Private Dog Park

[rachelsyorkie]

I have been thinking about opening a doogie boutique w/a private Dog Park. I could use some help in deciding if it is a good idea & other details. Suggestions are welcomed:)

I think a private dog bark would have many bonuses, with memberships people could vote to solve problems-like voting out problematic people/dogs etc. Like Mr T & his pit bull are no longer welcome because they ate fluffy:(

If a membership was $10 a month so $120 per year, would you pay $100 up front to save $ & not worry about missing a monthly due?

How far would you travel? 10 15 20 30 miles?

How often would you visit on average?
3 times a week?
every weekend?
every other weekend?
once a month?

[rachelsyorkie]

Shoot I thought I would be able to edit my post, oh well. I wanted to add that It would be a Boutique with doggie clothes, carriers, etc. Also have a coffee shop/bistro. The park would be chain link with benches & a water fountain & nice dogs only need apply. I dont know I'm dog crazy. I would love to have a successful business where I can bring my pets & meet other people who love their dogs like I do. So I am seriously thinking this over & need your advice. Check the boxes that best describe your feelings about it & post comments & ideas. Thanks.

[MaxiMillion]

there is a similar type of dog run in staten island, ny. they make sure that they check the dogs' vets to see if they got the appropriate vaccinations for socialization, so once you're in you don't have to worry. i live in upper manhattan so it is a very long trip for me. i would only go if they had a special event.

i think it is a great idea, i guess it just depends on how many people around your area have small dogs. are there a lot of doggie boutiques by where you are?

[browniesmom622]

Originally Posted by MaxiMillion

there is a similar type of dog run in staten island, ny. they make sure that they check the dogs' vets to see if they got the appropriate vaccinations for socialization, so once you're in you don't have to worry. i live in upper manhattan so it is a very long trip for me. i would only go if they had a special event.

i think it is a great idea, i guess it just depends on how many people around your area have small dogs. are there a lot of doggie boutiques by where you are?

hey where is this run ??? ive never heard of it

[browniesmom622]

i would pay monthly or yearly & prob be there almost everyday ive been looking for a place to take austin around here

[Gracie2006]

I was thinking of trying to come up with a private dog park in my area, and charge monthly dues. I had this idea to make it an all season park, with covered walkways for bad weather and trails in the open for good weather, a pond in the middle for dogs to swim and where ducks could live and provide additional entertainment for our dogs! Have 1 lap around be 1/2 or 1 mile, so the people can track their exercise too. Then my thought went to, "how do I clean that pond" and the idea went out the window. I suppose the pond could be designed like a swimming pool that could be drained and cleaned periodically. Hmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmm.

[Maizee Grace]

I would love this kind of opportunity in my town, but sadly, I don't think that anything like this will come. The only dog park we have is right next to a trailer park and woods. It's kind of scary and the last time I took Maizee there, there was a dirty dog that gave her fleas Ew. .

I would definitely be voting for the vaccinations for healthy socialization!

Gracie2006, what a wonderful idea! I only wish I lived in Washington. .

[josie girl]

I would love to have something like that where I live and have it be close! All the dog parks by me are for bigger dogs. It would be nice to have one just for small dogs.

[marcerella02]

i think as opposed to monthly or yearly (if i lived anywhere near a dog park) i'd like to pay per visit. That way if i thought i was going to get there a lot in .. let's say june.. but didn't.. i woudln't feel upset

[alaskayorkie]

A lot depends on the dynamic of the dog park. If it was all small dogs or you had a small-dog area and the dogs played together nicely most of the time, I think I'd visit regularly. Anything to help with the dogs socialization.

[rachelsyorkie]

No there isnt any doggie boutiques in my area. I was thinking about a small coffee house type shop w/ a few things for sale or maybe just custom ordering. & a nice fenced area. I think toybreeds only would be better & a copy of a vet/shot record kept on file. A per visit rate would be great but what would a good rate be $5, would that be fair for several hours of socialization. Maybe $2 for each additional dog?? I wouldnt have a pond. I thought about setting up a baby pool that could be emptied when it looked dirty & cleaned daily. Have fun events like race to mommy-a-thon, monthly cutest pet contest pictures only, halloween dress up, xmas parties. Birthday event rentals for your dog. I dont know, I think I'm being weird to be so extreme with my dogs. I wish I could do something fun, that others would love & I could include my dogs which are the sweetest dogs. They welcome all new pets into our home. Guess I'll keep thinking about it. I work at a hotel & I thought I could bring one dog w/me since I work nights & its a pet friendly hotel. The hotel has to allow pets but the owners do not like it. I just got a new job at another hotel, they are not pet friendly. But I am working on getting into management & w/a pet friendly chain then I may be able to bring my dog to work w/me. They get so sad when I leave them. But a steady job brings a steady check. I opened a little pet boutique & everyone loved it, it was adorable, reasonibly priced-I didnt make enough. And I thought about ebaying some inventory but to much of the same thing on there to waste my time. Back to the drawing board,lol.

[romeos mommy]

there is one in north jersey too. it's a little far for us. i would join one if it was within 15 min of my house and gladly pay a yearly fee. i like the idea of a private park. the public dog parks have turds all over and people abuse the rules. like letting big dogs in the little dog area. which is my pet peeve.

[FlDebra]

I would love the boutique but would not use a dog park. I like the private idea much better than the public dog parks I have seen. But I sort of have my own dog park here -- 2 acres and 4 dogs that already get plenty of exercise and socialization. I can see where it would be a big plus for someone without other dogs or a big yard, though. I think dogs do need to socialize with other dogs -- if not on a daily basis at least regularly.

[alaskayorkie]

I thought of something else. In the private dog park, if you had some basic agility obstacles, you might be able to attract some agility dog owners who want more practice than the once-a-week they get at their obedience schools. A few home-made jumps, a teeter, a tunnel or two would be a good start.

[FirstYorkie]

Originally Posted by alaskayorkie

A lot depends on the dynamic of the dog park. If it was all small dogs or you had a small-dog area and the dogs played together nicely most of the time, I think I'd visit regularly.

Yes, I agree. It would depend on how well behaved the dogs were (and how quickly someone intervened in case of misbehavior). I would also want it limited to small dogs and I would want to be sure that "management" ensured that all dogs had up-to-date vaccinations. In those cases, I would probably visit regularly but I doubt I'd drive more than 15 miles to get there.

You need to check into the insurance aspect of it, don't forget. What if a dog gets hurt and someone decides to sue?