The staff here is truly hit or miss. Sometimes I enjoy engaging with them and they are great with our dog. Other times I really wonder what is going on here. Our dog has a lot of energy and is a bit crazy for attention, but never aggressive or over the top...simply high energy. He sometimes has to get a time out, makes sense. They pride themselves on telling you they will give you a print out report card, we have been there a dozen times and I have received one of these report cards once ever. Last time I picked up my dog, the lady told me that he had a great time and a few times he tried to open the gate with his nose. Her interpretation of that action was that he must not want to be there and that maybe we shouldn't bring him there anymore if he does that next time... Ummmmm, how about he is smart and like many dogs he tries to be an escape artist. Is she for real?? Hell with her attitude maybe he was trying to get away from her and her craziness!! Not sure we will be back! read more

Best place to take your pet. We have had no problems. Axel loves the staff. They are great with your pets and give you a report card of his stay. read more

This is a lengthy review, but an important read for anyone considering taking their dogs to daycare here... I started taking my dog here 2-3 days a week for daycare about 8 months ago. About 2 weeks ago I dropped her off around 8 and then got a phone call around 10:45. The worker who called let me know that she got into a few tiffs in the morning, but that they were started by OTHER DOGS and NOT HER, then after these tiffs that other dogs started with her the worker told me that my dog wouldn't leave the other dogs in her group alone (not aggressive, just pestering). This is where my issue with Top Notch lies...she then told me that my dog was no longer allowed in group and that I could bring her as a day boarding dog, but that she wouldn't be allowed around the other dogs. She told me she could stay in a kennel for the rest of the day, but I immediately left work and picked up my dog; I did not want her to spend another second at that place. I was DEVASTATED and when I picked her up I could tell she was upset because I was so upset. Over the past 8 months they told me what a loving, fun dog she was and that she loved coming to daycare. She is a rough player (would come home with a red neck and some scratches where she is white), but she has never been aggressive. She would have tougher days where she needed breaks from over-stimulation (pestering other dogs), but NEVER said anything about her being kicked out if she continued needing breaks, they just blindsided me and kicked her out. If they had let me know that if this continued for her she would not be allowed to come back I would have completely understood when it happened, but they could not have handled this any worse than they did. The next day I contacted another pet daycare facility in Modesto where they have huge play areas with natural grass, built in breaks, and groups no larger than 4 dogs at a time. My dog is doing wonderful there and has not shown any signs of over-stimulation. Now that she is in a different atmosphere I am realizing that being with 10+ other dogs in a small area with artificial grass and high solid walls was why my dog wasn't doing well there. I wish Top Notch would have been upfront with me when they started seeing these behaviors and that I had removed her from Top Notch sooner, but she is happy now and we couldn't be any happier with the new daycare she is attending. read more

Top Notch Kennels is definitely not a misnomer. I have been a very satisfied client for over 20 years, and have always had the best experience. All of my dogs with all their many personalities, LOVE going there. The staff is nothing short of excellent. Facility is clean and welcoming and always buzzing with activity. They must be doing something right! I love my dogs and would never leave them if I had even the slightest hesitation that they wouldn't be safe and happy. I'm very grateful to Lisa for her dedication and love of all dogs and all the professional and kind people on her staff. read more

Top Notch Pet Resort - Pet Training Near Me - Modesto, California

Very disappointed. Took my three dogs for first time boarding. Gave VERY detailed instructions for my diabetic dog. They questioned how I've been giving his insulin even though I've worked very hard with my vet to get him regulated and doing very well, they then called my vet and didn't speak to him directly but a vet tech who told them to give meds not how I was giving them. They followed the vet tech and not me, the owner! She was argumentative to me on the phone and disregarded my instructions. He then fell out of the kennel and had a seizure which he has never had before! Had I not been out of state I would have immediately picked them up. I will NEVER take my dogs there again. If they can't take care of my pups the way I take care of them and question my care they do not and will not have my trust. read more

