Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Heather Graybill. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Heather , thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. What’s the backstory behind how you came up with the idea for your business?
Grumpy Dog Club started out of pure frustration – well, frustration and a very grumpy-looking dog. My dog has always been a bit of an oddball in terms of shape (big chest, long legs, and a big head) which made it nearly impossible to find clothes that actually fit him. Every time I found something cute, it would either be too tight in the chest, too short in the legs, or just look completely awkward. I realized I couldn’t be the only one dealing with this problem.
On top of that, this all happened during the pandemic, when I, like so many others, was spending way more time at home with my dog. I had more time to really notice the little things, like how ridiculous he looked in ill-fitting outfits. And since online shopping was the only option, I kept running into the same problem: nothing fit right. That’s when the idea really started forming. With so much uncertainty in the world, I wanted to channel my energy into something fun, something creative, and something that actually solved a problem.
At first, it was just an idea. What if there was a brand that actually made cool, well-fitting clothes for dogs like mine? But the more I thought about it, the more I saw the gap in the market. Most dog clothing brands were either too basic, too cutesy, or just didn’t prioritize fit. I wanted to create something that had personality. Something bold, a little rebellious, and made for the dogs who don’t fit the mold (literally and figuratively). That’s how Grumpy Dog Club was born.
The name itself was inspired by my own dog’s permanently unimpressed expression. It became more than just about clothing; it was about an attitude, a brand that embraced dogs with big personalities (and their equally grumpy, dog-obsessed owners). The excitement came from knowing I wasn’t just solving a personal problem. I was tapping into a community of people who felt the same way.
From the beginning, I knew this could work because I wasn’t trying to force something generic into the market. I was filling a real need, in a way that felt fun and authentic. Grumpy Dog Club isn’t just about making dog clothes; it’s about celebrating the misfits, the attitude-filled pups, and the owners who love them for it.
As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?
For those who may not know me, I have a master’s degree in computer science and my background is very technical, but my true passion has always been dogs. I’ve always loved the unique personalities that dogs have, especially the ones with a little bit of attitude. That passion led me to create Grumpy Dog Club, a brand that embraces bold, stylish, and well-fitting clothing for dogs who don’t fit the mold.
The idea for Grumpy Dog Club came from my own struggles finding clothes that fit my dog, who has an unusual shape, big chest, long legs, and a big head. Most dog clothes on the market weren’t made for dogs like him, and I knew I couldn’t be the only pet owner facing this issue. I wanted to create something that not only solved that problem but also had personality. Something fun, rebellious, and different from the typical cutesy dog clothing brands.
At Grumpy Dog Club, we focus on high-quality, well-fitted, and unique designs that stand out. We offer both limited-edition drops and a core collection, making sure there’s always something fresh and exciting. What sets us apart is our combination of humor, bold aesthetics, and an emphasis on celebrating the individuality of dogs and their owners.
I’m incredibly proud of the community I’ve built, people who love their grumpy, quirky, attitude-filled dogs just as much as I do. More than just selling products, Grumpy Dog Club is about embracing the misfit spirit, having fun, and giving dogs (and their owners) a brand that truly represents them.
If there’s one thing I want people to know about me and my brand, it’s that Grumpy Dog Club was created out of love for dogs and the desire to make something that didn’t exist before. It’s about celebrating the weird, the wonderful, and the grumpy—one well-fitted outfit at a time.
How did you build your audience on social media?
Before starting Grumpy Dog Club, my dog actually had his own separate TikTok account, which grew to over 2 million followers. It started as just a fun way to share his grumpy expressions and unique personality, but it quickly turned into a full-fledged community of people who loved his attitude. Through that experience, I learned a lot about what works on social media, how to engage an audience, create content that resonates, and build a brand that people connect with.
When I launched Grumpy Dog Club, I applied everything I had learned from growing my dog’s account to building the business page. I knew that social media success isn’t just about posting products, it’s about storytelling, personality, and consistency. Instead of just showing off dog clothes, I focused on creating content that felt entertaining, relatable, and true to the brand’s voice.
For anyone just starting to build their social media presence, my biggest advice is:
Be authentic – People connect with real personalities and unique perspectives. Don’t be afraid to let your brand’s personality shine.
Post consistently – Growth doesn’t happen overnight, but staying active and engaged makes a huge difference.
Engage with your audience – Respond to comments, interact with followers, and make them feel like they’re part of your community.
Follow trends, but make them your own – Jumping on viral trends can help visibility, but always add your unique spin to stand out.
Have fun with it – Social media is meant to be social! If you’re enjoying the process, your audience will too.
Building an audience takes time, but the key is to focus on creating content that provides value, whether that’s entertainment, inspiration, or useful information. With Grumpy Dog Club, it’s been amazing to see how many people connect with the brand’s attitude and humor, and that’s what keeps them coming back
Any stories or insights that might help us understand how you’ve built such a strong reputation?
One of the biggest things that helped me build my reputation in this market is that I’m truly a dog lover first. I didn’t start Grumpy Dog Club just to sell clothes—I started it because I genuinely love dogs and wanted to create something better for them. That passion comes through in everything I do, from designing clothes that actually fit well to making sure the materials are comfortable and high quality.
I care about the details because I care about the dogs wearing them. I know firsthand how frustrating it can be to find something cute, only for it to fit poorly or be uncomfortable for your dog. So every piece I design is made with real dogs in mind—dogs that move, play, and deserve to look cool while being comfortable.
I think that authenticity has helped me stand out. People can tell when someone genuinely loves what they do, and because I actually care about the dogs wearing my clothes, it builds trust. It’s not just about making trendy outfits; it’s about making something that both dogs and their owners will love. That connection with my customers and their dogs is what has helped grow Grumpy Dog Club into the brand it is today.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://grumpydogclub.com
- Instagram: @grumpydogclub
Image Credits
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