9A- Solving the Hypothesis, Part 2

Interview #1- Penny Parks, my roommate's mother, owns 1 dog

• Penny has a four year old french bulldog named Bean. She explains that Bean never has had any issues with food, and that she actually is overweight for her age. She goes on to explain that she is a fan of small/ toy sized dogs, so it is very easy for them to get overweight. Though penny thinks Bean gets the proper vitamins and minerals, Bean could exercise more to live a healthier life. Penny explained she would not buy the product for her dog, as Bean is actively trying to loose weight.

Interview #2- Alex Pippins, college student, owns 1 dog

• Alex has a one year old lab named Mojo. He explained that his dog is at perfect weight, and he can even eat as much as he wants because he will burn it off with all of his energy. Alex goes on to explain that his dog gets all of the nutrient he needs because he strictly eats food and treats made for dogs (no human food). Finally, Alex would not buy this product because his dog eats anything anyway, so it does not make sense to buy more for him.

Interview #3- Lainey Harris, college student, owns 2 dogs

• Lainey rescued her one-year-old lab/doberman puppy from the Jacksonville Humane Society. She stated that Bella is at a healthy weight and is on a daily eating schedule, so she is on a strict routine with food. She also believed her dog get all of the necessary nutrients, but she mentions supplements are always a solution if that is a problem. Finally, Lainey would not buy the product because her dog's weight is exactly where it should be. She goes on to explain she would not buy it because she would not want her dog to become overweight.

Interview #4- Evy Hines, relator, owns 1 dog

• Evy has a 14 year old pug named Gurd. She explains that Gurd has no trouble with being underweight, she is actually more on the obese side for dogs. Next, Evy described Gurd's diet as being home-cooked (ex- boiled chicken, rice, etc), so she believes that Gurd gets all the nutrients to live a healthy life. Evy would not buy the product, because she explains she puts chicken bouillon in her dog's food, and it acts as seasoning. 

Interview #5- Maddie Silva, mutual friend, owns 2 dogs

• Maddie has two labs, Sadie and Bowe. Both of her dogs devour food as soon as it is put down for them, so they eat a lot. She explains that they seem to be at a good weight, but if anything could loose a little but because of how many treats they get. She explains they are on a very high quality dog food with clean ingredients, so she believes they get enough vitamins and minerals. Maddie decided she would pass on the product, because her dogs will eat the same, bland food every day and be happy about it. 

Who: People who fall out the boundary are those whose dogs are a healthy weight/ overweight. This is because these owners do not have any reason to spend extra money on a weight gain product for their already overweight pet. Also, I found that people with small dogs are out of the boundary. This is because small dogs gain weight easier. For example, if you give a small dog and a large dog the same sized bone, the small dog will gain more weight from it. Also, outsiders are people who do not own dogs/ do not have any relationship to dogs. 

What: The need I identified differs from another need on a case-by-case basis. Though this need can apply to any dog, young or old, it really boils down to the overall health of the dog. Those who did see a need for my product had relationships with dogs who struggle with either eating or their weight. Those who would not buy the product all have dogs who are at a healthy weight or overweight. Though it can vary wether an owner needs this product, all vets, groomers, and pet stores can benefit by carrying a product similar to mine. 

Why: As mentioned before, the underlying cause of the outsiders' need compared to those inside the boundary is the overall health of the specific dog. If the dog is overweight, it makes no sense buying this product. This product is intended for dogs that are underweight or older dogs who have lost their appetite, not dogs who eat everything in sight.

Inside the boundary		Outside the boundary
Who is in:	Dog owners whose dogs are elderly or underweight; veterinarians; pet store managers; groomers	Who is not:	People who do not own dogs; people whose dogs are overweight or at a healthy weight
What the need is:	An all natural and healthy food additive that encourages dogs to develop an appetite and put on weight	What the need is not:	The need is not finding a new treat to bring to market or contributing to the pet-obesity crisis
Why the need exists?	The need exists because some animals have trouble developing an appetite (for example, too busy to eat) and older dogs have trouble tasting as they age.	Alternative explanation:	Each dog has specific needs to their journey with food. They could try a different food instead of an additive to their food.