Tops In Dog Training Kennel

Tops have turned out the best trained dogs, consistently. I recommend them to people that want pets with some manors, and confidence they won’t run away, or have biting issues, whether fear bitting or aggression.

I have been going to TOPS for years, and I love the training and the staff. It has been around and been successful for many years for a reason. They offer many levels of training including obstacles, tricks and personal protection. There is something for everyone. Their prices are fair and reasonable and the owners are AMAZING! Training is only as successful as the work you put in to your dogs, you can’t blame the facility if you don’t do your homework between classes. They definitely don’t beat the dogs as a previous post suggested. They do however address dog aggression issues as they come up. Many times people are there with their dogs specifically to address a dog aggressive problem. People go to TOPS sometimes as a last chance effort to save their dog who is aggressive and many times they are able to fix the problem and allow the people to keep their pet. Give them a chance and you won’t regret it.
Some people have posted about the use of pinch/​prong collars and harsh corrections. They allow you to use what collar you feel will work best but when your dog doesn’t respond or is pulling and choking on the flat collar don’t be surprised when they suggest another collar. A properly used prong/​pinch collar is very safe and DOES NOT hurt the dog. They train you how to properly use it and to get the best results. All of my dogs have warn/​trained with pinch collars from 12 weeks up to 13 years old and from 10 pounds to 90 pounds, it’s truly «power steering» for dogs. Flat collars and choke collars can actually be very dangerous for a dog and harnesses often don’t work.

Standard poodle owner recommend Janet. She does a great job. And my dog is happy to go

Excellent trainers, great staff, and wonderful environment. I’ve been very impressed with the results.

We have kenneled our dogs at TOPS for years. It’s always been a great experience. The last couple of times the rehab center has come down to pick up our dog for acupuncture. We also have them groomed before coming home. They have always exceeded our expectations. Thank you TOPS for taking care of our puppies!!!

We have trained two dogs with TOPS. A GSD and a St. Bernard. The GSD was quite the challenge, but Kelly, our trainer was up for it as she, herself, raises GSDs. Our GSD had been through multiple trainers with no results. After going to TOPS we learned a lot and mostly that the humans were the ones needing the training. The St. Bernard just needed a little training as she was a very agreeable dog to begin with. We never witnessed any cruel behavior towards any dogs during our many visits, as some reviewers have noted. We would’ve high-​tailed it out of there if we would have. What I did notice were trainers dedicated to training companion dogs and also dogs for the physically challenged. The things these dogs can do and knowing they help someone who can’t help themselves was one of the most moving things I, personally, witnessed.
On a side note: We are believers in using the prong collar methodology. Other collars can choke and seriously injure a dog and a harness just encourages a dog to pull. To each their own, but we learned the correct way to use a prong collar by our trainer. Those who do not know how to use the collar or do not receive proper training probably will have the idea that it is cruel, but I assure you that we have well adjusted dogs who have a zest for life, but are also very well mannered.

After moving to the area with my 1 year old, hyper Jack Russell mix and a recently adopted young whippet/​pit mix, I decided to give Tops a try after hearing good things. Signed up for group classes and all seemed well.
The very first class I was instructed that my dog needed to be on a prong or choke collar instead of the flat buckle collar he was wearing. I told them that wasn’t going to be an option for me and I could practically hear them scoff. Every class was based purely on harsh methods such as leash corrections, pinning them down, and forcing almost every behavior you wanted from them. And every class I was continually told that my dog wasn’t going to do the things I wanted unless I had a pinch collar on him. Now why is that? Are you trying to tell me that that’s the only way you can get your dog to do anything? Doesn’t seem like the best technique or way to get your dog to listen.
This overall experience led to learn more about force-​free training options to create a happy, thinking, and creative dog and for me to get certified and begin a career in POSITIVE dog training. I’d never go back here in a million years. Not until they change their methods.

We brought our dog into Tops. We recently rescued him from a shelter. The trainer struck our dog in the head twice – so hard that a blood vessel in his eye broke. He cried out in pain. I’ve heard from other dog training facilities that aggression should never be treated with aggression. I feel awful about what the trainer did to our dog, and I hope that this abusive behavior does not continue toward other dogs.

I am on by 2^nd Airedale and prior to TOPS stepping in, I was convinced that my dog does not respond to this type of training. I was wrong. I spent months taking the new guy to classes and treat trained the hell out of him. He was not a bad dog, but he was not a «good» dog. Finally we decided to give TOPS a try and sent DJ to bootcamp. We have had him back for a week now, and the transformation is amazing. I have walked him without getting my arm dislocated in the process (no reaction to other dogs and squirrels) and even had my 8 year old walk him (under supervision of course). They taught us how to correct bad behaviors rather than trying to convince him with a treat to do good (never works). Yesterday during a walk I was complimented TWICE on how well behaved the dog is, and it was a new experience for me. During dinner, he stayed in a down stay for the duration of the meal without begging, whining, or trying to steal food. A special thanks to Mary Ann, she was amazing with him! My only regret is not taking my previous dog there for training many years ago.

