Your dog treat packaging is a very important consideration in building your dog treats. We have put together some thoughts and options perhaps you have not considered. Take a look.

In selecting your gourmet dog treat packaging, some things to keep in mind are:

1. This is the first impression that a customer has of your product and your company.
2. Your packaging is a great place to advertise.
3. Different types of packaging may appeal to different consumers.

#1 - Your Package and First Impressions

When a potential customer finds your website, or your dog treats in a pet store, they may very well see your dog treat packaging first. And let me also say, the pet treat industry is very VERY competitive. If your packaging looks like the majority of other packages, then most likely a consumer will purchase based on price. If your packaging looks cheap, the customer may decide that your product is cheap, even if it is the best gourmet dog treat going.

Some things that consumers prefer are being able to see the product. You don’t need to use a completely clear bag, but if your customer at least can see some of your treats, that is nice. If you go with a box, try to select one with a clear window in it. If your treats are not very attractive, then you may not want this option. Color is always a good thing for packaging. Consider professional, creative, clean looking lines but not distracting or confusing. If you like lime green and fuchsia that’s great - but be objective when evaluating your package. Will those colors be more distracting and bring negative attention to your package? Or does it look nice and appealing.

Remember, your packaging reflects your company and your business. Is your business light-hearted and fun? Then use fun packaging. Is your business health conscious? Then use packaging that says that. Is your business about making the best, highest quality most elegant dog treats? Then you guessed it, use packaging that is elegant and very high quality. Putting your fine gourmet dog treats in a clear cello bag may not reflect what you are trying to communicate.

#2 - Your Package is an Advertisement

Don’t forget to use your packaging as a place to advertise. And again, keep the tone of your advertising in line with the tone of your business. There is potentially a lot of space on certain types of packaging - use all of it so that everywhere a customer may look on your package, they are getting great information about you, about the product, about your company.

#3 - Remember Who Your Customer Is

Different types of packaging may appeal to different customers. Not all package types will appeal to everyone. Target your dog treat packaging to the right customer. If you are focused on healthy treats and your target market is environmentally focused, then offering a big plastic bag in a big plastic fish bowl may not make sense. But a carton from recycled paper may be very appealing to this group.

Some customers may want containers that they can re-use, or refill such as cookie tins, or canisters. Some customers may really not care about the package other than the impact it has on cost.

Bottom line - know who you are trying to sell your treats to, and build your package to meet their needs. Be aware of picking things you like, but that your customers don’t really care about. Put your best paw forward in growing your business.

Learn more about baking your own dog treats, starting your own dog treat business and dog treat packaging at http://www.Everything-Dog-Treats.com

It seems like you have been waiting forever, but its finally time for your new Doberman puppy to come home. Every puppy needs to be taught and trained on how to adapt to his new family, and the family has to adapt to having a new puppy in the house. The new puppy may be a little scared and sad to be away from his litter mates, or he may be excited and curious to explore his new home. Either way, there are some basics in caring for your new Doberman puppy.

Photo: geocities.com/threeddoggal

It is important to have a crate for your puppy. Put a blanket or towel in the crate and introduce your Dobie to the crate as soon as possible. Leave the door open so he feels like he can go into his "den" whenever he wants. You can also put a toy in the crate. If your puppy gets tired, or overwhelmed, he will likely appreciate his own special place to rest. The first few nights at home can be difficult for the puppy and the family. You can expect the pup to cry and whine most of the night. Something we found helpful was to put a large stuffed animal in the crate. We found a stuffed dog that was bigger than our puppy, and she immediately cuddled up to the toy like she would with her litter mates. After a few nights your puppy will get used to sleeping in his crate. If you can place the crate in an area of your home where it will not be isolated, this is best, especially at night.

The best food for your puppy is a premium quality dry kibble, formulated especially for large breed puppies. This special formula insures the proper amount of protein and other nutrients while preventing the puppy from growing too big, too fast. Rapid growth does not allow the bones and joints time to develop properly, which will cause problems as the puppy matures. We also give our Dobermans a human grade, all natural pet vitamin. This provides supplements not in the dog food and not naturally produced by your dog. Omega fatty acids and antioxidants are beneficial for your dogs healthy immune system.

Dobermans at any age do not like to be alone and away from their family. Your Doberman puppy will need lots of attention, but this is a good thing…who doesn’t want to play with their puppy as much as possible? Socialization is especially important for a Doberman puppy. Any family members, neighbors, friends of your kids and neighborhood pets that will be around your new Dobie should be introduced early on. This way your naturally protective new family member will know there is no threat or danger to "his" family.

Puppy kindergarten is a good idea for your new Doberman puppy. This provides several important benefits. It will get your pup used to traveling in the car and being out in public. It will be an excellent, positive opportunity for socialization, and it will give your busy, active puppy someplace to focus his energy. Dobermans are very intelligent and highly trainable. They are happier if they are challenged physically and mentally. Basic obedience classes will help your puppy learn manners and will make him much easier for you to control. Believe me, a Doberman will try to be the boss if given the chance!

Dobermans are a working breed and they like to have something to do. This is a breed that requires a lot of attention, even beyond the puppy stage. They are great companions and family dogs. If you take the time to work with your puppy, he will grow up to be a cherished member of your family.

Joseph M. Sabol is a world class Doberman breeder. Please go to http://petvitamins4u.com or to http://theroadhousedobes.com for further information.