1851

<p><a href="https://dogtrainingelite.com/san-antonio/about/meet-trainers?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=the-great-franchisee-whitley-cheatham-dog-training-elite-san-antonio-2715282" target="_blank" rel="nofollow"><u>Whitley Cheatham</u></a> has always loved animals, but she never expected her career as a paramedic would eventually lead her to working with animals full-time, let alone owning her own petcare business. But that’s exactly what Cheatham is doing now as one of the newest franchisees with <a href="https://dogtrainingelite.com/franchise?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=the-great-franchisee-whitley-cheatham-dog-training-elite-san-antonio-2715282" target="_blank" rel="nofollow"><u><span class="brand-highlight">Dog Training Elite*</span></u></a>, the 30-plus-unit dog training franchise that is quickly expanding in markets across the country.</p><p>Cheatham’s Dog Training Elite location in San Antonio helps dog owners better understand and interact with their pets by focusing on positive reinforcement and a personalized, in-home approach that allows owners to be an important part of the training process.</p><h4>1851 Franchise: Tell us your story – what did you do before franchising?</h4><p>Whitley Cheatham: I grew up in East Texas, and after earning a degree in EMS, I went on to work in that field for 10 years. Being a paramedic was very rewarding, but the hours were long and the environment was stressful. My hope was to switch gears into a less stressful career but still make a living doing something I was passionate about. I first came in contact with Dog Training Elite when I was training my Malinois for personal protection, and although I loved the idea of working with animals, I originally did not think this was something I could do to make a living.</p><h4>1851: How did you initially find out about franchising and what was your perception of franchising before becoming a franchise owner?</h4><p>Cheatham: After working with Dog Training Elite as a client I did some research on the franchise opportunities in my area. Initially, I considered it too risky for me—I needed the stability of knowing I had a regular paycheck, but when the previous owner asked if I would be interested in taking over, I couldn’t resist. Prior to Dog Training Elite, I had never trained dogs professionally, or even worked in sales, but I had a strong desire to be my own boss and do something I love. Dog Training Elite felt right, and taking that leap has certainly paid off.</p><h4>1851: How did you decide you wanted to be a franchisee?</h4><p>Cheatham: After my own dog was trained by Dog Training Elite and I saw the wonderful transformation that high-level training made, I had full confidence in the training program and business model. When the opportunity presented itself to own my local Dog Training Elite franchise, I couldn’t say no.</p><h4>1851: How did you perform your research?</h4><p>Cheatham: I really didn’t do prior research before buying Dog Training Elite. The owner was leaving and asked if I wanted to take over. I had been a client with Dog Training Elite for almost two years when this opportunity arose, and I was familiar with the system.</p><h4>1851: Why did you pick Dog Training Elite? What excited you most about the potential?</h4><p>Cheatham: I have always loved animals, so I loved the idea of getting to work with dogs. Dog Training Elite was not the first company I used to train my personal dogs, but with their methods and success rate, they were the last trainers that I ever needed. Additionally, I liked the idea of offering a high level of training to clients while also having a set schedule with normal hours.</p><h4>1851: What are your dreams with the business? What does the future look like?</h4><p>Cheatham: My hope is to open a facility and have the ability to have a daytime training program where we can train specialized service dogs. We also hope to expand our involvement with The Malinois Foundation so we can continue assisting veterans and first responders by donating service dogs.</p><h4>1851: What advice would you have for others looking at buying a franchise?</h4><p>Cheatham: I would tell others to do it. It has been 100% worth it. The opportunity has far outweighed the risk, and it has been amazing to have the support of corporate to help me start out, answer questions and assist with events.&nbsp;</p><h4>1851: What do you do in your personal time?</h4><p>Cheatham: I love spending time outdoors as much as possible. I have always enjoyed hiking and riding horses, but more recently I’ve gotten really into backpacking, and I am planning a trip to Yellowstone over the summer. Additionally, I volunteer for The Malinois Foundation through Dog Training Elite and also in my personal time. Last year I took two road trips, one to Phoenix, AZ and one to Peoria, IL, to personally deliver dogs to veterans. I have a passion for giving back to those who have made a positive impact on our communities.</p><h4>ABOUT DOG TRAINING ELITE</h4><p>With more than four decades of experience in dog training, Dog Training Elite is one of the country’s leading obedience and specialized training franchises. Offering a comprehensive suite of customizable training programs, Dog Training Elite works with dogs and owners to meet any and all training needs, including therapy dog training and advanced service dog training for PTSD support, psychiatric support, mobility support, autism support, diabetic alert training, personal protection training and an array of other services. In addition to the wide breadth of services offered, Dog Training Elite differentiates itself from competitors through a uniquely human-focused approach to dog training, which focuses on helping owners and their families learn to effectively and consistently support their dog’s training needs. To learn more about franchising with Dog Training Elite, visit <a href="https://dogtrainingelite.com/franchise?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=the-great-franchisee-whitley-cheatham-dog-training-elite-san-antonio-2715282" target="_blank" rel="nofollow"><u>https://dogtrainingelite.com/franchise</u></a>.</p>