Awesome boarding and training facility! I cannot say enough good things about this business. They care, they truly do, that's sometimes hard to find. We board our fur babies at the PeeWee Cottage and we have Leo in the training classes . read more

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Staff is very nice but need to clean up a bit Better with the Dog's. In there Rooms and need to be very mindful with are fur Babies we need to have them come home healthy. And if a dog is sick they need to Stay Home. read more

My husband and I took our miniature schnauzer to Top Notch Kennels for a week long doggie vacation. We went to Maui. My husband did the initial tour a few weeks prior and compared Top Notch to a few other places in Modesto and Riverbank. Based on his reports and a recommendation from a co-worker, we chose Top Notch. When we walked in with our pup to drop him off my eyes lit up! All the anxieties of leaving him with someone other than my mom were gone. This place rivals some pre-schools and elementary schools as far as cleanliness goes. Even back in the kennel area there was no smell of dog or dog leavings. It definitely out performed the local emergency rooms in the area with sanitation. The staff is VERY friendly and helpful. We called to check in a few times while we were away (my mom even called once) and they were more than happy to update us how things were going. The best part is they give your dog a report card and grade him/her each day on a few different criteria like mood, how well he/she ate, and if they pooped well. They also document what they did on most days, including each time we called to check in! Very cute. You can tell that they really love dogs and treat them as you would treat them at home. It is definitely not a Motel 6 for dogs as far as price. I would rank it as an Embassy Suites for dogs. But, you get what you pay for. If you are particular and protective of your pets, this is the place! We will definitely take our dog there again when we go on vacations. Worth every penny! read more

The policy here needs to change...when i called and tried to reserve my dog to stay during thanksgiving i was told its non refundable thats ok since from my understanding if i dont bring him in its truly my fault , but now im trying to move dates and they said i cant use the $50 deposit i made for this change since i was told after a certain date it was unrefundable, take note that they have a wait list they could easily have gotten another client for this opening, i asked to talked to the manager and she said she's it. Very money oriented here, just a word of caution for those planning to board their pets here. read more

If I could give more than 5 stars, I would. Absolute ADORE Top Notch! I started coming here when I got my first Pomeranian- Marshmellow for doggy day care, boarding when I was on vacation and training. Their training program has REALLY helped me with Marshmellow who has completed 2 levels. Once I got my second Pom, Cocoa Puff- I immediately introduced him to the Top Notch staff! He has completed 1 level of training and I am looking forward to taking him through a second level soon. I know my dogs are safe and having fun when in their care, which is a huge relief for a dog owner. Thank you Top Notch!!! read more

I have a five month old pit who was deathly afraid of going up and down the stairs. It was so bad I had to carry him up and down the stairs so he could use the restroom (I live in an apartment on the second floor). I called Top Notch and they sent someone out the very next day although I believe this trainer had some time off. She had my dog unafraid of stairs in an hour. By far the best money I have spent. read more

I had to have surgery on the 13th and my two babies, Shea and Minnie had to be placed for a 16 day stay with Top Notch. I was very pleased with the very clean/peaceful and friendly staff. I never had to worry about my babies. The staff took excellent care of them while I was recovering after my surgery. It was wonderful peace of mind knowing they were fine and receiving loving care that they would get from me but it came from Top Notch. I recommend Top Notches services to one and all, you will be able to enjoy your vacation knowing your babies are receiving the love and care from truly wonderful/friendly and professional care. I am having another surgery in January and vacationing for a month in May. My Shea and Minnie will be boarding with Top Notch again. What a wonderful breath of worry free peace of mind. Ms. D read more

I find great humor in all the people who post a one star review, when their only experience with this place is that it is booked up. My family has been boarding here for years first with a geriatric Dalmatian and currently with a big doofey mutt. Absolutely nothing but praise for the attention and care given to all the family members who have enjoyed their time here. Great place and staff. The only possible complaint would be the aforementioned difficulty getting our four legged family members a place at "camp." Just need to book several weeks in advance. Though I do wonder if they keep some spots open for people with emergencies. Keep up the good work. You are nearly always full so you must be doing something right. read more

