TipTop Dog Training

Training begins with a 90-minute initial consultation to assess needs and create a personalized plan. Private training includes eight 50–60 minute in-home sessions with ongoing text/email support for a year. Group classes include Control Unleashed and Agility Foundations/Sequences, which are ongoing/drop-in but require a private evaluation first. Board & Train occurs at TipTop’s facility with weekly video updates. Pre-Puppy Program includes pre-adoption counseling and supply lists.

Pricing Summary

Pre-Puppy Program: $500; Puppy Priorities and Adolescent Angst packages: $1,100 each; Board & Train starts at $1,500 for the first week, with additional weeks at $1,200. Private sessions are included in packages; in-person visits after initial consult are available at a reduced rate. Discounts available for BIPOC and PWD.

Policies

Board & Train requires discussion of food and enrichment fees before drop-off. In-person visits after initial consult incur a reduced rate. No cancellation or rescheduling policy is explicitly stated.

TipTop Dog Training, led by Susan Mann, CCUI, FDM, offers humane, game-based dog training services for dog owners in the Carolinas. They specialize in private in-home training for puppies and adolescents, group classes using the Control Unleashed™ program, and agility training. Their methods focus on positive reinforcement, mental stimulation, and building a strong human-dog bond through fun, interactive games. Susan combines over 30 years of nursing experience with decades of hands-on dog training, agility competition, and ongoing education in canine behavior and brain development. They support families with puppies, teens, and adult dogs, addressing issues like biting, potty training, leash pulling, reactivity, and socialization. They also offer a Pre-Puppy Program to help prospective owners choose the right dog and prepare their home. Their training aims to create calm, confident dogs who can enjoy public outings, hikes, and dog-friendly venues stress-free.

They provide board and train options, ongoing group classes, and year-round text/email support. Susan is committed to inclusivity and offers reduced-cost programs for BIPOC and people with disabilities. They emphasize ethical, fear-free training and do not use pain or coercion.

TipTop Dog Training is based in the Charlotte suburbs of Rock Hill, York, Fort Mill, Waxhaw, Weddington, Wesley Chapel, and Matthews, serving North and South Carolina.

Accomplishments

Susan Mann has over 30 years of nursing experience and over 30 years of dog training experience, including competition in agility and participation in herding, barn hunt, parkour, and scentwork. She holds certifications as CCUI and FDM, runs a large Facebook group on canine genetics, and is a regular contributor to dog training forums. She is committed to ongoing education in canine behavior and adolescent brain development.

How to Get Started!

Begin with a 90-minute initial consultation to assess needs and determine the best training program. For group classes, a private evaluation is required before enrollment. New clients must schedule a private lesson before joining group training.