Can Hydrodog require mandatory remedial training at the franchisee's expense for non-compliance?
Hydrodog Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
in the Manuals or otherwise approved in advance in writing by us.
- 11.6 Customer Service Programs and Customer Retention Programs. You acknowledge and agree that you must participate in any customer service program or customer retention program which we may establish from time to time. You acknowledge and agree that your failure to comply in all respects with the requirements of any such customer service program or customer retention program, or your failure to achieve customer satisfaction results in accordance with our required customer satisfaction index score for any customer service program, as determined by us in our sole business judgment, or your failure to achieve our required customer retention rate for any customer retention program, as determined by us in our sole business judgment, shall be sufficient grounds for us in our sole business judgment to: (i) require your mandatory attendance at any remedial training program that we specify at your sole cost and expense, (ii) deem your Territory non-exclusive and authorize any other person to operate a HydroDog business within the Territory, (iii) impose monetary penalties as specified in our then-current operations manual, and/or (iv) terminate this Agreement effective immediately upon your receipt of our written notice to you.
- 11.7 Accounting, Computers and Records**.** It is your responsibility to obtain accounting services and any required hardware or software related to them, from suppliers approved by us. You will at all times maintain the records reasonably specified in the Manuals, including, without limitation, sales, inventory and expense information.
- 11.8 Computer System. We may require that you acquire and use in developing and operating your HydroDog Business a Computer System consisting of the computer services, components,
equipment, computer hardware, telecommunications equipment or services, the software used in connection with the Business Management System and other operating or communications software we designate or approve for use by the HydroDog Businesses (collectively, the "Software") that we may periodically specify in the manner we designate (collectively, the "Computer System"). We may require you to obtain specified computer and communications hardware, equipment, components or Software and services (like DSL, Frac, T-1, Cable Modem or ISP) and may modify specifications for and components of the Computer System from time-to-time. We require you to acquire high speed internet capabilities (like DSL, Frac, T-1, Cable Modem or ISP), as well as mobile tablet and smart phone usage and access.
Source: Item 23 — RECEIPTS (FDD pages 43–166)
What This Means (2025 FDD)
According to Hydrodog's 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document, Hydrodog can require franchisees to attend remedial training programs at their own expense under specific circumstances. Specifically, if a franchisee fails to comply with customer service or retention program requirements, or fails to achieve satisfactory customer satisfaction index scores or retention rates, Hydrodog has the right to mandate attendance at a remedial training program, with the franchisee bearing the full cost.
This requirement is part of Hydrodog's broader strategy to ensure consistent service quality and customer satisfaction across all franchise locations. By mandating remedial training at the franchisee's expense, Hydrodog incentivizes franchisees to adhere to the established customer service and retention standards. This policy aims to protect the brand's reputation and maintain customer loyalty.
For a prospective Hydrodog franchisee, this means that maintaining high standards of customer service and actively participating in customer retention programs is not just recommended, but essential to avoid incurring additional training costs. The franchisee should carefully review Hydrodog's operations manual to understand the specific requirements and metrics used to evaluate customer satisfaction and retention. Understanding these standards will help the franchisee proactively manage their business to meet Hydrodog's expectations and avoid the need for remedial training.
Furthermore, Hydrodog also reserves the right to require additional training at the franchisee's expense if the franchisee fails three inspections of their HydroDog Business in any 12-month period. In this case, Hydrodog may also choose to terminate the agreement, impose additional non-compliance fees, or temporarily suspend operations until compliance is achieved.