Know-How Exchange : Taglines/Names

Hi ethnicomm,

nice start on name/tagline ideas!

SNIP>>>I'd need more information on region/country >>SNIP

I'm in the good ol' US of A :-) in the rocky mountains region

thanks
Major_D

Being a dog lover and having a Border Collie, I can attest to how important early, proper and good reinforcement training is in development. My colleagues have give you quite a few great ideas - let me take a little different approach

Sit-Stay-Love, An inspirational Dog Training Center. From pupplies to teaching old dogs new tricks we can help. Methods both you and your dog will love for years to come.

Sit-Stay'n Fetch Love Training Programs

4Paw Academy, where sit stay and love work!


You could also go cute:

Pawtiqular Training

Dog-Gone-Good

The Ultimate Treat Dog Trainers- Treat your pup and yourself to truly special dog training.

Hope these help and provide a little different spin.

GOOD Luck & Happy Marketing~

We are known by the dogs we have!!! And I definitely want mine to act good and spread my name: properly. I don't want my sis to laugh at me when the pooch paws off the upholstery from the new art deco walnut brown leather sofa.

So in this regard you are teaching my pet to behave properly

Petiquette : For the 'propah' pet.

Petiquette Academy: Positive Learning.

KUDOS

tagline: It's me or the dog...

oh my goodness!!!!!

I got home last night from a long day of appointments away from my computer and found all sorts of delightful ideas posted by all you wonderful people!!


To answer Proeditor's questions:

SNIP>>>I love what you do. We've trained our dogs that way too.>>SNIP

Isn't it great!!


SNIP>>>Because we can probably give you a zillion clever ideas (lots of dog puns our there), but many might have already been taken, it would help if you told us some of the names that you liked but couldn't use. >>SNIP

I've got literally hundreds of names/dog puns in my computer (been chewing on this off and on for several months). The top one below is my favorite.


***** Both Ends of the Leash (name of seminar and dvd) bothendsoftheleash.com is already taken by another dog trainer.

** Dog's Best Friend Dog Training (can't use-- dog training author's biz -- the seminar and dvd above is hers :-) her book is "other end of the leash" (another great name)

** Best Friends Dog Training (best friends animal society in utah and a best friends dog training® that has been trademarked)

** A Better Companion Dog Training abettercompanion.com is already taken

** The Better Companion thebettercompanion.com is available! but "the better companion" is being used by another dog trainer

** Gentle Guidance Dog Training (can't use-- dog training author's biz)

** Great Companions (can't use-- dog training author's biz)

** Pawsitve Pals Dog Training (used by another trainer)

** See Spot Learn Dog Training (used by another trainer)

** Best Paw Forward Dog Training (used by another trainer)

** Courteous Canines (used by another trainer)

** Anything is Pawsible (used by another trainer)

** Family Dog Training (used by another trainer/friend) (My old tagline was "Click your Way to a Happy, Family Dog"--and I can still use that tagline (it's mine), but "Happy, Family Dog Training" is too long

** Paws-Abilities (used by another trainer/friend)




some I have come up with that I like that aren't taken yet:

**Pawsitive Difference Dog Training (this one seems so long)

**Pawsitive Connections Dog Training (But there is "D***** Connection" in town and I don’t want anyone to think I'm associated with them at all)

**Out of the Dog House Dog Training (but I think it refers to old-fashioned slang for being in trouble -- "you're in the dog house." I think it makes it dated and youngsters won’t understand the thought behind it).



Also I'm worried that using Pawsitive is a "visual play on words," towards end of alphabet, makes for a longer name, hard to google properly if you haven't seen it, and I can just imagine how all the checks will be written wrong. Or do you think these concerns are unfounded?



SNIP>> Also, do you want something cute, like Good Doggy or something more serious like Integrated Pets, as suggested above? >>SNIP

I'll take cute or serious -- at this point, I'm ready to use that SOLFAN I had no idea this would be so hard to find a name not used by someone else.

The advice books say to keep it short. It'd be great if the name could stand by itself -- adding "dog trainingg and counseling services" makes it so long. I'd like that to be underneath the name.

Hope this helps the brain juices flow a bit

Thanks
Major_D

SNIP from ap >>>>> tagline: It's me or the dog...>>>>SNIP

So true. I hear this a lot.



SNIP from rjohnni >>>>We are known by the dogs we have!!! And I definitely want mine to act good and spread my name: properly. I don't want my sis to laugh at me when the pooch paws off the upholstery from the new art deco walnut brown leather sofa.

So in this regard you are teaching my pet to behave properly>>SNIP


Yes, and therein lies part of my problem. What people don't realize is that we are actually training the humans to change their habits as they train the dog. If humans aren't consistent with setting boundaries, the dog will gamble and win (chew the couch), that is very fun and very reinforcing to the dog, so the dog will try again.

Since early education and management alleviates most of these problems, I volunteer and give the post-adoption seminar on these subjects at my local human society in the hopes of reaching owners as soon as possible.

Since there are no gurantees in dog training as results are based on owner compliance, dog's history/health, etc, I would like to avoid anything that implies a guarantee (as I also signed the CPDT Code of Ethics).

