Dog Grooming

A businessperson with even a casual liking of pets is positioned to capitalize big-time on America's pet craze. All you need to do is keep in mind that Americans increasingly treat their pets as children.

As the number of children per household declines, the number of pets is increasing. Baby boomers, a powerful segment of today's market, are quickly becoming empty-nesters and replacing their grown two-legged children with four-legged ones. Indeed, many people now call themselves pet parents or guardians rather than "owners."

"By buying pets human-type gifts, we are making ourselves feel good and making them happy," says Bob Vetere, chief operating officer of the American Pet Products Manufactures Association (APPMA). This trend suggests a hugely profitable strategy for entrepreneurs in the pet business: position pets as members of the family. Here are three ways:

Create human-like products and services for pets:

--Gourmet and specialty pet foods.
--Doggy and kitty treat cookbooks.
--Pet clothing.
--Human-type pet furniture.
--Coordinating "Mommy and pet" jewelry.
--Designer pet carriers, buggies, and strollers.
--In-home grooming services.
--High-end grooming products, such as aromatherapy baths.
--Pet portraiture.
--Pet birthday party supplies.
--Pet communicator services for pets with problem behaviors.

Rename your existing pet products and services:

--Your pet supply store becomes a pet boutique.
--Your boarding facility becomes a pet hotel.
--Your kennel becomes doggy and kitty day care.
--Your grooming business becomes a pet spa.
--Your dog training skills make you a pet behavior specialist.

Capitalize on the fur frenzy with your existing non-pet business:

--Extend your brand to include pet products.
--Feature pets in your ads and sales messages.
--Donate a portion of your profits to an animal rescue group (and say that you are).
--Welcome pets in your store or lodging facility.
--Have a food service? Host regular dog-and-human cocktail parties.
--In the construction business? Offer custom dog baths/showers in high-end homes.

As always, choose a marketing expert with a passion for pets to help you create a marketing plan that resonates with your market. People are eager to spend lots of money on their pets. You might as well be positioned to receive your share.

Lisa J. Lehr is a freelance copywriter specializing in direct response and marketing collateral, with a special interest in the health, pets, specialty foods, and inspirational/motivational/self-help niches. She has a degree in biology, has worked in a variety of fields including pharmaceuticals and teaching, and has volunteered for many causes including special-needs kids and literacy. When she's not writing, she enjoys reading, art, music, outdoor exercise, and all things Celtic and Renaissance.

Have you signed up for her free e-mail series on marketing strategies? http://www.justrightcopy.com http://www.thegoodplacetobe.com

Ever stopped to ponder whether Scruffy or Cuddles have had a rough week and could be in need of some love and attention? Spas are wonderful for both relaxation and beauty enhancement and now dogs from around the globe are also giving it a go.

Dog spas have been popping up around the globe and increasing in number on a yearly basis. Most dogs love them and luckily for them dog owners have also been taking a keener interest in enhancing their furry friends' over-all wellbeing. Most dog spas cater for all sized dogs and take special care in catering for each dog's individual needs and preferences. Some dogs pull a face to water sports but go crazy for a 30 minute massage and facial. Dog spas vary in both size and in the number of facilities offered. Unlike a standard grooming shop, dog spas focus on creating a relaxed and stress-free environment for the dogs. The list of facilities and treatments offered to your four legged friends at a typical dog spa are far from boring. Water sports such as swimming, hydrotherapy, aquatic treadmills, acupuncture, Reiki, grooming, massages, facials and nail art along with many more pampering treats await them. Some dog spas also offer overnight accommodation where dogs receive room service dog spa meals, private suites, limousine services and flat screen TV's tuned to the dog's favorite channel. Other spas have cyber cameras provided so you can watch your dog online and be confident that he/she is being taken care of. It's no wonder dogs are wagging their tails at the idea!

But is this all a big fad or are there benefits of dropping your furry friend at a dog spa for the day? Well apparently there are benefits. Not only will you be reducing your dogs stress and tension levels but their tired muscles will relax and they should leave feeling more energized and happier than ever. With the help of treatments such as hydrotherapy, dog spas have also proved effective with dogs recovering from injuries, suffering from diabetes or arthritis or general old age. Massage can also be helpful with dogs suffering with arthritis as it not only increases blood circulation and removes tension but also aids in relieving the pain.

Water sports are also a wonderful way to help bring up a healthy dog. Not only does it improve the dogs muscle tone, range of motion and general fitness but it also helps to keep control of the puppy fat that never left. The grooming and deep cleaning massages for the dogs also helps to stimulate better health and growth of your dog's skin and hair, keeping them looking beautiful for years to come. Like all people, some dogs also have difficult to manage hair, and this is taken care of with the correct products and oils. Many spas sell pet beauty products and will suggest products for your dog's needs to be used at home. These pampering, cleaning and exercise treatments have proven to provide both emotional and immune system benefits and a number of owners have experienced improved relationships with their dogs after starting their dog spa pamper routine.

Worth a try? You decide. Dog spas range from averagely priced to extravagant and is a sure way to bring back the puppy in your dog. Not a bad treat for man's best friend.

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