--- title: "Sit Means Sit Franchise Costs, Fees, Profit and Data for 2026" url: https://burnaze.com/article/fad18baa-b794-4b1d-a117-64ba5ed98646 source: "1851 Franchise" original_url: https://1851franchise.com/sit-means-sit-franchise-costs-fees-profit-and-data-2730404 category: "Training" industry: "Pets" segment: "Training" topics: ["Finance & M&A"] published: 2026-08-20T14:09:51.000Z modified: 2026-10-31T15:31:34.424Z image: https://newimage.1851franchise.com/cdn-cgi/image/quality=85,format=webp,width=1280,height=720/story/featureImage/4cea973908a265d75d755c9d97a105bb5289.jpg --- # Sit Means Sit Franchise Costs, Fees, Profit and Data for 2026 **TL;DR:** Sit Means Sit is a dog training franchise with over 160 locations, founded by Fred Hassen in Las Vegas, offering a nonconfrontational training system. The initial investment ranges from $16,775 to $163,750, with opportunities across the United States. *originally published in 1851 Franchise on 2026-08-20. [Read the original](https://1851franchise.com/sit-means-sit-franchise-costs-fees-profit-and-data-2730404).* ## Key facts - Sit Means Sit has over 160 locations - Initial investment ranges from $16,775 to $163,750 - 7.4% annual growth rate projected for pet services market ## Story REPORTED COST TO GET IN: $16,775 - $163,750 REPORTED ROI (Item 19): N/A Sit Means Sit is a leading dog training franchise known for its nonconfrontational training system that helps dogs maintain focus around distractions. ## Franchise overview Sit Means Sit was founded by Fred Hassen in Las Vegas. Hassen developed the Sit Means Sit dog training system, a proven approach to training dogs to maintain focus around distractions in a nonconfrontational way. The brand has grown to over 160 locations, making it one of the largest U.S. dog training franchises. **Mission:** To revolutionize the quality of life for dogs and their families by providing training that builds happy, obedient and confident pets. **Vision:** To be the leading professional dog training brand across North America, known for improving relationships between families and their dogs while creating rewarding careers for entrepreneurs. - Specializes exclusively in dog training — not boarding, grooming or day care — providing clear market differentiation. - Proven training method trusted by celebrities and athletes. - Builds deep customer relationships by improving dogs’ behavior and confidence. - Recognized as a top low-cost franchise by Entrepreneur and CNBC. - Strong community presence: Franchisees often work with shelters, rescues and local events. Franchisees benefit from a low-cost business model, flexible startup options (home-based or commercial facility), comprehensive training, national marketing support and access to a growing $158 billion pet care industry. Sit Means Sit has opportunities across the United States. Reach out to the franchisor for a list of available markets. ## Initial costs and fees **Initial Costs:** The estimated initial investment ranges from $16,775 to $163,750. The 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document (FDD) breaks these costs down as follows: **Initial Franchise Fee:** The initial franchise fee is $59,900 for new franchisees and ranges from $10,000 to $25,000 for existing franchisees. This fee is payable upon signing the franchise agreement. **Ongoing Fees:** According to the 2025 FDD, Sit Means Sit franchisees are responsible for the following ongoing payments and fees: **ROI Potential:** Sit Means Sit does not include financial performance representations in Item 19 of its FDD. Sit Means Sit requires franchisees to complete a 21-day Initial Training Program (approximately 147 hours), covering dog training, marketing and business operations. Training includes classroom instruction and extensive on-the-job dog training at a franchise-owned facility. Franchisees receive help with business setup, site approval and ongoing coaching. Marketing support includes access to national advertising campaigns, approved vendors and guidance for local outreach. Franchisees must use the proprietary software and designated digital marketing vendors. The system manages client communications, SEO and business tracking. - **Liquid Assets:** $20,000 - **Net Worth:** $50,000 No prior dog training experience is required — Sit Means Sit provides all necessary instruction. Franchisees should be passionate about working with both dogs and people. While many owners are hands-on trainers, semi-absentee ownership may be possible if trained staff are hired. The FDD does not indicate direct financing, but Sit Means