That makes marketing so hard for reward-based trainers, since folks look in the phone book for the company names that promise instant success like D****Busters. They catch people's attention, for they are looking for a quick fix.

And rjohnni, just a thought -- if you are having problems with a couch-eating dog, please look at the two websites I gave above in my question. I know you will be able to find a nearby trainer on those lists who can help you.

Thanks
Major_D

SNIP from Phoenix ONE >>> Being a dog lover and having a Border Collie, I can attest to how important early, proper and good reinforcement training is in development. >>>>SNIP

Absolutely



SNIP from Phoenix ONE >>> >>>> From pupplies to teaching old dogs new tricks we can help. Methods both you and your dog will love for years to come. >>>>SNIP

Exactly!


SNIP from NovaHammer>>>>> in fact Matt and I are active in Agility so I appreciate professionals like yourself who make our life brighter. >>>SNIP

Thank you ! Agility is a blast, but I never had room before to teach that. There are already trainers in town doing an excellent job with their agility programs. Plus, I want to focus on early education.



SNIP from NovaHammer>>>>> Top Dog Academy >>>>>SNIP

Now a question for all you marketing profs: I have been avoiding names with School, Academy, University since I do not and (probably never will) have my own facility. I intend to rent several vet lobbies/food stores around the city to hold classes in and also will do in-home privates. Would it be misleading to say "school, etc" when I have no actual facility?

PS. I'm heading out again for another long day/night away from my computer and will be able to respond tomorrow (Sat)

Thanks
Major_D

hi Karen,

I took a quick peek before I flew out the door--glad I did!

hmmm....I thought I answered all your questions this AM. Please see the 11th? msg down from top. I posted three different answers/msgs this AM.

If I need to add more detail, let me know. I'll also check your questions again to make sure I didn't miss any tomorrow.

Thanks So much!
Major_D

Hi retail,

SNIP>>>>Pawsitive Rewards Dog Training>>>SNIP

I liked this one because of it different implications -- dog & owner are both rewarded and the training itself is very rewading & fun. But I'm still stuck with my concerns about using "pawsitive" ("visual play on words," towards end of alphabet, makes for a longer name, hard to google properly if you haven't seen it, and I can just imagine how all the checks will be written wrong.)


SNIP>> Dog Coach>>SNIP

And I liked this since canine coach is already being used, but then I saw the Dog Coach website is taken.


Thanks,
Major_D

Hi Kathy,

Good morning! Now that I have a little more time today to peruse all the great ideas.

SNIP>>>> Rocky Mountain Dog Training Academy

Rocky Mountain's Award Winning Trainers >>>SNIP

Hmmmm, all the naming books/articles I read said it wasn't a good idea to use geographic names, so I have been staying away from those ideas. But I have a bunch I could use if it really is a good idea: Front Range, Mid-West, Foothills, Red Rocks, etc.



SNIP>>> Dogs Prefer Positive Coaching

Done Right--your home, your vet, your park!>>SNIP


I liked these taglines--they capture what I plan to do

Thanks
Major_D

Hi Karen,

SNIP>>> And now to answer your question about 'school' etc. I think it's fine. You don't have to be a building.
>>SNIP

SNIP>>I see what you mean about "pawsible" -- clever but impractical. >>SNIP

Thanks for your input on both these questions.


SNIP>>> ... early training is best, but it's never too late.>>SNIP

This captures my thoughts/focus very nicely


SNIP>>>>So you do clicker training. I did that too (based on a book and video), until we got a second dog and then it got too confusing. But it was very fun, >>SNIP

It IS fun, and if you want some help with C/Ting two dogs in the family, I can contact you off-line.


SNIP>>>>and it might be a good idea to use the word click in your name.>>SNIP

Boy, I tusseled with this back & forth and finally decided not to use clicker in my name because I find "clicker" confuses or turns some people off.

We were called "Westside" Dog Training (no mention of clicker in phone book), and when folks were calling around from the phone book to see what I offered, I could introduce our positive methods in such a way as to get them to almost always sign up for my services.

Plus for those who don't want to use the clicker, I can still teach them using the same principles. I don’t want them to think I only do clicker, but I do want to advertise the positive aspect.

I don’t want to use "Westside" Dog Training anymore, for it is boring and pigeonholes me into that part of my city. We do have 10 years of name recognition though.

I liked your "Clicker Coach" (a clicker product already) and had played with "Canine Coach" (but there is another trainer in another state) but those websites are taken already.

But on the other hand--using "Clicker" in my name would surely identify me, so maybe I should play with using clicker in my name. I guess it is back the drawing board


SNIP>>> I also like your tagline: "Click your Way to a Happy, Family Dog" >>SNIP

Thanks!


SNIP>>>>> By the way, Bark Busters ……. If you haven't seen their web site for ideas in your own messaging, it's >>SNIP

I am familiar with them and their website, and they do very aggressive marketing. Except for the lifetime guarantee, I offer the same type of services plus (later on) group lessons, but a different way of training. So thanks, I will look at their website again for marketing ideas.


