h2g2 The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy: Earth Edition

I need to tweak my business name in the next month or so. Can I call myself a 'centre' if I don't have real proper premises? I want what I do to be in the name, so was thinking of changing the 'pet care services' to 'dog training and activity centre', but I don't really have a centre for people to come to. I want premises, but struggling to find somewhere suitable that will allow dogs.

There are numerous political and business organisations that call themselves "The Centre For ...", giving the idea that they are a focal point for whatever they think they stand for so I don't see that you need to have physical premises to be a "Centre".

I do think the existence of premises is implied by the use of the word centre. However, I've seen pictures of dogs doing activities in your house and garden (does lying on the sofa count as an activity?), so does that make you a centre already? I don't see why not.

Deb

That is a good point, we do lots of activities here - lying on the sofa is a bonding activity. But people can't come here other than to drop off or pick up dogs. I don't have meetings or training here, which I think is what they might think if they hear 'centre'. I don't want to have to change the name again though, and am hoping I'll have a physical centre by the end of the year, but of course can't be sure.

I think although centre could just mean I'm the centre of the universe in a dog training name I think it would lead to confusion for clients. Can't think of anything to round the name off with though.

If people are dropping off and picking up their dogs at your house, then your house is the centre for now. When you get another place, that will be the centre. If people wonder why there isn't a place for training, etc., you can tell them that it's being worked on.

Go with it!

A friend of mine suggested Provider or Specialist intead of centre, so I'm playing with those for a bit.

I'd be worried about thinking of my house as a centre, as I don't want people thinking I'm bigger than I am and complaining I'm running a business out of here. Boarding is licenced, so of course I am, but it's still a residential street.

Well, the buzz-word a while back was "solutions". But I'd advise against it.

Is "solutions" becoming a thing of the past, now? That's a relief.

Mina, how about changing the "pet care" but keeping the "services"? "Dog activity and training services" sounds pretty good to me.

Or, even better, "Service" (without the plural).

How about "n'at"?

As in: "Mina's Pet Care Services N'At"

or

"Mina's Dug Training Activities N'At"


For a catchy name that hooks clients you could go for:

"Get thum telt at Mina's"

Hmmm, that one might work better in Dumfries or north Antrim than south-east England, to be honest.

The Only Way Is Mina's

Thanks for the ideas. I wanted to move away a bit from services really, but also I think I'd like puppies in the name... Mina's Dog & Puppy Training & Care it's just getting REALLY LONG with lots of ANDS.

Maybe just Mina - fabulous will do. OR Mina's Dog & Puppy Services. Canine Care & Training. Prrrrpppp. I went through this 3 years ago, so annoying to have to go through it again.

Doggy Scentral


~jwf~

Once a week, Doglet goes to Doggy Play-School.

Doggie Positioning and Walking Vigorously?

B

Bright
Dogs
Stay at
Mina's

How about 'Doggy Doos and Don'ts'

Actually, I quite like that.

I suspect Mina might not.

B