Last year, our self contained class launched an exciting and meaningful project: a student-run dog treat company! This experience combined functional academics, life skills, communication, and community engagement in a hands on and highly motivating way.
To kick off the project, we created and sent out a Google form to staff members to collect dog treat orders. The form included the staff member’s name, preferred delivery location, and the number of treat packs they wanted to purchase.
This step gave students exposure to real world ordering systems while supporting communication and vocational skills. After receiving all of the orders, we created labels for the packages that featured the staff member’s name, delivery location, and the dog’s name. The students loved hearing who the treats were going to!
Before making the treats, we focused on pre-teaching the recipes. Students practiced sequencing the steps, identifying the ingredients, and following directions using visual supports. During the cooking process, visuals were displayed to help students follow along independently and confidently. We also incorporated adapted equipment to ensure all students could participate meaningfully. This allowed each student to be actively involved in mixing, scooping, and packaging the treats at their own ability level.
Each pack included 5 homemade dog treats and was priced at $3 per pack. Students helped count, package, and prepare orders all while practicing math, sequencing, and fine motor skills. During the activity, students followed their chosen recipe all the way through. Students were allowed to pick one of two different recipes. One included peanut butter and the other didn’t. This is a great options for classrooms with peanut allergies.
Students measured ingredients, mixed, scooped, and prepared treats for baking while working through the entire recipe. Through these authentic kitchen tasks, students practice following multi-step directions, understand sequencing, measuring, counting, and even learning how to use kitchen tools safely.
Once the orders were completed, the students proudly delivered dog treat orders throughout the building. They practiced communication, social skills, and real-world money skills as they collected payment from staff members.
The dog treat business was a huge hit! During our first sale, we sold over 700 dog treats!! This far exceeded any expectations we could have had!! Staff response was overwhelmingly positive, with many people asking when they could place another order. If you are on the fence about starting a business with your students, I highly recommend this one. It is affordable to start up, requires easy to purchase ingredients, and provides a product that most people would love to buy. It can be easily automated and is quite profitable as well! Check it out by clicking the image below!
