My group class was a joke. Kristen, I think is her name I try hard to forget it, advanced only her friends dog to the next level and didn't help any other students. The atmosphere was so snobby and unfriendly. Paula was the only nice person, there. I witnessed a trainer punching a Rottweiler puppy in the head because it was being forced down on the ground, over and over again while they yelled, "bang,Bang", the little guy was so terrified by that alone, and got punched in the face by a male trainer. Another person said there dog was so upset it had cage wire stuck its mouth from trying to get out of the small cage it was in. They think they are the best and they suck! My dog was a nervous wreck there and is so calm otherwise. Stay away from there, I feel so bad for the dogs, they look so sad. The police men were kind to their dogs when they came in, but that's it. read more

Carrie the groomer is wonderful. She does a great job with my dogs, Chochki and Pumpkin. Their kenneling services are pretty good. I like that they offer playtime walks for the dogs there. I'm kind of annoyed with their trainers however. When I first met Kaitlyn the trainer, she explained that Tops offers different training options for clients: board and train, day training, group classes, private lessons, etc. But after I took her beginning class, she absolutely insisted that Pumpkin has to do the board and train program. No way. I am not dumping my dog there for 3 or 4 weeks. Part of the problem is that some of the training methods there can be pretty harsh, which makes me wonder what might be happening to my dog when I am not there to watch and participate in his training program. Another problem there is the trainers at Tops act like they invented prong collars. They did not. MANY TRAINERS use prong collars. I currently train with Bill Balatsos in Palatine, IL. He recommends prong collars for most dogs. So does Jeff Hackanson, the head trainer at Dog Style Inc in Vernon Hills. The trainers at Lakeshore K9 in Highland Park also recommend prong collars. Tops didn't invent the prong collar. A lot of different trainers use them. If you want to learn how to correct bad behavior with a prong collar, Tops isn't your only option. There are other options, and they won't shove their board and train programs down your throat. read more

Thank you thank you! Our puppy who now is 11 months has since day one been a handful . And I don't mean puppy stage I mean he is stubborn and sometimes mean hates walking , hates leash doesn't play well. He has been in some sort of training either private or in a class. Finally decided to board/train after hesitating for quite awhile because we weren't sure if being away from us would do more harm. Wow , can't say enough about the training he received at Tops from Selena . He was boarded for three weeks and now we are a much happier family. He doesn't fight walks , does not bite on his leash and pretty much follows all commands . He is starting to play much better , no more counter surfing , jumping is improving. We definitely recommend Tops for training. The front office does lack customer appeal rarely did we get a greeting or can we help you . Most times we had to make ourselves known or we would sit there for a bit. I totally understood when they were busy but that wasn't always the case. Having said that we were there for training and our dog did improve so ultimately we got what we went for. read more

We boarded our 2 dogs for 4 days. The dogs came home happy! Tops staff is excellent and they take excellent care of our pups! Thank you!!! read more

If I could give 100+ stars I would ! Vinny is our second German Shepherd & it has been over a decade since we have had a puppy. We couldn't wait to bring him home and have him join our family. From the moment Vinny came home we really struggled with his reactivity/aggressive behavior which he began exhibiting at just 9 weeks old. The older he got, the worse the behavior became. He was pretty darn intimidating. We couldn't bring Vinny on walks, allow him to interact with family & friends and trips to the vet were absolutely horrible with the way he behaved. But the part that was the hardest was that we couldn't have people in our home without Vinny barking & lunging at anyone who entered our home. We tried other trainers & any progress that we made outside of the house did not carryover into our home. Which is where we needed it the most. Before finding Tops we found a different local training center & after thousands of dollars spent on day training & a two week board & train - not being able to transfer training to our home - which is where Vinny struggled the most, was horribly defeating. When Vinny turned 6 months old we decided we'd try Tops as we really couldn't stand to think this was going to be our lives as well as Vinny's. Feeling so desperate & fearful we'd never be able to have family & friends over unless we put Vinny in his crate.. (and even then- Vinny would bark & act aggressively while in crate) We really felt so hopeless. By luck and the grace of God we found Krista at Tops Kennel, who has been in business for nearly 50 years ! After Vinny completed his board & train we are amazed at how much better he's doing - we can have people in our home and not I have to worry that Vinny is going to lunge or bark at them. In short, we cannot recommend their business & our Trainer, Krista, enough!! The results have been, and continue to be, just amazing and incredible. We have been able to take Vinny to local stores, parks, walks & have had tons of visitors over to our home where we meet our guests at the door & welcome them inside & he's doing so great! Better than we ever expected! The entire staff is friendly, the trainers partner with you & your beloved furry friend. We cannot say enough good things about our experience. If you are considering enrolling your dog in any of their training programs, just do it. You will not regret it! We could not be happier. Krista is the absolute best & even though our board & train is over - we still connect about Vinny as she cares just as much about his success as we do ! Tops Kennel in Grayslake is the best & Krista has been the biggest blessing for our family! #grateful for her & Tops ! read more

