Home · Next Steps

Your path to owning a Tip Top K9 franchise.

Embarking on the journey to owning a Tip Top K9 franchise is a structured process designed for mutual success. This guide walks you through the key stages, from your initial request to the moment you sign your Franchise Agreement and begin training.

Start your application Check your territory

8 stages · From intro call to grand opening

Typical timeline · ~6 months

Discovery Day · Tulsa, OK

An overview of

The Next Steps.

Each step is crafted to provide you with a thorough understanding of our brand, the dog training industry, and what it takes to thrive as a Tip Top K9 franchisee. Whether you're exploring the idea or ready to make a commitment, these steps will help you determine if Tip Top K9 is the right fit for your entrepreneurial goals.

01

Step 01

Intro Call

After completing the MORE INFO form, a member of our team will contact you to confirm some of your details and arrange a call with our Development Team.
02

Step 02

Overview Call

We'll discuss your goals, market availability, timeframes, and the requirements for ownership. We'll also cover the dog training industry, address any questions you have about our brand, and outline what it takes to be a successful Tip Top K9 franchise owner.
03

Step 03

Disclosure Meeting

A 45-minute call where we delve deeper into the FDD — investment, financial performance, fee structure, and other critical details. You can ask 10–15 specific questions about the opportunity.
04

Step 04

Head Trainer Call

Meet one or more of our head trainers, who play a key role in supporting our franchisees and run your initial training program. Ask anything about the day-to-day of dog training and how dogs learn.
05

Step 05

Official Application

Candidates serious about ownership complete an official application. We also conduct a background check to ensure a thorough evaluation of all potential franchisees.
06

Step 06

Owner Due Diligence

Connect with current Tip Top K9 franchisees. Ask about their personal experiences and seek their advice to gain a better understanding of what franchise life is like.
07

Step 07

Discovery Day

A full-day, immersive experience at our Tulsa, OK headquarters. Shadow a Head Trainer, observe a private lesson or sales consultation, and learn the fundamentals of dog training firsthand.
08

Step 08

Sign Your Franchise Agreement

Once your corporation is established, we send a Franchise Agreement that includes a protected territory. After review and signing, we schedule your six-week initial training program.

The five

Qualifications for ownership.

Geography

Tip Top K9 is actively seeking franchisees ready to take advantage of the growing demand for professional dog trainers across the United States. Review our territory map to see what is available in your area.

Single / Multi-unit

We're seeking both single- and multi-unit franchisees. You'll start with one unit; as your goals evolve, you can transition from Operator to Manager to Semi-Absentee. We currently have four owners managing two to four locations.

Owner-Operator

A Tip Top K9 franchise is an active investment. Candidates should have the willingness and capability to learn and adhere to our proven system. Bring eagerness; we provide the systems and support.

Experience

Dog training or prior business experience is not required. Our initial training program is three times longer than competitors, and we offer ongoing support programs to ensure long-term operational excellence.

Financial requirements

Initial investment ranges from $53,175 to $104,735 depending on home-based vs. facility and vehicle decisions. Even with $20,000 in liquid assets, our loan partners can help you secure the rest.

Explore while you decide

Run the tools.

Territory Map See open markets and claim your protected territory. Franchise Fit Quiz A 2-minute self-check on goals, capital, and timeline. Pet Franchise Industry Report The $152B pet market, 9 segments, and where training fits.

Tip Top K9 Franchise FAQs

Answers to the most asked questions.

Below you'll find answers to some frequently asked questions about the Tip Top K9 franchise opportunity. If you need additional information, fill out the MORE INFO form on this site and a member of our team will reach out shortly.

What is a Tip Top K9 Franchise?

A Tip Top K9 franchise is a dog training concept focused on enhancing the bond between people and their dogs while addressing behavioral issues. Our services include:

Private Lessons: A combination of dog training and client training, with follow-up homework for continued progress.
Board and Train Programs: We take dogs for 1–4 weeks for intensive training and then teach the owners how to maintain the progress.
Group Classes: Ongoing education for 2–15 clients who have previously participated in private lessons or board and train programs, typically held at public parks.

Since our launch in 2010, we have expanded to over 24 locations across nearly a dozen states.

What makes Tip Top K9 different?

Tip Top K9 utilizes a highly effective training system that has been successfully applied to thousands of dogs. Our approach is based entirely on classical conditioning with a training collar, which ensures that our training methods are easily transferable to our clients.

In contrast, most dog trainers rely on operant conditioning, which combines positive and negative reinforcement along with various tools. Our classical conditioning approach simplifies the training process and enhances the client's ability to maintain and reinforce the training outcomes.

Is financing available?

Yes, we collaborate with several third-party lenders to offer a range of financing options. These lenders provide franchise owners with the funds needed to either open their first location or expand their existing network of stores.

What is the franchise fee?

The initial franchise fee is $53,175–$104,735.

What are the royalty and marketing fee costs?

The royalty fee is 6% of monthly sales and the marketing fee is $850 a month.

How large of a space do I need?

Most locations begin as home-based operations for the first 6–12 months to quickly achieve profitability. After this initial period, franchisees typically transition to a facility of 2,000 to 3,000 square feet for their first permanent location.

How many employees do I need?

Initially, you will be the sole employee. Existing Tip Top K9 owner-operators have grown into multi-employee operations — typically 2–5 employees — over their first one-to-two years, depending on goals and territory size.

Is there training and support?

Our new owner training program includes a comprehensive six-week course that combines business training with hands-on experience at our Training Center in Tulsa, Oklahoma. Prior to this, we provide two weeks of sales and theory training through Zoom calls. We also hold two training conferences each year and offer ongoing support through our corporate training and development team.