Dog Training Elite, founded over 40 years ago by the Mestas family, began as a kennel operation and a hot spot for hunting dog breeding. However, as the concept grew, it began to train high-caliber, athletic dogs, and interest in specialized training among clients only rose. While this approach was certainly possible, the board-and-train method was less effective than training with owner involvement. Thus, the brand’s focus shifted, and it grew to become a people-focused dog training company.
Now, Dog Training Elite includes a network of 80 franchise owners who oversee 234 territories. As mobile trainers, these owners offer obedience, puppy, personal protection, therapy, service dog, anxiety, aggression, retired military, and lifestyle training.
“Our focus has shifted. We’re passionate about the dogs we work with, but the passion at the heart of Dog Training Elite lies in our love for empowering people as they create a better evolution of their dog,” explained Linton Dowling, vice president of marketing at Raintree. “We’ve gotten involved in more advanced classes and services, and we’ve realized there are a lot of things that people want their dogs to do with them that seem impossible, but they’re not. Dog Training Elite has added more niche programs that help people to enjoy their dogs daily.”
“We fill the void for people who actually want to be involved in their dog’s education process,” Dowling explained. “A lot of trainers do a great job training, but the owner isn’t involved. Often, that training falls apart when the dog comes home. We get the family involved.”
In reality, he added, dog training is fairly simple. The more challenging part, which is often where things go wrong for families trying to train their dogs independently, is the consistency aspect of the training schedule. By providing an easy, understandable template, Dog Training Elite empowers its clients to customize the training process to their own needs, ultimately creating a learning plan that both the human and dog can understand and succeed within.
“Having the humans involved allows us to stand out in the communities we serve,” he explained. “A lot of trainers only do puppy or obedience training. We want to be there for the families and their dogs throughout their entire journey. Being able to offer multiple services to our clients is certainly important.”
In addition to embracing a person-first approach at its foundation, Dog Training Elite has developed the systems and processes necessary to support a range of clients throughout their varied stages of dog ownership.
“We promote diversity and inclusivity; we’re willing to work with anyone and everyone who needs us — humans and dogs,” Dowling added. “A lot of trainers won’t work with certain breeds, older dogs, and dogs with disabilities, but we believe that all dogs and people deserve a chance.”
Now more than ever, dog training has become essential. During the height of COVID, countless families got what many refer to as “pandemic puppies.” In an effort to lift spirits and make people feel less alone, families across the country have adopted millions of dogs. However, those dogs needed training. As untrained dogs solidified negative habits and their owners continued to struggle with isolation and mental health challenges, the need only grew.
“Post-pandemic, we were in the middle of a serious mental health crisis. For us, this triggered an opportunity for us to plug dogs into the assistance and solutions,” Dowling said. “We put a heavy focus on PTSD service animals and continue to, not only making sure training is robust and that we understand it but also that people know it’s an option. We keep our fingers on the pulse of what society needs, and if there’s a way to provide that help through a dog, we’re there.”
In line with its community engagement efforts, Dog Training Elite has also established its own 501c3, which provides service dogs to individuals in need at no cost. The Malinois Foundation has become a key organization in many local communities, supporting veterans, first responders, survivors of abuse and assault, and children with fragile medical needs.
Now, as the brand continues to grow, Dog Training Elite has established a network of 80 franchise owners across 260 protected franchise territories, and a corporate team of 15 people.
“Most importantly to us, an overwhelming majority of our franchisees are multi-unit owners,” Dowling explained. “They have realized that they have the ability to grow an empire and create a family legacy through our brand, and that’s really important to us.”
In fact, nearly 90% of the brand’s franchise owners own multiple territories proving the scalability and success they’ve been able to achieve by following the brand’s processes and systems. Couple that with the fact that no large retail space or build-out is required and a quick four to six-week ramp-up time.
Dog Training Elite has spent the last four months intensively working on building out additional internal systems and support methods and refocusing on its long-term goals. The franchisor’s emphasis on internal support systems is a key differentiator.
“We’ve rolled out regional packs, where we’ve grouped the franchisees into sub-packs by region,” Dowling said. “Through these packs, the franchisees build closer relationships and help each other with training. We have senior franchisees mentoring newer owners. It’s been really fun, and it’s especially rewarding to see the camaraderie that grows when the franchisees come together.”
Throughout the growth process, Dog Training Elite franchise owners have a contact person to reach out to at any time. In addition to a franchise business coach, who is willing to field any question a growing franchisee may have, the system has also implemented ongoing training like canine CPR and first aid courses. With regional check-ins and franchisee training conducted nationwide, owners are prepared to position themselves as experts in their areas.
“We’re a family-based business, and we’re pack-oriented,” he added. “Supporting each other is important.”
With 45 new owners signing to develop 159 units in 2022 alone, Dog Training Elite is following an impressive growth trajectory as franchise candidates embrace a recession-resistant opportunity.
