{"id":15793,"date":"2017-04-07T09:33:55","date_gmt":"2017-04-07T15:33:55","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.signs.com\/blog\/?p=15793"},"modified":"2024-03-01T18:06:51","modified_gmt":"2024-03-02T01:06:51","slug":"small-business-success-story-we-for-dogs","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.signs.com\/blog\/small-business-success-story-we-for-dogs\/","title":{"rendered":"Small Business Success Story – We for Dogs"},"content":{"rendered":"

In today\u2019s <\/span>small business success series<\/span><\/a>, we talked with Jennifer Arnold. Jennifer is the founder of We for Dogs.<\/span><\/p>\n

We for Dogs purchased a <\/span>fabric banner<\/span><\/a> to show off the We Leash in action.<\/span><\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

\"We
The fabric banner purchased by Jennifer showcases the functionality of the We Leash.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Tell us about yourself.<\/b><\/p>\n


\n<\/span>At age 16, I was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis and told I might use a wheelchair for the rest of my life. I was devastated. My father had just become familiar with the idea of service dogs to help people in wheelchairs and, knowing how much I love animals, convinced me that starting a service dog school was a way for me to use my experience with disability to do something good. That idea changed everything for me and I committed myself to seeing it happen. It took me years but, in 1991, I founded Canine Assistants.<\/span><\/p>\n

As I watched the dogs at Canine Assistants, their kindness, their loyalty, their willingness to collaborate with people, I went from loving dogs to being completely in awe of them. Once dogs fall in love with people, they love them without condition. They never make us doubt for a single second that they adore us. They forgive our shortcomings without being asked. In the Canine Assistants partnerships where people returned that kind of unconditional commitment to their dogs, I saw a kind of connection that was life-altering for both partners. It is something I want to help make happen for everyone who lives with a dog.<\/span><\/p>\n

\"Jennifer<\/p>\n

You mentioned it took you years to seeing Canine Assistants happen. What was it about the process that took years? And were there any concerns, worries or reason for any procrastinations? <\/b><\/p>\n

My father was killed by a drunk driver shortly after planning began for Canine Assistants. It took me a long time without my dad to raise the money to start the program.<\/span><\/p>\n

What does We for Dogs do?<\/b><\/p>\n

We for Dogs<\/span><\/a> offers products and educational opportunities designed to help dogs and the people who love them live together happily. Our first product, the We Leash, has one handle for you to hold and one for your dog to hold creating a direct connection between your hand and his mouth. Because the line between your dog\u2019s mouth and your hand is slightly shorter than the line between your hand and his collar or harness your dog never feels the pressure of restraint, thus reducing pulling and leash reactivity. Walks without the stress of behavior problems are great for people, their dogs, and the relationship between them.<\/span><\/p>\n

We are currently working on a number of offerings similarly designed to make life with the dog you love easier and better for both of you!<\/span><\/p>\n

Love the leash! How did that idea come about?<\/b><\/p>\n

I developed the leash after watching so many dogs and people walking at the same time but not together. Either dogs were dragging people or vice versa. I also noticed a great many dogs being reactive toward other dogs while on a leash, something I attributed to fear caused by the feeling of restraint typical leashes create. I wanted to help build a stronger connection while reducing the feeling of restraint.<\/span><\/p>\n

Where did the idea for your company come from?<\/b><\/p>\n

The company is the product of my desire to offer everyone who has a dog, and every dog, that same amazing relationship I\u2019ve seen in the best of our Canine Assistants teams. In order to facilitate that kind of connection, we focus on the things that make life together challenging and what we can do to make it easier.<\/span><\/p>\n

What makes those offerings unique?<\/b><\/p>\n

Most products are either for dogs or for people. Our offerings are designed for the dog-person team.<\/span><\/p>\n

What sets you apart from your competition?<\/b><\/p>\n

Our offerings are developed to create a harmonious relationship that improves the quality of life for people and their dogs.<\/span><\/p>\n

What is one strategy for gaining customers that you have been successful with?<\/b><\/p>\n

Kickstarter \u2014 We launched on Kickstarter. It was a great tool for spreading the word. We had a well made video done to explain the We Leash and its benefits. This video has been helpful, as well in spreading the word about how the We Leash and how it works. <\/span><\/p>\n

Facebook Advertising \u2014 Every time we advertise with Facebook, we see an uptick in web visits and orders. A catchy title and a great photograph are essential.<\/span><\/p>\n

Photographs \u2014 We hired an amazing photographer and the photos are priceless for selling our product. With a product that takes a little explanation, a photo with the We Leash in use says a thousand words.<\/span><\/p>\n