The people who work there seem to really speak dog! They have doggie daycare, boarding, and grooming services. I had my dog there last christmas for 4 days, and again in the summer. The dogs get to play with other dogs their size- depending on if they pass the test "behavior assessment" they do first in order to make sure the dogs will get along. My dog seemed pretty happy. They are professional and friendly & make sure all dogs are up to date on shots. If you are going out of town- make sure you get the necessarily shots first, I would plan a month ahead and reserve a spot for your dog! stanislaus animal shelter offers most shots for like $6 each! Your dog must have proper up to date shots in order to get groomed there as well! they do an excellent job grooming and very affordable- and tthey were patient with my dog who doesn't like water, or hair dryers. I had a bad experience before with a different dog groomer who injured my baby! so I'm glad I found top knotch kennels- that they do grooming as well as boarding. As for the reviews that claim you can't pick up your dog past 6pm. This is true, however you are NOT charged an extra day when you come the next morning before noon to get your dog. I've never had a problem with the timing. read more

Top notch does a wonderful job with my dog. He went to a month of board and train, does doggy daycare once a week, gets groomed here every two weeks and will also board here when we are out of town. The staff is always extremely friendly and try to be accommodating. My one complaint and the reason for my four stars is that every service that they offer is amazing, but it is very hard to get into. The grooming is booked out months in advance, the boarding is never available when we need it to be, and I waited six months for board and train. Now I know that it seems like this should be a true sign of a business that does a good job. It feels as if they either need more staffing, more space, or maybe need to stop taking on new clients all together. All in all I do recommend top-notch kennels for grooming, boarding, doggy daycare, and training. I just wish their availability wasn't so scarce. read more

This review is for the grooming services: They sure do take care of your dog! They pay attention to detail and my dog, Stitch, is always excited to come here for his grooming. I HIGHLY recommend this place. They really cared for my dog and after they found a cotton tail stuck on his arm, they called me back to follow up with him. I feel they truly have a love for the dogs here. Advice: Please don't forget to tip these people, they're very professional and always provide great service! read more

Top Notch Pet Resort - Stitch :) - Pet Training Near Me - Modesto, California

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Response to Lisa: No need to put someone down for leaving an honest review about their experience. All we did was write about our experience with your facility. No one was bullied or harassed in any manner. read more

I can't say enough about the staff at Top Notch. We have used their daycare, boarding, grooming, pet taxi services, and taken their obedience class. My frenchie absolutely loves the indoor daycare staff, Lacy, Carly, Ellie, and Taylor. They take such great care of him and I find comfort in knowing he is safe and having fun while I am at work. Lisa and Rebecca also did an amazing job in the first level obedience class we took. They were very knowledgeable and attentive. If we weren't relocating to Southern California, we definitely would have take the 2nd and 3rd levels of training class. read more

Friendly environment for puppies to socialize. My dog rocky has completely come out of her shell. She originally was a super timid dog now she is just a playful puppy and loves going to her classes. Can't wait to get her in more classes when she passes the puppy classes. read more

I used this kennel for doggie day care. They were very accommodating. Sophie was very relaxed at drop off and pick up. The facility was clean and staff enthusiastic. read more

Nice place, but they were rude to my wife when we asked for day care for our GS/ Staffie mix. She was told there was no room for our dog, and the staff member hung up on her. I guess we are no longer welcome. Nice way to treat a customer...jeez. All we heard were complaints about our dog's behavior...every time we were there. Nothing positive. Like a previous reviewer, our dog also caught kennel cough about the same time. read more

Terrible customer service. I made an appointment for my dog to be groomed, as First Street Veterinarian made the recommendation. I gave the receptionist all my dog's information and sent over the medical records. When I went to show up to drop my dog off, they did not have the appointment but had a file for my dog. The girls who were working were young, unexperienced, lacked pragmatic skills, and did not have any affect. It was clearly a mistake on their end and did not own up to it, nor knew how to handle it, let alone when asked can I have the name of the manger she had to ask someone because she did not know. I will not reschedule to get my dog groomed there. Terrible customer service and unexperienced people who work there. read more

