Risk Score
Pending analysis
Investment Range
$116,400 - $195,750
Franchise Fee
$36,000
Total US Locations
96
Business Summary
The Dog Wizard offers franchises for businesses that establish and operate dog training services. The business involves various obedience, behavior modification, and specialty training services. Franchisees normally work from home for administrative tasks and train clients' dogs at their homes, parks, or local dog boarding/daycare facilities. The Dog Wizard operates using specific trademarks and a proprietary system.
Corporate History
ITK9 Franchise, LLC, also known as The Dog Wizard, is an Ohio limited liability company organized in August 2019. It began offering franchises for dog training businesses in April 2020. The company operates its own dog training outlets. ITK9 Franchise, LLC has a predecessor, The Dog Wizard Academy, LLC, which was a North Carolina limited liability company organized in June 2012 and offered franchises from May 2013 to February 2020. The Dog Wizard Academy, LLC, in turn, had a predecessor, The Dog Wizard, Inc., which operated a dog training school from March 2005 to September 2014 and a dog trainer school from March 2010 to June 2012. ITK9 Company, LLC is the parent company, which acquired ownership of ITK9 Franchise, LLC in August 2019.
Financial Overview
Investment Range
$116,400 - $195,750
Franchise Fee (Low)
$36,000
Franchise Fee (High)
$61,300
Royalty %
8%
Marketing %
2%
Equipment Costs (Low)
$4,450
Equipment Costs (High)
$8,650
Working Capital
$45,600
Audited Financials
Yes
Offers Financing
No
Audit Opinion
Unqualified opinion
Financial Health Notes
The Dog Wizard's financial statements for 2024 show a net loss of $589,155, which raised an uncertainty about the company's ability to continue operations. However, management has developed a plan to address this, including expanding franchises, increasing revenue through shared services, improving collection of outstanding receivables, requiring larger upfront payments for initial franchise fees, and reducing non-essential expenses. The company also experienced a significant increase in bad debt expenses in 2024, which they expect to alleviate with the new payment policy. The auditors noted that management's plans have alleviated the going concern uncertainty.
Financing Details
The Dog Wizard does not offer any direct or indirect financing to its franchisees. This means franchisees will need to secure their own funding for the initial investment and ongoing operations, as The Dog Wizard also does not guarantee any notes, leases, or other obligations.
Performance Metrics
Total US Locations
96
Franchised Units
96
Corporate Units
0
Franchising Since
2020
Legal & Compliance Analysis
Recent Litigation
No
Bankruptcy
No
Litigation Summary
The Dog Wizard has no litigation cases to report in Item 3 of the FDD.
Bankruptcy History
The Dog Wizard has no bankruptcy information to disclose in Item 4 of the FDD. Neither the franchisor nor its key personnel have a history of bankruptcy.
Agreement Terms
Initial Term
10 years
Renewal Term
10 years
Renewal Conditions
To renew their franchise agreement, The Dog Wizard franchisees must provide written notice of their intent to renew between six and nine months before the current term ends. They must also update their equipment, signs, and materials to meet the current system standards and image. Franchisees must not be in default of any part of their agreement or any other agreements with The Dog Wizard or its affiliates, and must have paid all their financial obligations on time. They will need to sign The Dog Wizard's then-current franchise agreement, which may have different terms, and a general release of claims against The Dog Wizard. Additionally, franchisees must meet the current qualification and training requirements and pay a $10,000 renewal fee.
Training & Support Program
Franchisor Assistance
The Dog Wizard provides comprehensive support to its franchisees. Before opening, The Dog Wizard offers lists of required and optional products, access to initial business and dog training programs for franchisees and their trainers, and access to an operations manual. The Dog Wizard also consults on the advertising program and provides a start-up kit with marketing items and training equipment. Since the business is home-based and mobile, The Dog Wizard does not provide site selection assistance for physical locations, but does specify vehicle wrapping. After opening, The Dog Wizard provides access to updated product lists, recommendations for pricing, and conducts site visits as needed. The franchisor also reviews new products and services, updates the operations manual, offers periodic advice on managing the business, and may establish purchasing cooperatives or proprietary computer programs. Additional training is offered as appropriate, and regional/national meetings may be held. The Dog Wizard also offers a Customer Success Team for the first 90 days to manage customer leads and provide operating support, requiring franchisees or their staff to complete administrative training to take over these functions afterward.
Initial Training Hours
216
Training Location
Initial business and some dog training modules are conducted online via Zoom. The in-person/hands-on dog training is conducted at a location designated by The Dog Wizard, currently at the facility of a Top Dog Certified Trainer.
Ongoing Support
After opening, The Dog Wizard provides various ongoing support services. This includes providing access to periodic updates for required and optional products, offering recommendations for pricing, and conducting site visits as deemed necessary. The Dog Wizard also reviews proposed new products and services, and updates the operations manual as appropriate. Franchisees receive periodic advice and written materials on dog training techniques, sales and customer service, marketing, business development, human resources, compliance, and management information systems. The Dog Wizard may establish purchasing or distribution cooperatives and provides computer software programs and hardware for business operations. Additional training may be offered, proposed advertising materials are reviewed, and regional or national meetings are conducted. Furthermore, The Dog Wizard offers a Customer Success Team for the first 90 days after the launch of digital marketing to manage customer leads, communication, and initial evaluation scheduling, with quality assurance support provided afterward for ongoing client management by the franchisee.
Franchise Requirements
Ideal Candidate Profile
The Dog Wizard seeks individuals who are either hands-on operators willing to directly participate in dog training or semi-absentee owners who can appoint an on-site business manager to oversee daily operations. All candidates or their designated trainers must successfully complete the initial dog training programs. Ideal franchisees should demonstrate strong educational, managerial, and business standards, possess good moral character and business reputation, and have a solid credit rating. They must have the aptitude and ability to operate a dog training business, which may be supported by prior relevant business experience, and adequate financial resources. A fundamental commitment to the humane, safe, and caring treatment of dogs is essential for maintaining the brand's reputation and customer trust.
Industry Experience Required
No
Management Experience Required
No
Sales Experience Required
No
Technical Skills Required
No
Operational Details
Location Type
Hybrid
Owner Participation
Semi-Absentee
Territory Type
Exclusive
Staff Count
2
Territory Size Requirements
The Dog Wizard defines its franchise territories by contiguous ZIP Codes. Each territory is intended to serve a minimum population of 200,000 to 225,000 people. The population figures are determined using extrapolated U.S. Census data and specific business mapping software chosen by The Dog Wizard.
Staffing Notes
The Dog Wizard requires franchisees to maintain a competent, conscientious, and certified staff. Each employee must sign and abide by The Dog Wizard's Code of Conduct. Franchisees are solely responsible for all employment decisions, including hiring, firing, wages, and benefits, and must clearly inform employees that they are employed by the franchisee, not The Dog Wizard. The Dog Wizard expects franchisees to have one van for every three full-time trainers employed. Staffing estimates for initial operation range from one staff member to three full-time trainers, in addition to the owner. Franchisees are also required to establish phone lines for each on-site business manager, administrator, trainer, and any employee who communicates with clients.