Is there a fee associated with the Hydrodog initial training program?
Hydrodog Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
ized by your Computer System. (Franchise Agreement, Section 11.7).
Training
Before your HydroDog Business opens, we will provide our initial training program ("HydroDog Academy") to you upon payment of the Initial Training Fee (Franchise Agreement- Sections 7.1 and 7.2). The HydroDog Academy is designed to equip you with essential operational skills needed to run a successful HydroDog franchise through a comprehensive combination of online and on-site training, focusing on daily operations, grooming practices, and customer management.
The online portion of HydroDog Academy is delivered through our e-learning platform featuring self-paced modules, video tutorials, and interactive assessments. The on-site training may be conducted either at your location with our trainer traveling to you, or at our designated corporate training facility with you and your staff traveling to us. The on-site training includes hands-on instruction in equipment setup and maintenance, real-world practice in client management and service delivery, and direct support with implementing daily operations and HydroDog business protocols.
You and your trainees must successfully complete the HydroDog Academy, as determined in our sole discretion, prior to opening your Business (as described in Section 7.3 of the Franchise Agreement). This includes successfully passing all required assessments designed to evaluate comprehension of training topics. Upon successful completion of the training program and passing of all assessments, you and your trainees will receive a certificate of completion, which may be required for operational approval of your Business. You also must participate in all other activities required to operate your HydroDog Business. You are responsible for all travel, living and compensation expenses which you and your trainees incur in connection with training.
As of the date of this disclosure document, we provide the following initial training:
TRAINING PROGRAM
| Parameter | Initial Franchise Fee and for additional territories |
|---|---|
| Item Financed (1) | Up to 50% of the Initial Franchise Fee |
| Source of Financing | Us |
| Down Payment | $20,000 |
| Amount Financed | Up to 50% |
| Interest Rate/Finance Charge | 8% per annum (including finance charges) |
| Period of Repayment | 60 months |
| Security Required | Personal Guarantee |
| Whether a Person Other than the Franchisee Must Personally Guarantee the Debt (2) | If the franchisee is an entity, its owners must personally guarantee the debt |
| Prepayment Penalty | None |
| Liability Upon Default | Accelerated obligation to pay the entire amount due, pay our court costs and attorney fees incurred in collecting the debt, and termination of the franchise. |
Source: Item 11 — FRANCHISOR'S ASSISTANCE, ADVERTISING, COMPUTER SYSTEMS AND TRAINING (FDD pages 22–30)
What This Means (2025 FDD)
According to Hydrodog's 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document, franchisees are required to pay an Initial Training Fee to participate in the initial training program, known as HydroDog Academy. This program is designed to provide franchisees with the essential skills needed to operate a successful Hydrodog franchise. The HydroDog Academy includes both online and on-site training, covering daily operations, grooming practices, and customer management.
The online portion of the HydroDog Academy is delivered through an e-learning platform that features self-paced modules, video tutorials, and interactive assessments. The on-site training can take place either at the franchisee's location or at Hydrodog's designated corporate training facility. This hands-on training covers equipment setup and maintenance, client management, service delivery, and the implementation of Hydrodog business protocols.
Hydrodog also offers additional training opportunities. Franchisees and their staff can enroll in Paragon School of Pet Grooming, a virtual training program, at their own expense. Furthermore, Hydrodog may require franchisees to attend periodic refresher training courses, and any costs associated with re-taking or attending additional initial training will be the franchisee's responsibility. If additional training or assistance is requested by the franchisee or required by Hydrodog due to performance or compliance issues, the franchisee must pay additional training fees, which will not exceed $500 per trainer per day, plus travel and living expenses for each trainer.