If you're looking for a quality daycare for your furry family member, you won't find anything that tops TOP NOTCH. The facility offers an outdoor, (my preference) and an indoor facility, all designed with a variety of engaging play areas and toys. Not enough time in the day to exercise your dog? I personally do my best in providing exercise by walking, and playing with my dog Scarlet, however, the daycare has been an excellent way in which to give Scarlet the exercise in which I'm not able to provide or am far too old and tired to provide. The staff is friendly, and courteous, and appears willing to answer questions or engage when not busy. The kennel workers are trained and approach, and handle dogs professionally. This, of course, was something I was concerned about, as Scarlet can be reactive, so seeing immediately they knew how to approach a nervous dog helped to alleviate my fears. While I don't necessarily get feedback about my dog's day at each visit, feedback is always provided when the employees deem necessary. Examples I have experienced included information about a change in her behavior, in which for a few weeks she stopped playing with the other dogs. Through the kennel employees, I was able to watch the situation on return visits and was happy to see her return to her previous behavior. While we all hope our dog is not insured during the play day experience, it does sometimes happen. Unfortunately, Scarlet did obtain an injury while playing, however, Top Notch staff; specifically the groomer treated the specific injury with knowledge and care. The experience clearly showed that the staff was knowledgeable and able to handle injuries immediately and in the appropriate manner. The doggy daycare has been a great experience for my dog, Scarlet and has improved her confidence leading to fewer situations in which she becomes overly reactive. The several kennel employees provide a wide range of different handlers which has also helped in improving her trust of people. While the daycare by itself is not a total solution to such problems, I personally have seen it improve her disposition in regard to both dogs and people. If you're considering trying out the daycare, I encourage you to do so, even if you are unsure of whether it is a fit for your dog. The staff does provide an evaluation and will be able to inform you as to whether they believe the daycare is right for your dog. I personally wasn't sure whether Scarlet would be happy in a daycare and was happily surprised the staff thought she would do fine. Upon picking Scarlet up from her visits, I can immediately see the smile and excitement on her face as she pants all the way to the car from exhaustion, which unfortunately she recovers from in ten minutes. My only complaints are I wish they offered cameras in which family members could check in on their dogs, as some doggy daycares do. However, I'm sure there is a cost to the added feature, and not wanting to increase the daycare price might be the reason the cameras have not been implemented. read more

I wish I could give no stars. My dog came back with Kennel Cough the first time I boarded her. I decided to give them another chance. This time my dog has diarrhea, has lost five pounds, won't eat and is lethargic. I asked the vet about "Top" Notch and YIKES. It seems as though Top Notch sends a lot of sick dogs to our local vets! PLEASE CALL YOUR VET TO SEEK OTHER ALTERNATIVES! I will be taking the vet bill to Top Notch. If they don't reimburse me, I will picket! read more

My friend told me about this place and I have heard nothing but good things! I will definitely be taking my dog here soon!

I will have to speak for my lil guy JD. When we get to the parking lot JD know where we are immediately! He can not get out of the car fast enough! This lil guy come home tired! The gala at the front desk are always so pleasant to deal with! They always have a smile on their face and are quick at retrieving JD so that we may get on with whatever it is we may need to do! They are quick at cleaning up any mess the dogs leave! Which definitely makes for an odor free place! read more

For training, overnight boarding or day play care, Top Notch is my top choice. I have confidence my pets are in a safe, supporting and loving environment with professionally trained staff members who not only have a thorough knowledge of dog behavior, but know my own dogs as well. I have participated in both obedience and agility classes and I have learned so much about dog behaviors that I use every day successfully with my dogs. When we turn into the Top Notch parking lot and my dogs become so excited to be there, I know I've made the right choice for my four-legged furry children. I can enjoy my vacations knowing my dogs are being cared for by Top Notch staff. They love dogs and my dogs love them as well. Thank you Top Notch!!! read more

