Top Dog Academy, Inc.

Top Dog Academy offers various training programs including Group Classes, Private Lessons, and Daycare Training, along with consultations. Group classes are designed to teach practical obedience techniques for everyday routines, fostering patience, confidence, and a stronger bond between owners and dogs. These classes are offered at various levels based on age and skill, requiring dogs to be social with others.

Private lessons provide individual attention and can be conducted at their facility, in-home, or in the community. These lessons are tailored to specific training goals and cover puppy manners, behavior modification, and pet therapy preparation. Daycare Training is a signature program that combines the benefits of boarding school with daily training and weekly owner lessons, ideal for establishing better routines and manners.

Consultations are available to help owners determine the best program for their dog, with free options for puppy and group class enrollment, and a paid option for behavior concerns. The curriculum covers basic obedience, puppy training, intermediate and advanced obedience, and specialized adventure classes that apply skills in real-world settings.

Pricing Summary

Daycare pricing includes Half Day ($20), Single Day ($30), 5-Day Package ($145), and 10-Day Package ($270). Packages expire in six months, and multi-dog discounts are available. Bathing services are offered for daycare participants, with prices ranging from $15 for a nail trim with bath to $35 for a full bath.

Group classes are priced per series: Puppy Kindergarten (4 weeks) is $125, Basic Obedience (7 weeks) is $180, Intermediate Obedience (7 weeks) is $180, Advanced Obedience (4 weeks) is $125, and Adventure (4 weeks) is $160.

Consultations include free Puppy and Group Class consultations, while Behavior Consultations are $30. Private lessons start at $45 for CGC/Pet Therapy Prep, $50 for Puppy Sessions, $65 for Obedience Sessions, and $80 for Behavior Modification.

Daycare Training programs are $750 for a 2-week puppy program, $1700 for a 4-week course (includes free follow-up sessions), and $3200 for an 8-week course (includes free follow-up sessions and free group classes).

Policies

For daycare, reservations must be made at least 24 hours in advance via email or phone. Pick-ups are not allowed during quiet time from 1 pm to 2 pm. Unused daycare package days expire six months from the purchase date.

Top Dog Academy, Inc. was founded in 1997 with the idea that pet obedience training should be both owner and dog friendly as well as affordable. They introduced eastern North Carolina’s first dog training facility offering pet obedience classes and an interactive daycare experience. Their goal is to set examples of calm control and easy adoration between owners and dogs.

The training philosophy, created by founder Drake Parker, focuses on teaching simple communication techniques so dogs learn to trust guidance. They believe in understanding how dogs interpret the world and emphasize consistency, repetition, praise, vocal tones, and body language over food-based training, which they consider impractical for the average pet owner. They advocate for fair corrections to address unwanted behaviors, stressing that ignoring bad habits won’t make them disappear.

The facility is 10,000 square feet, temperature-controlled, with two fenced outdoor daycare playgrounds and a fenced training area totaling over 15,000 square feet. The lobby offers viewing access to daycare and training rooms. They aim to provide a comfortable, healthy environment where people feel secure leaving their pets, offering fun, informative training courses focused on balancing relationships between dogs and owners.

Accomplishments

Top Dog Academy, Inc. was founded in 1997 by Drake Parker, John, and Bill, introducing eastern North Carolina’s first dog training facility. Drake Parker, the founder, received his certification through the National K9 Dog Trainers Association. He served as a field trainer for Paws with a Cause, apprenticed with trainers specializing in personal protection, law enforcement K9’s, and dog sports. He competed in agility trials and obedience competitions, achieved multiple pet therapy certifications, and led the successful New Leash on Life program through NCDOC. He has over 30 years of experience.

Angela Parker, Drake’s wife and partner since 2001, worked as a veterinary technician and completed Drake’s rigorous 1000+ hour dog trainer apprenticeship program. She became an AKC Canine Good Citizen evaluator 20 years ago and has maintained this certification. Angela has participated in numerous continuing education workshops focusing on obedience, behavior modification, shelter dog behavior, and pet therapy.

Karrie Remington started at Top Dog as a volunteer and apprentice, having previously volunteered as a puppy raiser with Fidelco Guide Dog Foundation. She is now a primary instructor for Puppy Kindergarten and Basic Obedience classes and continues to raise pups for Fidelco.

How to Get Started!

To get started, clients can schedule a consultation to meet with trainers, discuss training goals, and receive a proposed plan of action. Free consultations are available for puppy and group class enrollment, while behavior consultations have a fee. For Daycare Training, clients are encouraged to call for a consultation.