Boy, this finding a name stuff is so hard…….

Thanks
Major_D

Hi Karen,

SNIP>>>> Lifelong Pals (lifelongpals.com)>>SNIP

That's cute! Love Karen Pryor's website. But it looks like lifelongpals.com is taken and has been for a few years, unless I’m reading it wrong.


SNIP>> Major D's>>SNIP

I decided against Major D a long time ago for it implies a controlling, military type of training. Don’t get me wrong--nothing wrong with the military--I'm retired Army. I just don’t train that way anymore.


SNIP>> once you decide and start branding, you'll feel a lot better.>>SNIP

Yes and next step is to meet with my trainers to see what they think of all these ideas.

Thanks
Major_D

Hi Karen,

SNIP>> it says it's for sale.>>SNIP

Thanks - I see that now--other websites just showed it was taken. Something else for me to figure out/learn about. :-)



SNIP>>>Major Dog>>SNIP

A very different interesting perspective. One I had not thought of and will need to sleep on (hard to get my arms around it after so many years in the military) :-)


Thanks
Major_D

Hi NovaHammer

I had thought of Canis Major earlier --but everyone I tried it out on, said "huh?!" (I guess they don’t teach a lot of astrology/greek mythology in school anymore :-). And Sirius is already being used by a very famous vet/trainer and dogstar is being used by other trainers already.


SNIP>>.org.net.biz etc all could work with a great tag line, no need to wait/pay for .com ID.>>SNIP

I was leery of using those because most folks think/type ".com" first, but I see that I'll have to re-think that since most .coms have been taken.

As cute as it is, woofstock was involved in a domain/trademark dispute last year, so I don't want to go there :-)
https://www.wipo.int/amc/en/domains/decisions/html/2006/d2006-1053.html

Now this may be a better question for one of the other forum topics or to set up a new question in this forum (if so, let me know, and I'll set up a new question), but I guess that is what I am most afraid or/unclear about: infringing on someone else's rights to their company name --whether because they actually federally registered it or is theirs based on legitimate use of the mark. https://www.uspto.gov/web/offices/tac/doc/basic/register.htm

The books I've read all say it wasn't a big problem before the Internet came along, but now you have to be careful about using a name that someone else is using in a different state. And they say it is best to make up a name from bits of words (I've had no luck being creative with that either). Of course, being so naïve about picking a name/websites, I figured I could just think up a name, get a website, and start advertising.

Have I learned a lot in the last several months! And this is probably advice best gained from a lawyer, but this is why I'm struggling so much with choosing a name.

Thanks!
Major_D

Hi Karen,

More great names!

SNIP>>> If you don't use the words "dog" and "training" (or "coaching") in your name, then I'd include them in the tagline for clarity. Likewise, if you do use them in the name, then don't repeat in tag.>>SNIP

Thanks-- I had not seen that bit of advice anywhere yet and it makes great sense.

I liked these:

Just Rewards
... click your way to a happy family dog

A to Z Dog Training
... for happily integrated animalz

The Dog Guy (I'm a gal, so it'd be Dog Gal )

Thanks
Major_D

Hi retail,

SNIP>>>I think you shoud keep "Dog" in your name as that is the first place people wil look when they think of dog anything.>>>SNIP

You've got great dog names here -- I hadn't had much luck with names beginning with Dog. I like the DogMagic (Dog Training or just training) and the DogGuide (reversing guide dog...huh?huh?).

(PS your glasses are cute!)

Thanks
Major_D

Thanks - Email me your mailing address and I'll send you a free sample...offer open to anyone..

Hi Retail -- thanks for checking dogguide for me.

Hi NovaHammer -- WagginMaster made me smile--that one's pretty cute.

Thanks
Major_D

Hi Karen,

SNIP>>> I guess the "Major" just made me think you were a guy.>>SNIP

It's not the first time :-) …..I could tell you lots o' funny stories… :-)


SNIP>> How important is the URL to you, really? Won't you just be doing work in your local area >>SNIP

Just in my area, but if I see the website/name is being used by other trainers elsewhere, then I worry about infringing on their name/trademark. And if I run into them at a conf or on one of my dog trainer forums, that could be a bit weird, I think, if we have the same company name. As I'm sure in your biz, e-mail forums have allowed us to know many trainers in other states--something that would not have happened before the interent. Should this trademark stuff be whole new question/discussion?

I love sitstay and always loved their tagline--very clever.

Thanks
Major_D

It's time to meet with my trainers to make a decision (plus I'm heading off to a dog aggression seminar for a few days).

I want to thank everyone for so many great names and for answering my many questions. About 90% of the names were ones we had *not* thought of already. This forum is a marvelous group of very creative and very generous people. You all have provided a wonderful learning experience in marketing & branding.

It's a shame we can't assign points based on a percentage, for Karen has helped me the most in answering my questions and should get the biggest percentage of points for her time. Others have given me creative lists of names which also takes time, so I divided points as best I could given the constraints of the system.

"A Click & a Treat" to everyone :-)

Thanks Bunches!
Major_D