What is the nonrefundable Initial Training Fee for a HydroDog franchisee?
Hydrodog Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
well as on-site within your Territory. You must complete the initial training to our satisfaction and pay all expenses of your personnel to attend such training, including tuition, travel, lodging, meals and salaries.
- 7.2 Initial Training Fee. We will provide our HydroDog Academy training as stated herein. At the time you sign this Agreement, you must pay us a five thousand dollar ($5,000) nonrefundable initial training fee (the "Initial Training Fee") per trainee in consideration of the pre-opening initial training program that we will conduct for you. You are responsible for all expenses and costs that you incur for training or attending conferences, including wages, travel and living expenses. If you transfer your franchise, we may charge the new franchisee the then-current Initial Training Fee for each of the transferee's owners and employees that attends our initial training program. All training fees and expense reimbursements are due ten (10) days after invoicing.
- 7.3 Additional Training. We reserve the right to require you and/or your previously trained owners to attend periodic refresher training courses at such times and locations as we may designate. If we require you, and/or your previously trained owners to re-take or attend additional or extended initial training at your expense ("Additional Training").
- 7.4 Completion of HydroDog Academy. Successful completion of HydroDog Academy, any other initial training and any additional or extended initial training we require before opening is a condition to the opening of your HydroDog Business to the public.
- 7.5 General Guidance**.** We will advise you from time-to-time regarding the operation of your HydroDog Business based on reports you submit to us or inspections we make. In addition, we will furnish guidance to you with respect to:
- (a) standards, specifications and operating procedures and methods utilized by the HydroDog Businesses;
- (b) purchasing required equipment, signs, products, materials and supplies;
- (c) Product and
- (a) standards, specifications and operating procedures and methods utilized by the HydroDog Businesses;
Source: Item 23 — RECEIPTS (FDD pages 43–166)
What This Means (2025 FDD)
According to HydroDog's 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document, franchisees must pay a $5,000 nonrefundable initial training fee per trainee when signing the agreement. This fee covers the HydroDog Academy training program.
The Initial Training Fee compensates HydroDog for the pre-opening training program they conduct. Franchisees are additionally responsible for covering all expenses related to attending the training, including wages, travel, and living costs for themselves and their employees. This means that in addition to the $5,000 fee, a franchisee must budget for transportation, accommodation, and salaries for the duration of the training.
If a franchisee transfers their franchise to a new owner, HydroDog may charge the new franchisee the then-current Initial Training Fee for each owner and employee attending the initial training program. All training fees and expense reimbursements are due ten days after invoicing, so franchisees should be prepared to pay promptly.
Successful completion of the HydroDog Academy is mandatory before opening a HydroDog Business to the public. This underscores the importance of budgeting not only for the fee itself but also for all associated costs to ensure full compliance and a successful launch of the franchise.