The Great Franchisee: Whitley Cheatham, Dog Training Elite, San Antonio

1851 Franchise

The former paramedic left the medical field to start her own business with the fast-growing dog-training franchise.

the-great-franchisee-whitley-cheatham-dog-training-elite-san-antonio

Onigilly Japanese Kitchen

Unlocking the Potential: How Much Can You Earn as an Onigilly Franchisee?

unlocking-the-potential-how-much-can-you-earn-as-an-onigilly-franchisee

Filta Environmental Kitchen Solutions

DeWitts Ignite New Chapter for Filta Environmental Kitchen Solutions in Reno 

Grease, Grit, and Growth: DeWitts Ignite New Chapter for Filta Environmental Kitchen Solutions in Reno, Nevada

grease-grit-and-growth-dewitts-ignite-new-chapter-for-filta-environmental-kitchen-solutions-in-reno-nevada

Layne's Chicken Fingers

Layne's Chicken Fingers-50 Unit-Wendy's-Franchisee-June-2025

Why This 50 Unit Wendy’s Franchisee Is Betting on Layne’s for His Next Big Move

wendys-franchisee-expands-with-laynes-chicken-fingers-texas

CapitalSpring

CapitalSpring’s Jim Balis Talks Growth, ROI and the Future of Fast Casual on “Rock My Restaurant”

capitalsprings-jim-balis-talks-growth-roi-and-the-future-of-fast-casual-on-rock-my-restaurant

Children's Lighthouse

Children’s Lighthouse Ramps Up Growth in First Half of 2025 With Strategic Expansions, Franchise Signings, and New Headquarters

childrens-lighthouse-ramps-up-growth-in-first-half-of-2025-with-strategic-expansions-franchise-signings-and-new-headquarters

Buying a Franchise Masterclass

 Franchise Opportunities

Get Support Buying a Franchise

How to Buy a Franchise White Paper

How to Buy a Franchise

How to Sell Franchises

How to Grow a Franchise

Find a Franchise Supplier

1851 Franchise Opportunities

Franchisor News

Franchisor Power Rankings

FranCamp Mastermind Summit

Franchise Development Website Builder

Franchise Resources

What ALEC-Laffer's Report Means for Franchising

Website Awards

Power Rankings

About 1851

Advertise on 1851

Contact 1851 Editorial

Terms of Use

1851 Login

GROWTH CLUB LOGIN

facebook

instagram

twitter

linkedin

youtube

What June’s Jobs Report Means for the Franchise Industry

what-junes-jobs-report-means-for-the-franchise-industry

Drone Delivery Takes Flight in QSR: The Future of Franchise Operations?

drone-delivery-takes-flight-in-qsr-the-future-of-franchise-operations

Chick-fil-A Tops Customer Satisfaction Rankings for 11th Year as Challenger Brands Gain Ground

chick-fil-a-tops-customer-satisfaction-rankings-for-11th-year-as-challenger-brands-gain-ground

Technomic Releases Annual Ranking of the Top 15 Fast-Food Chains in the U.S.

technomic-releases-annual-ranking-of-the-top-15-fast-food-chains-in-the-us

Rising Jobless Claims Could Signal Challenges — and Opportunities — for Franchising

rising-jobless-claims-affect-franchising

How Vishal Juneja Turned a Family Tradition Into a Paris Baguette Franchise

How Vishal Juneja Turned a Family Tradition Into a Paris Baguette Franchise Built on Heart and Community

paris-baguette-franchise-rockaway-new-jersey-vishal-junjea

How This Franchise Consultant Turned a Love for Dogs Into a Business with Dog Training Elite

How This Franchise Consultant Turned a Lifelong Love for Dogs Into a Growing Business with Dog Training Elite

how-this-franchise-consultant-turned-a-lifelong-love-for-dogs-into-a-growing-business-with-dog-training-elite

Franchisee spotlight graphic with photo of Ricki Oberoi and Layne's Chicken Fingers logo

Multi-Unit Wendy’s Operator Signs 12-Unit Deal With Layne’s Chicken Fingers

ricki-oberoi-laynes-chicken-fingers-growth

Franchisee spotlight graphic with photos of Danielle Rosemond & Usman Khan & TruBlue logo

Family Members of Local Physicians Bring TruBlue Franchise to North Central Nassau, Long Island: A Health Care-Inspired Approach to Aging in Place

family-brings-trublue-franchise-to-north-central-nassau

The Ultimate Guide to Selling Franchises: How To Create a Strong Incentive

how-to-build-strong-incentives-to-attract-prospective-franchisees

Top 25 Franchise Marketing Leaders: Kelsey McManemin — Vice President of Marketing, HTeaO

top-25-franchise-marketing-leaders-kelsey-mcmanemin-vice-president-of-marketing-hteao

The Great Franchisee: Whitley Cheatham, Dog Training Elite, San Antonio

MORE STORIES LIKE THIS