Was considering this place until my friends brought their dog here...when they picked him up after only 2 days he had terrible red abrasions on his neck as if he was neglected and abused!!! It was so sad!! Management didn't try to fix the situation or give any sort of explanation as to what happened. Anyways, I'm never bringing my dog here ever and I suggest you don't either. read more

My pup Rupert has been coming here since he was old enough and he is now a year. Everyone here is amazing and has helped us train our pup. He gets sooo excited when he sees us pull up. After every visit they give us a report of how he did. They were helpful when he went through his weird anti social stage too! I'll always recommend Top Notch! read more

These folks take excellent care of our boy when we're on vacation. He gets a bath before coming home. They are reasonably priced and we don't have to worry when we go on vacation; our pup also goes on vacation! read more

We refer to Top Notch at my house as 'Dog School'. It's a great place where my little guy can be stimulated and have fun while we are busy. Highly recommended :) read more

Top notch employees are always sooo professional and sweet. Im so comfortable with getting my golden named Goose groomed there. Ive also used the day care and i can leave and know Hes being watched by people who love there jobs. I will be using them again for a week of boarding this summer. Thank you. Karolyn K read more

Top Notch is awesome! It's the only place I'll every take my pup! The staff is VERY knowledgeable about dogs, including their behavior, health, etc. A lot of the reviews I'm reading on here seem to be from folks who were told that daycare/boarding isn't right for their dog... consider it a GOOD thing that Top Notch told you this instead of continuing to let your dog attend, even if they're not happy. Dogs who get into tiffs, constantly run the fence line or don't listen are usually signs of a dog who isn't having fun. Asking you not to bring your dog back in those situations is a good thing! I take my dog to both the indoor and outdoor facility regularly, we've also taken some of the training classes. I have nothing bad to say about anything! Staff is always professional and helpful and the facilities are always very nice and clean. My pup comes back very tired and happy, just they way he should be after a long day of play time :) Thank you Top Notch for always providing such a great place to take my dog while I'm stuck at work! read more

I have been taking lessons from Top Notch since 2010 and found them to be VERY friendly and professional in their approach to dog training. I learned a new way of training. From the Jerk and Pull method to Clicker, which worked better overall. (An old dog like me can learn new tricks, for I have been professionally Training, Breeding and Showing dogs since 1969). They even offered classes in Dog First Aid and CPR of which I have participated in two sessions. (First time and Renewal). I actually had to put to use the training when one of my dogs bloated. Thanks to the training i recognized the problem in less than a minute. Rushed to the Emergency Clinic where he was treated and survived. I HIGHLY recommend this Training Facility for all you dog's training needs. L. F. ~Cross-Paws kennel, Aussies and Leonbergers~ read more

This review is soley based on a phone conversation. I called Top Notch Kennels to inquire about their beginning puppy classes. Bonnie was very enthusiastic/chipper to discuss and give me the details regarding the class, and continued to tell me how their puppy classes are popular/the best in the area/ blah blah blah. I told her that this sounded great, and I was really excited to have my puppy enrolled however, there would be a set back secondary to my puppy contracting parvo. As soon as I said the word PARVO, her chipper attitude went out the window, and I thought she had hung up on me. My puppy had fully recovered from parvo, and being a responsible pet owner I wanted to disclose this information, and see what their protocol/additional options. Having a pretty good backround on Parvo, I knew our pup would probabaly not be able to attend any classes for a long time, but wanted to inquire about private training and possibly having a trainer come out to our house to work one on one. She continued to tell me that the trainers would not want to go anywhere near our property because our pup had parvo. OK yes I get this as well, Parvo can survive for years, and I would be cautious of bringing any unvaccinated dog near our property. BUT SERIOUSLY? Do these trainers not go out into the real world where they could possibly track in parvo some place else? Do these people not go to dog parks where parvo potentially lurks? Do these trainers go out into the world in biohazards suits to protect themselves at all times? They recommended that I meet with a trainer at a park, and they would bring a dog and show me techniques with another dog at the rate of $75 bucks for 1hr. (OVERPRICED) Basically the trainers wouldn't want to go anywhere near our poor pup. Yes, I get they have a business to protect, yes they don't want to be known as having an outbreak of parvo. Got that. They DO NOT have the right to make potential clients feel like they should be walking around with a Scarlet P. Oh, and if you get your pup from a shelter, they make you wait two weeks to sign up for their puppy classes after the parvo incubation. So when can I bring around my poor pup either for training/boarding/doggie day care? oh, in about a year! So what I took away from this all this: "If you have a perfect pup, that is a pure bred, not from a shelter-WELCOME TO TOP NOTCH!!!!!" read more

