Risk Score
Pending analysis
Investment Range
$173,550 - $203,250
Franchise Fee
$99,000
Min Cash Required
$10,000
Total US Locations
67
Business Summary
Dog Training Elite offers comprehensive dog training services, including general obedience training, basic puppy training, and basic support dog training for both large and small dogs, with or without e-collars. Franchisees also have the option to purchase advanced training to specialize in areas like advanced puppy, advanced service, autism support, and personal protection. Most training sessions take place at the client's home, in a public park, or in another open facility. Dog Training Elite recommends and may require the use of an indoor facility in major metropolitan areas to reduce travel time. Franchisees can qualify to open an indoor facility after 12 months of operation. The brand has also offered adventure programs and training for dogs with anxiety, and some client meetings and trainings can be conducted via video conferencing.
Corporate History
Dog Training Elite Franchising, LLC was organized on November 14, 2014, in Utah. Dog Training Elite began offering franchises for its dog training businesses in January 2015. Franchising is its sole activity. An affiliate, The Malinois Corporation, a Utah non-profit, was incorporated in April 2013 and focuses on canine assistance for veterans.
Financial Overview
Investment Range
$173,550 - $203,250
Franchise Fee (Low)
$99,000
Franchise Fee (High)
$110,000
Minimum Cash Required
$10,000
Royalty %
8%
Marketing %
1%
Equipment Costs (Low)
$10,400
Equipment Costs (High)
$22,500
Working Capital
$22,900
Audited Financials
Yes
Offers Financing
No
Audit Opinion
Unqualified opinion
Financial Health Notes
Dog Training Elite's financial statements for December 31, 2023, received an unqualified opinion from its auditors, indicating that the statements are presented fairly. However, the company reported a net loss of $526,997 for 2023, following a net income of $596,441 in 2022. While its current assets exceed current liabilities, Dog Training Elite has negative members' equity of $(638,116) as of December 31, 2023, primarily due to substantial deferred revenue and other non-current liabilities. Unaudiated interim financials as of April 15, 2024, show an improved net income of $490,886, but total equity remains negative at $(226,620.99), suggesting a recovery in profitability but still a weak overall equity position.
Financing Details
Dog Training Elite does not offer any direct or indirect financing options to its franchisees. Additionally, the franchisor does not guarantee any notes, leases, or other obligations of the franchisee.
Performance Metrics
Total US Locations
67
Franchised Units
63
Corporate Units
4
Franchising Since
2015
Legal & Compliance Analysis
Recent Litigation
No
Bankruptcy
No
Litigation Summary
Dog Training Elite has no litigation history to report. The FDD states that no litigation is required to be disclosed in Item 3.
Bankruptcy History
Dog Training Elite has no bankruptcy history to report. The FDD states that no bankruptcy is required to be disclosed in Item 4.
Agreement Terms
Initial Term
10 years
Renewal Term
10 years
Renewal Conditions
To renew their franchise agreement, Dog Training Elite franchisees must not be in default, pay a successor franchise fee, modernize their business to meet current brand standards, and sign the then-current franchise agreement. Franchisees are also required to provide written notice of their intent to renew between 6 and 12 months before their current agreement expires. The new agreement may contain terms and conditions that are materially different from the original contract.
Training & Support Program
Franchisor Assistance
Dog Training Elite assists franchisees with pre-opening tasks such as designating a search area for their office, providing specifications for approved items, and listing approved suppliers. Franchisees receive initial training (bootcamp) for their operating principal and trainer, as well as assistance with demo dog selection. The franchisor also provides three days of on-site grand opening support at its own cost. Ongoing support includes updates to operations manuals, remote or in-person training (for a fee), maintenance of the brand website (including franchisee information), and periodic inspections. Dog Training Elite may also hold conferences and seminars (with mandatory attendance and fees), suggest retail pricing, provide email addresses, approve indoor facilities after 12 months of operation, refine products and services, and offer advanced training courses for an additional fee. There are also 3 days of follow-up training included in the launch support fee after 6 months of operation, and discretionary annual management training for a fee.
Initial Training Hours
333
Training Location
Sandy, Utah or franchisor designated location
Ongoing Support
After opening, Dog Training Elite franchisees receive ongoing support through updates to the operations manuals (sent via email, newsletters, or bulletins). The franchisor offers additional remote or in-person training, though a fee and travel costs apply. Dog Training Elite maintains a brand website that includes the franchisee's business information. The franchisor may conduct periodic inspections of the franchise business, either in-person or remotely, and can request video or digital images of training sessions or facilities. Franchisees may be required to attend conferences and seminars, incurring registration and travel fees. The franchisor also provides three days of follow-up training after six months of operation, which is covered by the initial launch support fee. Additionally, Dog Training Elite may require annual management training for the operating principal and trainer, which involves a fee plus travel, food, and lodging costs. Additional and specialty training courses are also available for a fee.
Franchise Requirements
Ideal Candidate Profile
Dog Training Elite seeks franchisees whose operating principal and trainer pass a background check. The operating principal is not strictly required to provide on-premises supervision full-time but must oversee all accounting, reporting, financial components, attend all required training and meetings, be involved in all personnel decisions, and conduct frequent inspections to ensure high standards. The operating principal must dedicate sufficient hours to maintain operations at maximum capacity and efficiency. Neither the operating principal nor management employees can have an interest in or business relationship with any competing dog training business during the franchise term. Any individual owning 5% or more of the franchise business must personally guarantee the agreement. Franchisees should also have a demo dog that is trainable, docile, confident, well-groomed, and non-reactive, and passes the franchisor's bootcamp training.
Industry Experience Required
No
Management Experience Required
No
Sales Experience Required
No
Technical Skills Required
No
Operational Details
Location Type
Hybrid
Owner Participation
Supervisory
Territory Type
Exclusive
Staff Count
2
Territory Size Requirements
Dog Training Elite franchisees are required to purchase a minimum of three territories. Each territory typically encompasses a population of approximately 175,000 people, with adjustments made based on whether the area is metropolitan or rural. The specific written boundaries for the territories are detailed in Exhibit A-1 of the franchise agreement. Franchisees must begin servicing all purchased territories from the start of their operations. The franchisor uses U.S. Census estimates to determine the population within a territory.
Staffing Notes
Dog Training Elite franchisees are solely responsible for all aspects of employee management, including hiring, firing, discipline, scheduling, compensation, and training. The franchisor may offer a sample employee guide but emphasizes that franchisees must consult legal counsel to ensure compliance with state and federal employment laws. Franchisees are required to have at least two full-time employees: one full-time trainer and one full-time operations manager. The operating principal may fill one of these roles. If the operating principal is not full-time, then separate full-time individuals must fill both positions. All operating principals and trainers must undergo and pass a background check. Franchisees are initially allowed one trainer but must hire an additional trainer once they reach 50 active clients. Employees are required to sign brand protection agreements which include non-competition restrictions for management employees.