Parker Fillmore didn’t initially plan to go into dog training. While in college, he was preparing for medical school and volunteering to train service dogs. But things changed when he connected with Dog Training Elite, one of the leading obedience and specialized training franchises in the U.S.

“I was volunteering for a nonprofit started by some of the Dog Training Elite founders,” said Fillmore. “They encouraged me to look into franchising with them, and even though I was set on med school, I decided to take the leap.”

Fillmore opened his first Dog Training Elite franchise in Nashville, Tennessee, in October 2022, later expanding to Knoxville. He’d been familiar with the brand for years, having first seen them at trade shows he attended with his dad.

“As a little boy, I used to go to home shows with my dad, who owned a sprinkler repair business,” said Fillmore. “Dog Training Elite had a booth there too, and I would sit and watch their dogs do all sorts of fun, cool stuff for hours. I was captivated from a very young age and could watch their routines over and over.”

Support from Dog Training Elite has been a major factor in Fillmore’s success. “Any question that I have has been answered,” he said. “There's a great training staff. They've been able to help us with the dog training aspect and also the operations. They've also always been super responsive and helped onboarding new ideas and new things.” 

The brand’s support extends beyond day-to-day operations. The corporate office has grown in size, enabling Dog Training Elite to offer more opportunities for ongoing coaching. Franchisees are treated like family, with everyone working together to ensure no one is left to struggle alone.

Another appeal of the Dog Training Elite franchise model is its flexibility. Franchisees have the option to be semi-absentee, allowing them to hire a lead trainer and focus on scaling their business. With comprehensive in-class and on-site training, new franchisees receive ample preparation to succeed.

For Fillmore, having a business model that is set up to give customers the best possible experience has been rewarding. 

"We execute a clear program for them to follow and create a five-star experience — that’s what it comes down to," said Fillmore. "It’s really about delivering a customer experience that they enjoy. I think that approach has contributed a lot to my success as a franchisee."

Looking ahead, Fillmore is focused on expanding his business in Nashville and Knoxville. “We serve quite a few areas, so I’m focused on growing those areas,” he said. “Our Knoxville location hasn't been open that long, so I want to keep growing that and getting that going.”

With a strong support system and the chance to do something meaningful each day, Fillmore is just one example of the success franchisees can find with Dog Training Elite. 

To find out more information on costs to buy this franchise, please visit https://1851franchise.com/dogtrainingelite/info.