#ShopFredericksburg: Dog Krazy By Debbie Eisele

I don't compete with anyone except myself. If I focused on what everyone else was doing I would be doing harm to my own business. So I choose to focus on my stores and only my stores. ~ Nancy Guinn, owner

This store is definitely for the dogs. Owner Nancy Guinn opened her flagship store, Dog Krazy, in 2006 and now has five storefronts and a total of 42 employees. The Fredericksburg store is “the heart of Dog Krazy” and even offers products for felines as well as canines.

The store’s location is ideal. “Downtown Fredericksburg is so welcoming; I love all the small shops and restaurants and most of them are pet friendly,” Guinn said. She also shared the community is very supportive of small businesses.

Dog Krazy developed a niche. “We specialize in all natural pet foods, treats, and chews. We do not carry any food products made or sourced in China, which is really important to us and our customers,” said Guinn. She created a specially recipe, Pumpkin Latte — for dogs with special dietary needs. Additionally, a large selection of toys, clothing, leashes, collars, and grooming services are available onsite.

Guinn sources products from several vendors: Fromm Family Pet Food, West Paw, Inc., Primal Pet Foods, Fluff and Tuff, and 2 Hounds Designs. She also sells Dog Krazy’s products online.

When asked how she competes with big box stores, she said, “I don’t compete with anyone except myself. If I focused on what everyone else was doing I would be doing harm to my own business. So I choose to focus on my stores and only my stores.”

Emphasis is on customer service and making sure they know everyone who works at Dog Krazy “truly cares about their pets.” Guinn said, “We let them know where it’s [products] made, how it is made, and where the ingredients are sourced.” She said, “I inform customers about the pros and cons of each product. If it’s in my store I would give it to my pets and I love my pets more than anything in the world.”

Dog Krazy bustles all year but spring and fall are the busiest. Guinn believes customers (two-legged and four-legged) are part of the family and are always greeted as such.

Best-Sellers at Dog Krazy

Food & Nutrition: Dog Krazy’s freshly baked “cookies”; Fromm Family Pet Food; Primal Pet Foods; Super Snouts; Diggin your Dog.

Accessories: Hugglehound Coats; Canadian Pooch Sweaters; 2 hounds Designs.

Toys: West Paw, Inc.; Fluff and Tuff.

Debbie Eisele

Debbie Eisele is the former managing editor for Gift Shop Plus, Stationery Trends and a variety of special issue publications, including: The Guide, Holiday Shop, Celebrations & Occasions and Waterfront Living.