Dog Training Elite Franchise Costs, Fees & FDD

Year Business Began: 2011

Franchising Since: 2014

Headquarters: Lehi, Utah

Headquarters: Sandy, Utah

Estimated Number of Units: 395

Franchise Description: The franchisor is Dog Training Elite Franchising, LLC. Dog Training Elite franchises offer general obedience training for large and small dogs, including with and without e-collars. Franchisees may also choose to purchase the option to offer specialty dog training such as advanced puppy, advanced service, autism support, and personal protection. Franchisees must purchase a minimum of three franchise territories.

 
Training Overview: The franchisor provides an initial training program referred to as “bootcamp.” The operating principal and the trainer, if the trainer is someone other than the operating principal, are required to attend the training program which is held in Sandy, Utah, or other location designated by the franchisor. The length of in-person training should last approximately 27 to 42 days. Franchisees will receive operational and dog training about six weeks prior to bootcamp and following bootcamp. Franchisees must also purchase advanced training to be completed after they complete their initial training/bootcamp. The fee for this advanced training covers two attendees to attend two advanced training courses: force retrieval and leader of the pack training. The franchisor will provide three days of on-site support where one of its representatives will travel to the franchise business (at its cost) and assist with the various aspects of the grand opening. After franchisees have been operating for at least six months, the franchisor will provide them with an additional three days of trainer or administrative support training. Additionally, depending on availability and advanced written notice, if franchisees would like the franchisor to assist in providing additional training, the franchisor may provide this training. Franchisees may also wish to be trained in advanced training services including advanced puppy, advanced service, or personal protection training.

Territory Granted: Franchisees will be assigned an exclusive territory for their franchise business meaning that the franchisor will not establish another franchise, affiliate or company owned unit using the “Dog Training Elite” trademark within the territory. Franchisees must purchase at least a three-territory franchise. Each territory will generally have a population of approximately 175,000 people, depending on whether the territory is in a metropolitan or rural area, and other comparable factors. The franchise agreement is dependent upon achievement of a minimum sales volume, market penetration or other contingency. Specifically, franchisees must generate at least $75,000 in gross sales in year one (annualized if the first year is less than 365 days), $150,000 in year two, and $300,000 in year three. After year three, there is no minimum requirement to maintain the rights in the territories.

Obligations and Restrictions: The franchisor recommends but does not require on-premises supervision by the operating principal. However, the franchisor does require on-premises supervision by the designated manager who must be trained by the franchisor to manage the franchise business unless the operating principal will act as the full-time manager of the franchise business. Neither the operating principal, nor the management employees can have an interest in or business relationship with any competing dog training or obedience training business during the term of the franchise agreement and must keep free from activities that would be detrimental to or interfere with the operation of the franchise business or detrimental to the franchise system. Franchisees must operate the franchise business at least five days per week throughout the year (unless waived in writing by the franchisor), but, depending on the franchisee’s market or location or territory (or territories) and changes to the system, the franchisor reserves the right to require franchisees to operate up to seven days a week. Franchisees must provide and sell only those products and services specified and approved by the franchisor in writing.

Term of Agreement and Renewal: The length of the initial franchise term is 10 years. If franchisees are in good standing at the end of the franchise term, they can enter into a successor franchise agreement for an additional term of 10 years.

Financial Assistance: The franchisor does not offer direct or indirect financing. The franchisor does not guarantee a franchisee’s note, lease or obligation.

Estimated Initial Investment

Name of Fee	Low	High
Initial Franchise Fee	$110,000	$110,000
Travel, Lodging, Food and Other Expenses While Training	$1,500	$10,000
Advanced Training	$12,500	$15,000
Real Estate and Improvements	$0	$0
Start-Up Packet	$4,150	$5,000
Launch Support	$10,500	$11,100
Additional Equipment and Mobile Device	$500	$3,000
Vehicle Wrap	$3,500	$5,000
Banners and Signs	$750	$3,000
Demo Dog and Demo Dog Equipment	$1,500	$6,500
Misc. Opening Costs	$1,500	$4,500
Marketing – 3 Months	$5,000	$6,500
Additional Funds – 3 Months	$22,150	$23,650
ESTIMATED TOTAL (for a 3-territory franchise)	$173,550	$203,250

 
Other Fees

Type of Fee	Amount
Successor Franchise Fee	$2,500
Royalty	8% of gross sales.
Brand Fund Fee	1% of gross sales.
Online Advertising and SEO Fee	Currently, $500 per month.
Late Charges	$50 per day (up to a maximum of 2x the total amount owing per instance per late payment and up to $500 per late report).
Interest on Late Fees and Reports	18% interest or maximum rate permitted by state law.
Non-Sufficient Fund Fees	$50 per bounced check or insufficient or disputed draft.
Sales or Use Tax	Sum equal to tax imposed.
Audit Charge	Cost of audit.
Tech Fee	Currently, $275 per month.
System Non-Compliance Fines and Charges	$250 for the first violation, $500 for the second violation, and $750 for the third violation.
Replacement Training	$750 per person, per day.
Additional Training	$750 per day, per representative.
Annual Management Training	$500 per person/per day.
Specialty Training	Currently, $3,500 to $20,000.
Insurance Reimbursement Fee	Reimbursement of premium amount, plus $50 an hour for the franchisor’s time.
PCI and DSS Audit Reimbursement Fee	Costs of the audit.
Conference or Seminar Fee	Currently, $750 to $1,500/ per person.
Interim Management Fee	$750 per day, per representative.
Supplier Evaluation Fee	$250, plus reasonable expenses, at cost.
Additional Copies of Marketing Materials	The franchisor’s costs plus 10%, and the costs for shipping and handling.
Gift Card; Prepaid Services Reimbursement Fee	The amount collected for such pre-paid services.
Fees on Default	The franchisor’s costs associated with the franchisor’s default.
Franchise Agreement Transfer Fee	$10,000, plus applicable broker fees.
Minority Interest Transfer Fee (up to 40% cumulative during the term)	The franchisor’s legal fees and administrative costs related to the transfer.
Transfer Training Fee	$15,000
Indemnification	The franchisor’s legal costs and damages.
Dispute Resolution Fees	The franchisor’s legal fees and costs if it prevails.

The above information has been compiled from the FDD of Dog Training Elite. Year of FDD: 2024.

Franchise Direct's Disclaimer