Tops In Dog Training Kennel - Pet Sitting Near Me - Grayslake, Illinois

I have always boarded, trained, and had my dogs groomed here and will not go anywhere else; from the owners, Alex and Paula, to everyone working here always give you top-notch service. Thank you for the best place to bring my animals. read more

Tops In Dog Training Kennel - Pet Sitting Near Me - Grayslake, Illinois

I don't have enough good things to say about Tops. We got a Bernese mountain puppy who I was struggling to train on my own - he kept knocking me over (zooming or chasing a leaf) and was not polite greeting people. Now my dog is a gentleman who listens and respects commands. He heals on walks, recall is SHARP and I can get him to lay in bed as we welcome guests into our home. Training requires A LOT of patience, time and attention but if you put in the effort it works. We love our trainer Krista and the rest of the staff at Tops. read more

Had my puppy there recently for training. When we picked her up you could see she was traumatized from the harsh training. She was shaking and had her tail between her legs around her trainer. She is a totally different dog now....very afraid of everything and looks sad. The class we had was harsh with pinch collar jerking and thrusting abruptly on the neck. Very hard to watch and I feel horrible that I put my dog through this torture. Also, my dog got kennel cough....we had to pay the vet bill and for the meds. They gave us back the wrong blanket that we dropped her off with...which was really odd. I do not recommend this place at all!!!! read more

I send anyone who is having difficulties with the dog there and there alone. I trust them completely with my dogs. Best trainers! read more

This place disappointed me twice First when I took my Cocker spaniel for grooming There was no communication with the groomer at all and the girl at the front desk knows nothing about cocker hair cut It was the first time I was taking my pup to a grooming so Yes i was nervous, I didn't know what to expect and also needed some advice on the hair style They called me on the phone twice asking me how I wanted him cut and when I saw him He looked like a sheep Second disappointment was with the training When I booked it they said there were no classes for 3 months ahead Okay!! So we met with the trainer and left a deposit On the date we arrived and we were told our trainer is no longer there So we proceeded with another trainer who for some reason decided to fail us at the training and suggested that we can do the training again My guess is because she only got paid half ( because the deposit check was payable to the other trainers name) ) Also not to mention the girls at the front desk have no customer service skills..... read more

We sent our dog for the three week board and train program. I was super hesitant giving my dog child to someone for that long, but I am SO thankful we did. First off, they do use prong collars for the correction method. We were familiar with this and already had a prong from another place we attempted training at. If you don't already have one, they have collars you can purchase. I am so surprised to see the other reviews of people thinking they are harsh on their dogs.. They are firm, but fair with the dogs. Our trainer absolutely adored every dog I saw them with. These dogs are there to get trained, not pampered. Anyway, when you come to pick up your dog after the 3 weeks, you get 3 one on one lessons to schedule. The first one is that day, and it can be a little overwhelming, but if you have any questions they are receptive to any phone calls. Speaking of the phone- As this is a training facility, they aren't always able to answer right away, but they do call back within a few hours. If (when) we get another dog, I would absolutely use this program again. read more

We came here after trying a few other training clubs . Their methods are probably not for everyone. There are no treats (past the very beginning puppy stage) , yes they use prong collars and ecollar some some cases. But their methods also work. You will walk away with knowledge of how to train your dog and a better trained pup. I especially recommend this place to people with specific training issues such has dog reactivity and people who actually want a well behaved dog that always behaves , not just when you have a treat in your pocket. read more