We have used Tops for their boarding services and have yet to be disappointed. The prices are affordable, and they really seem to care about the work they do, which is ultimately about the dogs.
My only big complaint is that the staff at the desk tends to be very aloof. Each time I have gone, it tends to take them several moments (usually finishing up a conversation) before anyone even acknowledges that I’m there. Once they do, though, they are courteous and professional.

I have a large high energy female German Sheppard. She has always been a handful, and I’ve worked with her since she was a puppy. When I brought her to Tops I was at my wits end to get her to calm down and behave.
{{{{{Louis}}}}} was was AMAZING. After doing the ‘boot camp’, we had a one-​on-​one lesson that made me realize how much my energy effects my dog’s behavior. Louis was patient, understanding, observant, and insightful. His suggestions were spot on, and I feel like I have a whole new dog! I can’t wait to bring my sweet girl back there for more, I know she is getting the best.

I would give them zero stars but not an option… DO NOT TAKE YOUR DOG TOPS KENNEL! They use hitting/​smacking your dog on the top of the head to train. I am convinced that’s why my dog went blind in one eye… glacoma due to trauma. Please beware and do not take your dog to tops for training.

Say… you tell a family member who lives out of State with 3 children and pregnant with a fourth NOT to get a puppy and they do it anyway. Flash forward 14 months later and that adorable puppy comes for a visit and has not been trained, exercised, taught manners or socialized and as warned, that adorable puppy who has been raising himself because the humans had no time for it, is now biting your adorable children. Treats only go so far. Unfortunately, this puppy had to be completely retrained and as out of control as he is, shock collars and discipline was the way to go… not treats. I’m saving this dog’s life no matter what it takes for the 3 weeks he’s there to get him to listen and behavior properly. Because I guarantee you that adorable puppy will end up being put down because he’s not adoptable if I don’t. Bad decisions by the family member have led to this type of training. He’s not a bad dog, just has a bad owner. Having also taken two aggressive rescues there who were eventually adopted into loving homes, I knew this was the only place that could help save him. In 3 weeks, he will be a completely different dog and if God forbid he’s given up later, either I can take him or he will be able to be adopted out because his bad habits are now all gone… hopefully his humans commit to his home training and keep up the good work TOPS trainers do. You can’t treat your way out of an aggressive dog. I don’t care what anyone says. When you are being attacked, they are in a red zone and when they are attacking a child, offering them a treat won’t work. TOPS saves a lot of dogs’ lives and they should be given credit where credit is due.

Overrated and expensive; building old and dirty. Witnessed my dog being hit by the trainer because she did not do the command. Never went back.

For the last 6 years I’ve been taking my pet dogs here when I leave on vacations for a few days to a week. More than just a kennel, this place is a compound for training, boarding and grooming. They even train dogs here for police work. When I had two dogs, they were used to staying together, and I could leave them in the same pen while I was away. They were always treated very well and never came home with any fleas or kennel cough. As my dog got older she became nearly deaf and and slightly confused. They had a special place in a separate building where she could be kept so that she wouldn’t be bothered by the other dogs.
I can leave my own food here and even leave the dogs bed so that there’s a sense of home when I’m away. If you want them to have playtime it’s available for a modest additional daily expense. Their rates are competitive.
As far as I can tell, this may be the best place around. The staff was very friendly and professional. I will typically have my dog groomed when I pick them up. They also do a very good job with that.

I board my dogs here whenever I go on trips. People here are very friendly and treat your pets like family. Love them.

I’ve had 2 dogs at trained at Tops, albeit 15+ years apart.
The first dog made his way through multiple «trainers» who all failed miserably. He was aggressive and unpredictable. The vet recommended Tops as a last ditch effort to see if the dog could be trained and integrated into our family. It worked.
Fast forward 15+ years, I adopted a little pup at 8 weeks old. There was no question in my mind where she was going for training.

I brought my cat here for boarding, to check in you go to the back building. Along the way there are kennels with dogs, lots of trees and people. After checking in, you walk, or drive, to another building, a former house (this is for cat boarding). They allow you to go upstairs to the boarding rooms. The converted bedrooms are broken into separate «rooms» around the parameter of the room. The inner walls are constructed of wood & chicken wire. There are two things that bothered me, one, if your cat loathes other cats, they would not be very happy here because all the cats can see one another. Plus, if a cat has an airborne illness, all the other cats would be easily susceptible. But on the plus side, I was told they will administer meds which includes SQ fluids, which is nice because in the past I’ve had cats with renal disease and my animal hospital doesn’t board. On pick up, you go to the back building to pay and then walk, or drive, to the other building to pick up. You go back upstairs and they let you collect your pet. Everyone was very nice and friendly, and I wouldn’t hesitate to board my cat here again and gladly give them four stars. On the other hand, if my cat could rate them, she would probably give them no stars because she had the same frowny, growly face entering the place as she did coming out, but then again, it is me who she was miffed after not Tops!

Beware, they are abusive! I had my dog there for a 2 week training program and when I came to see him and saw him cower from his trainer, I knew it was time to take him home. An animal does not cower from someone unless they were treated badly. And this I paid money for? The thought still makes me sick. I took my dog there for training and instead he was abused. It will bother me forever.
Don’t make the same mistake that we did. Keep your pet FAR AWAY from this place!
They got one star only because it was the only way to post my review.