Top Dawg K-9

Top Dawg K-9 offers both private and group dog training programs. Their Beginner class is a 6-week course that meets every Saturday for one hour, with new sessions starting every 6-7 weeks. The initial class is an orientation session for people only.

They specialize in training companion dogs, defined as family members that interact well with people, children, other dogs, and animals, as well as therapy dogs. They accept dogs of all ages and breeds, with puppies eligible to begin training from 14 weeks old. Private training sessions are also provided, with one client’s dog having completed a 6-day private training session.

Pricing Summary

Pricing for private and group training is available upon calling the business. Gift certificates are also offered.

Top Dawg K-9 is a dog training business located in Morganton, NC, nestled in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains. It was founded by master trainer Les Seidel, who brings over 40 years of experience in dog training and is noted for his exceptional ability to understand and connect with dogs. His wife, Linda Seidel, serves as the Assistant Trainer, contributing over 20 years of experience as a wildlife rehabilitator.

Together, Les and Linda are committed to helping dogs and their owners learn to coexist harmoniously as a family. They specialize in training companion dogs and therapy dogs, providing both private lessons and group classes. They advocate for responsible dog ownership, stressing the importance of thorough research before acquiring a dog, particularly a puppy, and promoting spaying/neutering and adoption from shelters.

Top Dawg K-9 trains dogs of all ages and breeds, with puppies eligible to start training at 14 weeks old. In addition to their training services, they also retail Dogtra products, which include training collars, invisible fencing, and remote bird launchers, all manufactured in the USA.

Accomplishments

Les Seidel, the master trainer and founder, has over 40 years of experience in dog training. He served as the head trainer for the “New Leash On Life” program at the Foot Hills minimum security prison in Burke County, NC, for two years, where he directed inmates in training dogs deemed unadoptable by the Humane Society, achieving a 100% adoption rate. He also volunteered as an Animal Cruelty Investigator for the Humane Society in Burke County.

Linda Seidel, the Assistant Trainer, has over 20 years of experience as a wildlife rehabilitator.

How to Get Started!

To begin training, clients are encouraged to make reservations for classes as they fill up quickly. For the Beginner class, the first session is an orientation for people only. For private training or general inquiries, clients should call for details.