While my dog did come back walking better on his leash, listens to basic commands better after a board and train, he came back with worse issues. He is now barking/lunging at other dogs on the street while we walk. He only gets along with 2 dogs, my other dog who he lives with and a relatives dog. He now resource guards as well. He was always a happy go lucky dog who would play with everyone. He never showed any aggression. When I picked him up he was fearful and skinny. when we asked they mentioned he had not interacted with any dogs his entire 3 week stay. I sent my wonderful sweet dog there to be better with recall and he is still not the best with it all the time. He came back a different dog. He is still friendly with humans just not dogs. Do not send your dogs here if you don't want them to come back aggressive and with new issues. read more

The only reason I'm giving this horrible place is because Maryann seems to be ok Had a meet & greet. With our new dog. While I was there I saw a trainer give a command to a puppy.when it didn't listen the trainer punched the puppy in the face. (Yeah it was a straight punch not a smack!) Then pulled the leash up and dangled the puppy by its throat with a pinch collar on. Finally he dropped him to the floor. It was such a horrifying sight. They do hit the animals here. So be aware of what your getting yourself into. Maybe other people think this is acceptable but, what kind of person punches a puppy and why would Tops allow it. We have a wonderful trainer now & hey shes not a puppy puncher. read more

We've gone from puppy class through intermediate class with both our dogs Izzy and Zeus, and I'm so excited to start the puppy class with one of their puppies! The trainers we've had were great! We always make sure to sign up for Kasia's beginner and intermediate classes since we loved how she worked with the dogs, and gave great advise. Training up to intermediate helped our dogs behave at dog parks, stores, and around other people. We've even recommended some of the other litter mates sign up with us for the puppy class! read more

Excellent training and obedience taught by Mary Ann! My dog learned a lot and is so much better now!

I took my dog to Tops after having unsuccessful training with other companies. My dog, Delilah, did boarding and training with Paula for 7 weeks. I have to admit that I was hesitant to send Delilah to Tops because of the prong collars they use while training. Despite being nervous about the collars, I brought Delilah to work with Paula because of an AMAZING review I got from my neighbor-- who has the most perfectly trained dog!!! When I dropped Delilah off for boarding, I expressed my concerns about the collars and Paula was happy to explain to me the history of the collars and how they work. Delilah is only 10 lbs so I was nervous about someone yanking at her neck but she reassured me that there would be no aggressive yanking since she is so small and delicate. I went home and did my own research on the history of the prong collars, which also reassured me. I encourage others who are nervous about the collars to do the same. My Delilah is as small and delicate as they come and the collar has not hurt her. In fact, she is happier now than when I dropped her off. She enjoys being praised for doing the commands correctly and is just as loving & bubbly as when I dropped her off. Paula is the ABSOLUTE BEST dog trainer that I have ever worked with. She has been working with dogs for a long time, along with her husband and daughter. She loves dogs so much and treated Delilah with so much kindness while she was in her care. Delilah has excellent behavioral skills now including-- sits, downs, down stays, comes, as well as being very controlled on the leash. These are just the cherries on top, though. Delilah was sent to Paula to reverse potty pad training and get her to be potty trained to go outside only, which is the reason for the long stay. Delilah's behavioral skills were great by about the second week. I, highly, recommend Tops Kennel!! read more

Growing up, my family always had "house dogs". Sure they could sit and lay down and give paw... That is if they thought they were going to get something in return. Being new to the actual dog training world, TOPS and all their trainers have opened my eyes to the full potential and relationship that I could have between me and my dog. Each trainer has made themselves available during class and outside of class to answer questions and provide suggestions to reach desired behaviors. I would highly recommend this establishment to anyone who is looking to get honest, hard working help in training their dogs. *Wide variety of classes offered at many different times and days! *Nice Location *Excellent, knowledgeable staff read more

Tops In Dog Training Kennel - Happy Pup!! Thanks TOPS! - Pet Sitting Near Me - Grayslake, Illinois