“The $261 billion pet industry continues to soar, which provides a great baseline for the business,” Dowling said. “We’re also at a really pivotal point with mental health, medical health, and treatments, and there’s an increasing need for dogs to step in and support in those roles. People are really starting to understand how dogs can help them and showing interest in plugging dogs into those important roles.”
As the demand for therapy dogs climbs, pandemic puppies continue to need training, and more people incorporate dogs into their daily activities, Dog Training Elite is looking to expand further to provide the support and education necessary to empower owners to train a dog that fits their lifestyle and needs.
“Dogs are being integrated into daily life now more than ever, and the opportunity to be a part of that process is huge,” he said.
With about 100 open territories remaining, Dog Training Elite is currently focusing its expansion efforts on Washington, Virginia, Maryland, upstate New York, Long Island, and southern Atlanta.
“Ultimately, we would like to become the global healing source with dogs. That doesn’t mean all dogs have to be service or therapy animals, though,” Dowling added. “There is a tremendous benefit associated with having a dog, especially when it’s well-behaved and not causing additional anxiety or frustration. We want to see more dogs being incorporated into people’s lives, treatment, and goals, and bringing our services to even more communities will be a crucial step in that process.”
Dog Training Elite is an investment opportunity fit for a coachable entrepreneur who understands the basics of business success and loves dogs.
As it expands, the concept is solely seeking multi-unit owners. After the past few years, Dog Training Elite has identified its most successful franchisees: those who own three or more units. As such, in an effort to position franchisees for success from the very beginning, Dog Training Elite offers two, three, and five-territory franchise agreements. Passionate business people with a strong understanding of basic business principles are strongly preferred.
“People need to understand that there is a ramp-up period and that all businesses have ebbs and flows. There’s no magic wand to turn it all on,” Dowling explained. “Owners who are collaborative and embrace that pack mentality do the best. Lone wolves struggle the most.”
Dowling explained that the franchisor does not offer franchises to every applicant, as it is selective, seeking prospective owners who have demonstrated their willingness to function as team players. Maintaining a culture of positivity and a network of welcoming and upbeat owners has maintained the integrity of the brand while encouraging a welcoming environment for franchisees and clients.
“Our franchise owners radiate positivity and approach each day ready to work with people and make the community a better place by creating a sense of familiarity,” he added. “We have high standards. ‘Elite, never mediocre’ is our motto, and we present ourselves with pride. Owners join because they want to make an impact in their communities, and the best way to do that is through incredible dogs.”
Dog Training Elite
SPONSORED
Embracing a scalable business opportunity in a recession-resistant ($216B) Pet Industry, the person-first dog training concept continues to meet the ongoing demand for owner-inclusive training programs and expanding with franchisees reinvesting in the brand.
Dog Training Elite, founded over 40 years ago by the Mestas family, began as a kennel operation and a hot spot for hunting dog breeding. However, as the concept grew, it began to train high-caliber, athletic dogs, and interest in specialized training among clients only rose. While this approach was certainly possible, the board-and-train method was less effective than training with owner involvement. Thus, the brand’s focus shifted, and it grew to become a people-focused dog training company.
Now, Dog Training Elite includes a network of 80 franchise owners who oversee 234 territories. As mobile trainers, these owners offer obedience, puppy, personal protection, therapy, service dog, anxiety, aggression, retired military, and lifestyle training.
“Our focus has shifted. We’re passionate about the dogs we work with, but the passion at the heart of Dog Training Elite lies in our love for empowering people as they create a better evolution of their dog,” explained Linton Dowling, vice president of marketing at Raintree. “We’ve gotten involved in more advanced classes and services, and we’ve realized there are a lot of things that people want their dogs to do with them that seem impossible, but they’re not. Dog Training Elite has added more niche programs that help people to enjoy their dogs daily.”
“We fill the void for people who actually want to be involved in their dog’s education process,” Dowling explained. “A lot of trainers do a great job training, but the owner isn’t involved. Often, that training falls apart when the dog comes home. We get the family involved.”
In reality, he added, dog training is fairly simple. The more challenging part, which is often where things go wrong for families trying to train their dogs independently, is the consistency aspect of the training schedule. By providing an easy, understandable template, Dog Training Elite empowers its clients to customize the training process to their own needs, ultimately creating a learning plan that both the human and dog can understand and succeed within.
“Having the humans involved allows us to stand out in the communities we serve,” he explained. “A lot of trainers only do puppy or obedience training. We want to be there for the families and their dogs throughout their entire journey. Being able to offer multiple services to our clients is certainly important.”
In addition to embracing a person-first approach at its foundation, Dog Training Elite has developed the systems and processes necessary to support a range of clients throughout their varied stages of dog ownership.
“We promote diversity and inclusivity; we’re willing to work with anyone and everyone who needs us — humans and dogs,” Dowling added. “A lot of trainers won’t work with certain breeds, older dogs, and dogs with disabilities, but we believe that all dogs and people deserve a chance.”
