Indoor Dog Arena

[Raynas mom]

I voted yes....I think thats a great idea....even in Cali it gets too hot to take them to the dog park we have to wait till the evening untill it cools off. If we take them to early they just sit in the shade.
Clean up? How about some kind of wood chips or something to that affect. We use them in the back yard and they make clean up real easy....they mess on them and then you just scoop it up wood chips and all.

 

[JillHB24]

I like the adopt-a-pet idea also. I thought of a couple things to consider. Would you allow dogs that aren't vaccinated? If so, would you need a disclaimer somewhere? Since it would all be inside think about the ventilation system, all those doggies can get smelly I bet. One last thing, if people are eating in there better check with which ever agency monitors sanitary conditions in restaurants in your county.

 

[kassa]

Many training facilities have playgroups that are held indoors. Of course it's the classes, grooming and day care businesses that pay the overhead. I suspect the insurance issue would be astronomical -- it will be a business and as a business owner you would be liable for actions of people and dogs. You cannot have a business that is "visit at your own risk." You'll have to have people sign waivers saying just that, but you'll still need insurance

You definitely want a cleanable mat floor surface. I like the idea of the cafe, but I'd definitely hook up with groomers/trainers (more liability insurance!). If you have a nice location and appropriate flooring, you could rent space on weekends for conformation/obedience/agility matches.

 

[Sube Ru's mom]

Originally posted by kassa
Many training facilities have playgroups that are held indoors. Of course it's the classes, grooming and day care businesses that pay the overhead. I suspect the insurance issue would be astronomical -- it will be a business and as a business owner you would be liable for actions of people and dogs. You cannot have a business that is "visit at your own risk." You'll have to have people sign waivers saying just that, but you'll still need insurance

You definitely want a cleanable mat floor surface. I like the idea of the cafe, but I'd definitely hook up with groomers/trainers (more liability insurance!). If you have a nice location and appropriate flooring, you could rent space on weekends for conformation/obedience/agility matches.

couldnt i do it like a dog park, that the owners are responsible for anything that happens. at dog parks, if your dog and another dog get into it, you can not go after the dog park, it is the owners that need to duke it out. what do you think?

 

[Peggy G]

Originally posted by Sube Ru's mom


couldnt i do it like a dog park, that the owners are responsible for anything that happens. at dog parks, if your dog and another dog get into it, you can not go after the dog park, it is the owners that need to duke it out. what do you think?

My first thought was also "liability". There's always someone who is going to come after you, even if they realize they are taking a chance around other dogs they dont know when they enter.

In Crownsville a short distance away from my vets office (Bay County Veterinarian) and Capital Pets (thats the doggie day care with the do-it-yourself dog wash) there is a sign that reads: Coming Soon Canine Fitness Center. It will have 2 indoor pools an indoor Agility Area and a Therapy Center. I've been waiting for a Now Open sign but its been a long time coming. You may want to take a drive over there and pick their brain (like you are a potential customer) to find out how its going to work.

 

[myrocky]

YaY!! I love the idea! I know it gets hot here in the summer time and I hate having to wait until after 8pm to take Rocks outside to finally get some play time. And in the winter it is great because let's face it, you just run out of games to play with each other inside :p I do think you would need a designated potty place though. Only because not all dogs have the best stools and when they get playing alot of dogs tend to have messy stools. And you don't know what is going to be in those stools (parvo, worms.....) At least at your facility if they have any of these things there is no "ground" for them to harbor in.

I don't think you could run it like a dog park only because this will be a business and dog parks are not. I know I know people hate paying for things but here me out :p There is a dog park a little over an hour away from me. It is run by the county and the humane society. You have to pay a yearly membership in order to be allowed in the park, I think it is only like $10. This helps to make sure there are doggie bags and what not. It also helps weed out those jerk dog owners who have unsocialized/untrained dogs and they just let them loose. People like that don't want to pay just to let their dog "play".

You will also have to be careful people don't dump their dogs in the play area then go off to the cafe and not pay attention to their animals :rolleyes: Also think about the bordtella vac and how often you are going to recommend dogs have that done. A good bit of doggie daycares and kennels require it every 6mos. Plus you will be inside so that plays a factor as well. Think about if you are going to let unaltered dogs play as well. I also like the idea for a seperate area for the little yappy dogs. What about kids, allowed? I think if the dogs have almost like a ring area they are playing in kids can be allowed just not in the ring with the doggies. I think that fire hydrants and little bone shaped bowls of water would be nice to have around for them too :D

Whew!! Sorry Heather didn't mean to blab forever like that

 

[Sube Ru's mom]

Peggy- Thanks for the tip, if it ever opens up let me know ok

Andie- you defintily gave me lots to think about, that is why i am happy that we are thinking , talking, and figuring everything out now before we even get into it.

FYI- we would defintily have to charge a fee, pat was talking about have dog shows and agility competitions to be the big supporters and bring in all the money.

HUMMM well we have time to think and plan

Thanks guys keep the suggestions coming.

 

[gidget1]

I think it's a wonderful idea! There are sooo many possibilities and opportunities! As for a surface, what about cedar chips, like hampster bedding?