I took my pittie in for an extended board and train to help with dog aggression and general obedience, Rebekah and the entire staff was wonderful. I probably called 10 times to ask questions before I decided on Top Notch (nervous doggy-mama syndrome) - they were extremely patient and very transparent. I live about 75 minutes away, but made the decision to take her there since their reputation is so strong. This was absolutely the right decision and both my sweet pup and I are extremely happy with the results. HIGHLY recommend read more

I have no complaints about the care my dog received. She seemed fine when we picked her up and the facility seems well-kept. However, my husband and I felt cheated when we left. We dropped our dog off at 3:00 on Sat. and picked her up at 2 the next day, so she was there less than 24 hours. The facility is only open from 2-6 on Sundays so you have no option to pick them up earlier even if you wanted to. Apparently, they penalize their customers for their reduced hours, because we were charged for 2 days. No one told me this was the case when I made the reservation or when we checked our dog in. I suggested they have earlier hours that day so as not to penalize the customer - this is a total scam that they have probably been getting away with for years, and my husband and I were very upset about it. So customer beware for that and other charge-ups that appear on your bill. We will not be going back. read more

I would like to thank the very friendly staff of the Pee Wee Cottage for taking care of my little GiGi when I board her there. I know she is in good hands in a caring, loving and very clean environment. read more

I'd love to be writing a review about the services offered at Top Notch, unfortunately, we have yet to experience them. Two emails, a website form, and two phone calls over three weeks. You'd think we'd have received a response by now. But still nothing. We will be going on vacation for two weeks and wanted to do a board+train package for both our service dog and our new puppy. I was also inquiring about private lessons for the pup. I'm sure our business would have been worth a lot to Top Notch. The building looks nice as you drive by, and their website looks great. read more

I'm writing this review in part because I can't believe some of the negative reviews and sour grapes Top Notch has gotten here on Yelp. If a business as well-run as Top Notch gets slammed on Yelp, then there is something very seriously wrong with Yelp. Not Top Notch. I've used their boarding and their grooming services several times: their strict adherence to vaccine protocols is indicative of their high standards generally. They do not risk the health of the pets in their care, ever, and that's something we should all be grateful for. My dog is one of those who need grooming several times a month (yikes!) and frankly I do a horrible job of keeping him groomed; the groomers have been nothing but patient and encouraging with me as I try to do a better job for my sweet little Petey. They call me before working on him just to make sure they do exactly what I/Petey want, and are unfailingly polite and considerate. I've never had a even a hint of rudeness from anyone there, even when I picked Petey up from boarding and was frankly a little rude myself (after driving for 7 hours straight). I paid for a behavioral evaluation so Petey could play with other little dogs at the Pee Wee Cottage - and I'm so glad I did. He has the time of his life!! I don't feel guilty any more when I leave him at the boarders; I know he's having as much fun as I am when I go on vacation. I've taken him to boarders before where I literally cannot get him into the door without carrying him -- at Top Notch, he races to get past the door. The staff they have behind the scenes working with the dogs and supervising them, the kennel attendants, the groomers themselves, are just the most phenomenally kind, caring, considerate people you could ever meet. To in any way slam via Yelp anyone associated with Top Notch is in my humble opinion, reprehensible. They offer a valued service with the highest possible attention to quality and caring. This is so rare! I am so so grateful I found them!! read more