Dog trainer looking for franchisees

A Houston-based "dog whisperer" is looking for franchisees in Tarrant and Denton counties, where he plans to expand his in-home dog training concept.

"People in the Tarrant/Denton area spend between $111 and $306 per month on their pets," said Jim Burwell, founder of the Petiquette franchise. "It's an obvious growth pocket for Petiquette franchises."

Since 1988, Burwell's been conducting in-home dog training, teaching owners basic commands and how to tackle common pet problems. "A lot of it is about body language, contact and tone of voice," he said. "A lot of people put human emotions on their dogs, which can create ongoing problems."

Petiquette franchisees, Burwell said, will run their businesses from home, visiting clients to teach his method. Franchisees undergo a four-week-long training program with Burwell.

The cost of opening a Petiquette franchise ranges from $60,000 to $65,000, which includes an initial $25,000 franchise fee. Potential income, Burwell said, depends on pricing and the individual market.