How to Set Up a Dog Trainer Merch Shop

Setting up a dog trainer merch shop takes one afternoon. Five steps: create the business account, upload the logo, add 6 to 10 starter products, build a client merch section, and share the link with the client base. Bear Grips Pro Shops runs the storefront. No upfront cost. No minimum orders. No setup fees. The shop is live and selling within hours of signup.

Step 1: Create the Business Account

Go to shops.beargrips.com/for/dog-trainer and create the account. Pick a shop URL slug (the business short name) and select a plan:

• Free. 3 live products, higher base prices.
• Self-Service VIP, $59/month. 200 products, lowest base prices. Trainer runs the storefront.
• Done-For-You VIP, $109/month. 250 products. Pro Shops advisor builds and maintains the storefront.

Step 2: Upload the Business Logo

The logo prints or embroiders on every product. PNG with transparent background works best. The Pro Shops design tool digitizes the logo into an embroidery file at no cost. If the business does not have a finalized logo, Done-For-You VIP includes design help from a Pro Shops advisor.

Bear Grips Pro Shops: Custom Apparel for Your Team. No Minimums. Free Shipping.

Step 3: Add 6 to 10 Starter Products

The starter product set:

1. Trainer performance polo (Sport-Tek)
2. Trainer quarter-zip pullover (Sport-Tek)
3. Trainer cotton tee (Bear Grips)
4. Branded hoodie (Comfort Soft Hoodie)
5. Client community hoodie (same hoodie, different design)
6. Client gift graduation tee
7. Branded cap (Richardson Rope Hat)
8. Optional: women's-cut tee variant
9. Optional: youth tee for client kid programs
10. Optional: cropped sweatshirt for client community

Step 4: Build the Client Merch Section

The Pro Shops storefront supports multiple sections. Build separate sections for:

• Trainer self-issue. Polos, quarter-zips, in-session wear. Often discounted for staff.
• Client community merch. Hoodies, tees, cropped sweatshirts at retail markup.
• Graduation gifts. Tees and caps for clients completing training programs. Often at-cost or gifted.
• Seasonal items. Halloween, holiday, summer-specific apparel.

Step 5: Share the Link With Clients

Standard places to share the trainer shop link:

• Business Instagram bio. The link drives traffic from social.
• Email signature. Every client email shows the shop link.
• Client onboarding email. The day a new client signs up for training, they get the shop link.
• Graduation email. Class completion email includes the gift apparel link.
• Facebook page and Google Business profile. Linked from the business public profile.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does setup actually take?

About 60-90 minutes for a trainer with the logo file ready. Less for Done-For-You VIP where a Pro Shops advisor handles the setup.

Can the trainer start free and upgrade later?

Yes. Free plan covers 3 products at higher base prices. Upgrade to VIP for the lower base prices and the higher product cap when the business is ready.

Is there a contract or commitment?

No contract. VIP plans are month-to-month. Cancel any time.

What if the trainer wants to test before committing?

Free plan lets the trainer place a single test product live and validate the print quality, the embroidery, and the customer experience before upgrading to VIP.