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The BEST! I lived in the Chicago Loop. The so called Professional Award Winning "Mittelwest" did not give my dogs water on a very hot day, I came unexpectedly to see my dog which they did not like! Also, they trained him to be vicious, by stepping on his feet! I had to start all over and do my homework and by word of mouth I found TOPS to be the best! We with Luis and Kelly had to retrain my dog to be less fearful which worked wonders! The people that work there really love DOGS! When I boarded them, I could call anytime to check in on them. When i came 2 days before expected, my dogs always had their special food and water and grain free treats! One time when I came early they were having play time and it was so cute, they almost did not want to come home! The groomers are great as well! P.S. I traveled 57 miles one way to take my dogs to Tops 2-3 times a week because in the end it was well worth it! read more

Dropped my fur-baby here while I was out of town for a week. I had a very easy time reserving the stay. The people at the front were very nice and asked details questions to better understand my dog. They also understood that my dog can sometimes be a little too excited with new people or dogs, so they were very good about watching out for that. When I came to pick up my dog, they let me grab his things first then grab him so I'm not juggling multiple things. They were also in the process of washing his blankets which I didn't know they did. As I walked out with my dog, one of their employees bent down to say goodby and my dog's tail went everywhere. I think that's a pretty good sign that my puppy enjoyed his time. When we got home he also slept for most of the day because he was tired. Overall, I liked having my dog here. I am also planning on doing some training here to help my dog with more commands. read more

We are so grateful for tops, Nike and Plow are absolutely amazing now! Thank you so much Paula and Krista you guys are truly amazing at what you do. The entire culture of their company is 5 stars. This experience has been 10 times better than what we could have imagined. This was the best money we have ever spent on our dogs and they absolutely love being there. My wife and I are blown away, I would Highly suggest Tops! read more

Tops In Dog Training Kennel - Nike and Plow are ready for Baby Ware! Thanks Tops!! - Pet Sitting Near Me - Grayslake, Illinois

There are many places that claim to be experts in dog training,almost all of which know nothing about high level training.The trainers here are world class.They also train police dogs for the surrounding areas.Yes most of the surrounding municipalities have their dogs trained here and come in for routine additional training.Their prices are more than reasonable ( I have told them this). Like most top of the line operations they love what they do.There is nothing in this part of the country that is remotely comparable that is open to the public.They worked extensively with my doberman and me.As Alex once said to me the training is about 65% / 35 % you and the dog.The only issue is I am not sure which is the 65% and which is the 35%. As an aside they have great boarding and when we left town they would take the dog out daily for play and training. read more

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. read more

Amazing place. I drive 1 hour each way to drop off my dog. I have been using them for years for my German Shepherd. My dog is selective with people and dogs. TOPs welcomed him without a question . Every time he has been there, he comes back well adjusted and happy. They take care of my dog very well. They train dogs as well and I know people drive from downtown Chicago and even Wisconsin to board and train their dogs here. This place is awesome with aggressive dogs as well . Most places turn away any dog that shows even remote protectiveness that most German Shepherds show but not TOPs. TOPs handles German Shepherds well and even trains the K9s for the police forces up north. These people are experts in their field. They have different packages that are all affordable. They have a spacious kennel for each dog and can even put dog families together in one kennel. Depending on your dog, you can add on training , grooming , walks and so forth during their stay. Their kennel is super clean and they have a wide variety of dog breeds staying with them. Highly recommend this place. Run by pros read more

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. read more

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. read more

I've been taking my young German Shorthair to the Beginner Obedience class at Tops for the past 2 months and have been very happy with our progress. Our trainer Kasia is very knowledgeable. She does an excellent job and gives plenty of attention & feedback to all of the dogs & owners. I'm already planning to register for the Intermediate class that begins in January. I have also watched a couple of the Advanced classes & it's amazing what those dogs can do! read more

Our mix breed graduated from obedience 1&2 and obstacle course. To those who object prong collars: you are trained here to use them correctly abd safely and trainers emphasize how not to annoy or hurt the dog with it. I first was sceptical too, but took expert's advice. Never looked back. Our dog is obiedient and happy now (she was a hyperactive rescue), we can take her everywhere and get lots of compliments on our well behaved dog. And for the prong collar, I don't need it anymore in our everyday life. read more

LOVE the trainers! Mary Anne trained my parents dogs & I am now in her Beginner Class with my own puppy. I was worried about the pincher collar in the beginning, but it honestly works and the way we are directed to use it does not harm the dogs in any way. The classes are just a part of the training, a lot of it rides on ensuring you keep up with it at home too--Mary Anne is consistently giving us great, helpful tips. Would give more stars if I could! read more

