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Make Your Dog Epic Dog Training Academy
How much does Make Your Dog Epic Dog Training Academy cost?
Initial Investment Range
$49,500 to $63,500
Franchise Fee
$29,500
You will operate a business providing dog obedience and behavioral modification training at customers’ homes and third party locations under the trade name and service mark “MAKE YOUR DOG EPIC DOG TRAINING ACADEMY .”
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Make Your Dog Epic Dog Training Academy September 10, 2024 FDD Risk Analysis
Free FDD Library AI Analysis Date: July 16, 2025
DISCLAIMER: Not Legal Advice - For Informational Purposes Only. Consult With Qualified Franchise Professionals.
Franchisor Stability Risks
Start HereDisclosure of Franchisor's Financial Instability
High Risk
Explanation
Make Your Dog Epic Dog Training Academy Franchising, LLC (MYDE) is a new company with a concerning financial position. The Balance Sheet in Exhibit 5 shows very limited assets ($630) and a net income loss of over $49,000. This indicates the company may be highly dependent on initial franchise fees for operating cash, rather than a sustainable royalty stream. This financial weakness could impact its ability to support you or grow the brand effectively, presenting a significant risk to your investment.
Potential Mitigations
- An experienced franchise accountant should thoroughly review the franchisor's financials, including all footnotes and sources of income.
- Discuss the franchisor's capitalization and plans for funding its operations and support obligations with your financial advisor.
- It is crucial for your attorney to ask the franchisor how they plan to fund support obligations given their current financial state.
High Franchisee Turnover
Low Risk
Explanation
This specific risk was not identified in the FDD Package, as MYDE is a new franchisor with no operating history of franchised outlets reported in Item 20. However, the lack of data itself is a risk, as there is no track record to assess system health, franchisee satisfaction, or failure rates. The success of the two initial licensees mentioned in Item 19 is not representative of a mature franchise system's turnover data.
Potential Mitigations
- Your business advisor can help you understand the heightened risks associated with joining a new system with no performance track record.
- It is important to discuss the franchisor's plans for growth and franchisee support with your attorney.
- An accountant can help you model different financial scenarios given the lack of historical data.
Rapid System Growth
Medium Risk
Explanation
The franchisor projects opening 15 new franchised outlets in the next fiscal year, as shown in Item 20. For a new company with very limited financial resources (disclosed in Item 21) and no dedicated training staff mentioned in Item 11, this projected growth rate appears aggressive. Rapid expansion could strain their ability to provide the promised training and ongoing support to you and other new franchisees, potentially diminishing the value of the system.
Potential Mitigations
- Questioning the franchisor about their specific plans to scale support infrastructure to match this growth is a key due diligence step.
- Your accountant should review the franchisor's financials in Item 21 to assess if they truly have the resources to support this expansion.
- A discussion with your business advisor can help evaluate whether the management team has the capacity for such rapid growth.
New/Unproven Franchise System
High Risk
Explanation
MYDE is a new, unproven franchise system. It was formed in July 2024 and began offering franchises in August 2024, with no franchisees currently operating. Item 1 states they have never operated a business of this type themselves. Investing in a new system carries higher risk due to the lack of a track record, minimal brand recognition, and underdeveloped support systems. Your success is highly dependent on the franchisor's ability to execute its plan effectively.
Potential Mitigations
- Engaging a business advisor to perform extensive due diligence on the concept and management's experience is critical.
- A thorough review of the franchisor's limited financial history with your accountant will help assess its initial capitalization and viability.
- Your attorney could attempt to negotiate more favorable terms, such as lower initial fees, to compensate for the higher risk.
Possible Fad Business
Low Risk
Explanation
This risk was not specifically identified in the FDD package. However, any new business concept carries the risk of being a fad. The long-term, sustained consumer demand for professional dog training services is a factor you must assess independently. The success of this business model will depend on factors beyond any current trends in pet ownership or training philosophies.
Potential Mitigations
- Independent research into the long-term trends of the pet services industry should be conducted with a business advisor.
- Assess the business model's adaptability to changing market conditions with your financial advisor.
- Your attorney can help you understand your long-term contractual obligations, which will persist even if the business concept's popularity wanes.