Now more than ever, dog training has become essential. During the height of COVID, countless families got what many refer to as “pandemic puppies.” In an effort to lift spirits and make people feel less alone, families across the country have adopted millions of dogs. However, those dogs needed training. As untrained dogs solidified negative habits and their owners continued to struggle with isolation and mental health challenges, the need only grew.
“Post-pandemic, we were in the middle of a serious mental health crisis. For us, this triggered an opportunity for us to plug dogs into the assistance and solutions,” Dowling said. “We put a heavy focus on PTSD service animals and continue to, not only making sure training is robust and that we understand it but also that people know it’s an option. We keep our fingers on the pulse of what society needs, and if there’s a way to provide that help through a dog, we’re there.”
In line with its community engagement efforts, Dog Training Elite has also established its own 501c3, which provides service dogs to individuals in need at no cost. The Malinois Foundation has become a key organization in many local communities, supporting veterans, first responders, survivors of abuse and assault, and children with fragile medical needs.
Now, as the brand continues to grow, Dog Training Elite has established a network of 80 franchise owners across 260 protected franchise territories, and a corporate team of 15 people.
“Most importantly to us, an overwhelming majority of our franchisees are multi-unit owners,” Dowling explained. “They have realized that they have the ability to grow an empire and create a family legacy through our brand, and that’s really important to us.”
In fact, nearly 90% of the brand’s franchise owners own multiple territories proving the scalability and success they’ve been able to achieve by following the brand’s processes and systems. Couple that with the fact that no large retail space or build-out is required and a quick four to six-week ramp-up time.
Dog Training Elite has spent the last four months intensively working on building out additional internal systems and support methods and refocusing on its long-term goals. The franchisor’s emphasis on internal support systems is a key differentiator.
“We’ve rolled out regional packs, where we’ve grouped the franchisees into sub-packs by region,” Dowling said. “Through these packs, the franchisees build closer relationships and help each other with training. We have senior franchisees mentoring newer owners. It’s been really fun, and it’s especially rewarding to see the camaraderie that grows when the franchisees come together.”
Throughout the growth process, Dog Training Elite franchise owners have a contact person to reach out to at any time. In addition to a franchise business coach, who is willing to field any question a growing franchisee may have, the system has also implemented ongoing training like canine CPR and first aid courses. With regional check-ins and franchisee training conducted nationwide, owners are prepared to position themselves as experts in their areas.
“We’re a family-based business, and we’re pack-oriented,” he added. “Supporting each other is important.”
With 45 new owners signing to develop 159 units in 2022 alone, Dog Training Elite is following an impressive growth trajectory as franchise candidates embrace a recession-resistant opportunity.
“The $261 billion pet industry continues to soar, which provides a great baseline for the business,” Dowling said. “We’re also at a really pivotal point with mental health, medical health, and treatments, and there’s an increasing need for dogs to step in and support in those roles. People are really starting to understand how dogs can help them and showing interest in plugging dogs into those important roles.”
As the demand for therapy dogs climbs, pandemic puppies continue to need training, and more people incorporate dogs into their daily activities, Dog Training Elite is looking to expand further to provide the support and education necessary to empower owners to train a dog that fits their lifestyle and needs.
“Dogs are being integrated into daily life now more than ever, and the opportunity to be a part of that process is huge,” he said.
With about 100 open territories remaining, Dog Training Elite is currently focusing its expansion efforts on Washington, Virginia, Maryland, upstate New York, Long Island, and southern Atlanta.
“Ultimately, we would like to become the global healing source with dogs. That doesn’t mean all dogs have to be service or therapy animals, though,” Dowling added. “There is a tremendous benefit associated with having a dog, especially when it’s well-behaved and not causing additional anxiety or frustration. We want to see more dogs being incorporated into people’s lives, treatment, and goals, and bringing our services to even more communities will be a crucial step in that process.”
Dog Training Elite is an investment opportunity fit for a coachable entrepreneur who understands the basics of business success and loves dogs.
As it expands, the concept is solely seeking multi-unit owners. After the past few years, Dog Training Elite has identified its most successful franchisees: those who own three or more units. As such, in an effort to position franchisees for success from the very beginning, Dog Training Elite offers two, three, and five-territory franchise agreements. Passionate business people with a strong understanding of basic business principles are strongly preferred.
“People need to understand that there is a ramp-up period and that all businesses have ebbs and flows. There’s no magic wand to turn it all on,” Dowling explained. “Owners who are collaborative and embrace that pack mentality do the best. Lone wolves struggle the most.”
Dowling explained that the franchisor does not offer franchises to every applicant, as it is selective, seeking prospective owners who have demonstrated their willingness to function as team players. Maintaining a culture of positivity and a network of welcoming and upbeat owners has maintained the integrity of the brand while encouraging a welcoming environment for franchisees and clients.
“Our franchise owners radiate positivity and approach each day ready to work with people and make the community a better place by creating a sense of familiarity,” he added. “We have high standards. ‘Elite, never mediocre’ is our motto, and we present ourselves with pride. Owners join because they want to make an impact in their communities, and the best way to do that is through incredible dogs.”
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