Sit may refer candidates to third-party lenders. ## Market and growth Demand for professional dog training continues to grow alongside broader spending in the pet care sector. U.S. pet industry expenditures reached a record $158 billion in 2025, reflecting continued consumer investment in pet health, wellness and behavior services. The broader U.S. pet services market is projected to grow at a 7.4% annual rate through 2033, while pet training services are expected to expand at roughly 6% annually as owners increasingly seek professional help with obedience, socialization and behavior management. Rising pet ownership, urban living and the ongoing humanization of pets continue to drive demand for specialized training programs and other professional pet services. Sit Means Sit differentiates itself with a proprietary training system, strong brand recognition and scalability from low-cost startup to advanced facilities. Primary franchise competitors include Zoom Room, Dog Training Elite* and Bark Busters. ## Investment process 1. **Request Franchise Information:** **Submit the franchise info form** **to start the conversation and confirm you meet the baseline financial requirements for the opportunity.** 2. **Complete and Submit Application: Fill out the application and submit it via email to enter the formal evaluation process.** 3. **Franchise Manager Intro Call: Expect a confirmation phone call and an introduction email from the franchise manager, including the Franchise Disclosure Document (FDD) and instructions to confirm receipt, plus scheduling your first franchise interview.** 4. **Acknowledge FDD Receipt: Print, sign and return the FDD receipt page to the corporate office via fax or by scanning and emailing it back.** 5. **Complete Due Diligence: Speak with existing franchisees and work through the brand’s due-diligence steps so you understand the day-to-day and the business model before moving forward.** 6. **Build and Approve Your Trade Area: Develop a sample trade area (territory) and get mutual approval; once approved, submit the required nonrefundable deposit.** 7. **Clear Background and Credit Reviews: Provide proof of citizenship or permanent residency and complete the authorization for screening, then go through criminal background, driving record and credit checks.** 8. **Verify Assets and Complete Accounting Review: Provide proof of assets, then move into a review with the accounting department once the trade area is agreed upon.** 9. **Receive Franchise Approval and Secure Financing: After approval, work on financing as needed, then sign and notarize the franchise license agreement and remit the remaining balance of the initial franchise fee.** 10. **Attend Training and Launch: Schedule and begin franchise training (the site notes franchise school sessions held twice a year), then open your Sit Means Sit franchise.** The process typically spans several months, depending on financing, training schedules and location setup. *Disclaimer: This content is for information only. You should not construe any such information or other material as legal, tax, investment, financial or other advice. Nothing contained on this site constitutes a solicitation, recommendation, endorsement or offer to buy or sell any franchises, securities or other financial instruments in this or in any other jurisdiction in which such solicitation or offer would be unlawful under the franchise and/or securities laws of such jurisdiction.* *All content in this article is information of a general nature and does not address the detailed circumstances of any particular individual or entity. Nothing in the article constitutes professional and/or financial advice, nor does any information in the article constitute a comprehensive or complete statement of the matters discussed or the law relating thereto. You alone assume the sole responsibility of evaluating the merits and risks associated with the use of any information or other content in this article before making any decisions based on such information or other content.* ## Entities - 1851 Franchise (publication) - Pets (sector) - franchise costs (topic) - LAS VEGAS (location) - pet care industry (topic) - Dog Training Elite (company) - dog training (topic) - low cost franchise (topic) - Zoom Room (company) - Sit Means Sit (company) - Bark Busters (company) - Fred Hassen (person) --- Originally reported by 1851 Franchise (https://1851franchise.com/sit-means-sit-franchise-costs-fees-profit-and-data-2730404). Summarized by Burnaze (https://burnaze.com/article/fad18baa-b794-4b1d-a117-64ba5ed98646).