Inexperienced Management
High Risk
Explanation
While the franchisor's management has prior experience in franchising, a significant risk is present. Item 3 discloses that a key manager, Peter Taunton, is currently a defendant in three separate, recent lawsuits filed by former franchisees of his previous company. The lawsuits allege serious claims including fraud and misrepresentation. This history raises material questions about the management practices and integrity you will be relying upon for support and guidance.
Potential Mitigations
- A thorough discussion with your attorney is essential to understand the gravity of the litigation disclosed in Item 3.
- You should ask the franchisor directly about Mr. Taunton's role and the company's response to these allegations.
- A business advisor can help you assess the potential reputational risk of associating with management facing such serious claims.
Private Equity Ownership
Low Risk
Explanation
The risk of private equity ownership was not identified in the FDD package. Item 1 does not indicate that a private equity firm owns or controls the franchisor. However, it is important to understand that a future sale of the franchise system to a private equity firm or another entity is always a possibility, which could change the operational philosophy and support structure.
Potential Mitigations
- Your attorney should review the assignment clause in the Franchise Agreement to understand the franchisor's rights to sell the system.
- Discussing long-term ownership and strategy with the franchisor can provide valuable insight.
- A business advisor can explain the typical impacts of private equity ownership on a franchise system.
Non-Disclosure of Parent Company
Low Risk
Explanation
This risk was not identified in the FDD Package. Item 1 discloses an affiliate, Make Your Life Epic, LLC ("MYLE"), but does not mention a parent company. The franchisor appears to be a standalone entity. Therefore, the risk of relying on an undisclosed or financially unstable parent company is not present based on the documents provided.
Potential Mitigations
- Your attorney can confirm the corporate structure to ensure there are no other controlling entities that should have been disclosed.
- An accountant's review of the provided financials can help verify the franchisor's standalone viability.
- It is wise to ask the franchisor to confirm its ownership structure in writing.
Predecessor History Issues
Low Risk
Explanation
This risk was not identified in the FDD Package. According to Item 1, MYDE is a new company and has no predecessors. Therefore, there are no inherited issues from a prior entity to assess. The entire operational history of the franchisor begins with its formation in July 2024.
Potential Mitigations
- Your attorney can verify the franchisor's statement of having no predecessors through public records searches.
- A business advisor can help you understand the risks of a new system, which are distinct from risks inherited from a predecessor.
- Focusing due diligence on the current management team's history, as disclosed in Item 2, is critical.
Pattern of Litigation
High Risk
Explanation
A significant pattern of litigation involving a key manager is disclosed in Item 3. Peter Taunton, a manager and the VP of Business Development, is a defendant in three pending lawsuits from former franchisees of his prior company, Nautical Bowls. The allegations include fraud, misrepresentation, and violations of franchise laws. This represents a major red flag regarding the past practices of a key individual involved in selling you this franchise and providing you support.
Potential Mitigations
- Your attorney must carefully review the specific allegations in all disclosed lawsuits to understand the potential risks.
- Consider the implications of associating with management that has a history of such serious disputes with franchisees; a business advisor can help.
- Conducting independent online research on these cases and the manager's prior business may provide additional context.
Disclosure & Representation Risks
Example Risk: Franchisee Financial Obligations
Blue Risk
Explanation
This risk involves the financial obligations that a franchisee must meet, including initial fees, ongoing royalties, and other required payments. Understanding these obligations is crucial for long-term success.
Potential Mitigations
- Carefully review the Franchise Disclosure Document (FDD) and consult with a franchise attorney to fully understand all financial commitments before signing.
- Conduct regular risk assessments
- Implement monitoring and reporting systems
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Financial & Fee Risks
Example Risk: Franchisee Financial Obligations
Blue Risk
Explanation
This risk involves the financial obligations that a franchisee must meet, including initial fees, ongoing royalties, and other required payments. Understanding these obligations is crucial for long-term success.
Potential Mitigations
- Carefully review the Franchise Disclosure Document (FDD) and consult with a franchise attorney to fully understand all financial commitments before signing.
