And then the whole breed gets a bad name.
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May 1, 2012 20:37
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Kiri koli posted:They are a different but related breed from Japanese Spitz (though I can't tell the difference by looking) and there could always be offshoots/slight differences for the German Spitzen in Australia, but overall, I think the descriptions are essentially the same. The only difference between a Eskie and a Japanese Spitz is size. While Eskies are allowed to be the full range of German Spitz sizes, Japanese Spitz have to be the Mittelspitz size. Other than that, they are identical.
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May 1, 2012 21:52
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6-Ethyl Bearcat posted:Thanks for the info folks. Pomeranians and Kleinspitz are bitching dogs. Just like any small dog they need good socialization to enjoy being picked up and man handled the way a lot of small dogs are, but Poms have awesome personalities (and giant attitudes) and are as cute as a button. Poms from show breeders can be really expensive, so going the rescue or retired/ not as awesome as hoped show dog route might also be good. Kleinspitz are slightly larger (and probably less fragile) but I have less experience with them.
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May 1, 2012 23:40
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Keeshonds, German Spitz and Pomeranians are all variants on the same breed, and all originate from the same root stock. Poms are the smallest, but potentially the oldest in origin. Eskies are an American type, bred from the larger 30-50lb Pomeranians. I have a picture of an Eskie-type white Pom in my breed post in the Yappy thread. I wouldn't recommend a pom or any spitz to someone who isn't already fairly social and interacting with many other people. They're tiny and easy to manage, yes, but their attitude is massive and they will be snappy, yappy and rude if not handled well. Maybe a mix or a calm older Pom from a known situation like a rescue or foster home? Captain Foxy fucked around with this message at 02:31 on May 2, 2012 |
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May 2, 2012 02:27
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Captain Foxy posted:Keeshonds, German Spitz and Pomeranians are all variants on the same breed, and all originate from the same root stock. Poms are the smallest, but potentially the oldest in origin. Eskies are an American type, bred from the larger 30-50lb Pomeranians. I have a picture of an Eskie-type white Pom in my breed post in the Yappy thread. Regardless of what her friend chooses to get I think a rescue or fostered dog with known personality, among other things, might be a good choice for a first dog.
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May 2, 2012 02:37
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wtftastic posted:Regardless of what her friend chooses to get I think a rescue or fostered dog with known personality, among other things, might be a good choice for a first dog. This is not without risks because a former family can lie about the dog's history and some fosters can and will lie to get a dog adopted. Not that all rescue dogs have problems, but with a breed that's prone to problems like Eskies, you need to be more careful. We knew going in that my dog's history was not great (and it was probably worse than we were told), but the fosters did downplay/leave out some things, like her leash reactivity. Psyche ended up being a much different dog than what we were told and what we saw at the foster place. I'd rescue an Eskie again (I'm crazy, I know), but I would definitely be more choosy about history and less trusting of what the foster people say. An older dog is a safer bet, but unfortunately, a lot of people don't go for older dogs.
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May 2, 2012 02:52
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I have a number of rescue contacts so I'm sure I would be able to find her a great dog, and I know which rescue folks I know are trustworthy with regards to histories and stuff. My worry is that she'll go with a crappy breeder. She isn't worried about price I think. She seems pretty receptive to my suggestions and liked the look of Papillons as well. I've met a couple of Keeshonds and they seem to be a little more stable in temperament than some Poms? The Samoyeds I've met have all been really friendly too, but I guess they need more exercise as well. We get a lot of Pom mixes through, generally with maltese or yorkie, and they are almost always fine. I might try to convince her to foster a dog so she can get a feel of the time commitments. Because the last dog she had was when she was a kid, she may not realise how much work was put into it by her parents. There was an old gentleman Pom in the pound last week who would have been perfect but he got a new home. 
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May 2, 2012 06:47
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Check out this thing I found on my floor this morning.
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May 4, 2012 03:00
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I love it when they end up like that. Best is when one foot just twitches a tiny bit.
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May 4, 2012 03:24
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Citizen Rat posted:I love it when they end up like that. Best is when one foot just twitches a tiny bit. Sleep barks. It was making sleep barks.
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May 4, 2012 03:48
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Warbadger posted:Sleep barks. It was making sleep barks. "Rrrr. Roo...Ruf! Grrr....ruh!" Clinton sleep-barks all the time.
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May 4, 2012 03:52
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Warbadger posted:Check out this thing I found on my floor this morning. Oh hey, me too! 
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May 4, 2012 04:03
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HAHA, it looks like gravity broke.
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May 4, 2012 04:33
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