Tops In Dog Training Kennel - Sweet baby Leo waiting for class to start. :) - Pet Sitting Near Me - Grayslake, Illinois

Working with Tops has been a great bonding experience with my dog. My family initially started training at Tops over 15 years ago with our last dog (lab mix) and knew this was the place to go for my very high energy Husky-Lab mix. Tops (and Kelly!) have been very helpful with obedience training (no easy task with a husky) and we even started an agility course which has been fun for both my dog and me. You know its a good place for training when your dog's tail starts wagging BEFORE you pull into the complex! read more

Do not bring your dog here! Absolute terrible place and their methods for training are so harsh. A dog shouldn't be afraid of its owner. When we first got there they started yanking the prong collar on my dog and my dog left with marks all over his neck. I'm very upset with my experience here and will never recommend this place to anyone. If you love your dog then don't bring them here!! read more

Great dog training! My sister in law's German Shepard goes there every week and is the sweetest dog ever. We just hosted him in our tiny apartment and he was so well behaved :) read more

I had a not so good experience here, here's what happened:. I took myself with my German Shepard pup here for training 8/14. The puppy class was fine, fun & effective. Next was "Beginners" class, full of too many other dogs & owners that I couldn't hear or see the instructor passed the others most the time. It was ironic how her back was always towards me and her large body in the way that I missed out on critical info. I couldn't get questions answered, even after class, she was swamped with other confused folks. I was confused on what "homework" was, then next week, was scolded by the instructor for not being "up to par". Also she scolded me for having my dog sit, stay, come successfully, saying "She's not ready for that!" I responded, "She's been doing that for over a month at home, in and outside, with distractions, but I must say, we're not quite getting what we're suppose to be learning HERE" and I explained why. She then told me that's because I'm not "connecting" with my dog. Excuse me? My dog & I are close and she's good around the house & kids and does whatever I intuitively know how to teach her, she's proven that. Chelsea's good, perfect really. I just want her to know how to do more "command" stuff. Finally, towards the last class, almost in tears, I told the lady "I intended on seeing my dog through all your advanced classes, but as it is, I feel we won't even make it passed your beginners class". She said maybe you need our one on one class" "And how much is that?", "$60.00 an hour". "On top of the $200 I paid for this class (that I got almost nothing out of). Good Bye! Chelsea is 2 yrs and 3 mos now and is a perfect dog in our home. She doesn't run from the yard while free. She walks with or without a leash perfectly on the walk of a busy street. She considers the ball her full time job as well as protecting and pleasing her family. She would would throw down her life for us, she has shown us that. And this is just Chelsea, not something that was taught by Topps. And Yes, we are connected! Thumbs up on Chels. read more

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. read more

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. read more

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. read more

This training place is garbage. Basically stole money from me. Paid $100 on a down payment when it was only $80. Called to ask when training was because I had forgotten the time. (My bad). No return call. Called again. No return call. Called again, and training was already weeks in. They said sorry, can't give you your money back, and I didn't get any training sessions because they never called back. They said the manager would call, and of course they never did. Not only were they horrible with communication, the girl was also extremely rude. If I could give them a zero rating, I would. Feel sorry for them that they were so desperate to hang on to $100. Trash. read more

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. read more

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. read more

We're just finishing our first set of classes at TOPS and our expectations were more than met. Our trainer is great and the staff is super nice and accommodating. My boyfriend and I adopted a 5 year old golden retriever with weight problems and 0 manners. Since starting the program, she has grown more active (she started losing weight a few months before we enrolled her), and she listens and behaves so much better. We would eventually like her to be off leashed trained so we will be continuing with classes until we're at a point where we feel like she no longer needs them. The training offered here is great and the instructions given by the instructor work better than any kind of technique we have tried to use at home. This is not a food-based class, which is great! My dog already had weight problems, so she didn't need a class that bribed her with treats to get her to do what we wanted her to. Do not expect to pass this class if you don't do your homework! These classes are designed to give you the tools to learn the required tasks outside of the class. The main reason a dog would not excel in this class would be lack of practice with their owner outside of the classroom. We've recommended this place to a bunch of people so far, and will continue to do so. read more