- Conduct regular risk assessments
- Implement monitoring and reporting systems
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Purchase the complete risk review to see all 102 risks across all 10 categories.
Legal & Contract Risks
Example Risk: Franchisee Financial Obligations
Blue Risk
Explanation
This risk involves the financial obligations that a franchisee must meet, including initial fees, ongoing royalties, and other required payments. Understanding these obligations is crucial for long-term success.
Potential Mitigations
- Carefully review the Franchise Disclosure Document (FDD) and consult with a franchise attorney to fully understand all financial commitments before signing.
- Conduct regular risk assessments
- Implement monitoring and reporting systems
Unlock Full Risk Analysis
Purchase the complete risk review to see all 102 risks across all 10 categories.
Territory & Competition Risks
Example Risk: Franchisee Financial Obligations
Blue Risk
Explanation
This risk involves the financial obligations that a franchisee must meet, including initial fees, ongoing royalties, and other required payments. Understanding these obligations is crucial for long-term success.
Potential Mitigations
- Carefully review the Franchise Disclosure Document (FDD) and consult with a franchise attorney to fully understand all financial commitments before signing.
- Conduct regular risk assessments
- Implement monitoring and reporting systems
Unlock Full Risk Analysis
Purchase the complete risk review to see all 102 risks across all 10 categories.
Regulatory & Compliance Risks
Example Risk: Franchisee Financial Obligations
Blue Risk
Explanation
This risk involves the financial obligations that a franchisee must meet, including initial fees, ongoing royalties, and other required payments. Understanding these obligations is crucial for long-term success.
Potential Mitigations
- Carefully review the Franchise Disclosure Document (FDD) and consult with a franchise attorney to fully understand all financial commitments before signing.
- Conduct regular risk assessments
- Implement monitoring and reporting systems
Unlock Full Risk Analysis
Purchase the complete risk review to see all 102 risks across all 10 categories.
Franchisor Support Risks
Example Risk: Franchisee Financial Obligations
Blue Risk
Explanation
This risk involves the financial obligations that a franchisee must meet, including initial fees, ongoing royalties, and other required payments. Understanding these obligations is crucial for long-term success.
Potential Mitigations
- Carefully review the Franchise Disclosure Document (FDD) and consult with a franchise attorney to fully understand all financial commitments before signing.
- Conduct regular risk assessments
- Implement monitoring and reporting systems
Unlock Full Risk Analysis
Purchase the complete risk review to see all 102 risks across all 10 categories.
Operational Control Risks
Example Risk: Franchisee Financial Obligations
Blue Risk
Explanation
This risk involves the financial obligations that a franchisee must meet, including initial fees, ongoing royalties, and other required payments. Understanding these obligations is crucial for long-term success.
Potential Mitigations
- Carefully review the Franchise Disclosure Document (FDD) and consult with a franchise attorney to fully understand all financial commitments before signing.
- Conduct regular risk assessments
- Implement monitoring and reporting systems
Unlock Full Risk Analysis
Purchase the complete risk review to see all 102 risks across all 10 categories.
Term & Exit Risks
Example Risk: Franchisee Financial Obligations
Blue Risk
Explanation
This risk involves the financial obligations that a franchisee must meet, including initial fees, ongoing royalties, and other required payments. Understanding these obligations is crucial for long-term success.
Potential Mitigations
- Carefully review the Franchise Disclosure Document (FDD) and consult with a franchise attorney to fully understand all financial commitments before signing.
- Conduct regular risk assessments
- Implement monitoring and reporting systems
Unlock Full Risk Analysis
Purchase the complete risk review to see all 102 risks across all 10 categories.
Miscellaneous Risks
Example Risk: Franchisee Financial Obligations
Blue Risk
Explanation
This risk involves the financial obligations that a franchisee must meet, including initial fees, ongoing royalties, and other required payments. Understanding these obligations is crucial for long-term success.
Potential Mitigations
- Carefully review the Franchise Disclosure Document (FDD) and consult with a franchise attorney to fully understand all financial commitments before signing.
- Conduct regular risk assessments
- Implement monitoring and reporting systems
Unlock Full Risk Analysis
Purchase the complete risk review to see all 102 risks across all 10 categories.