Top Dog Obedience / Top Dog Canine Classroom

Top Dog Obedience offers both group classes and private lessons. Group classes are held year-round in a large, fenced outdoor training yard with shade, or in a covered arena during rain. They provide two trainers per class to ensure individual attention.

The group class structure includes:
* **Level 1: Building a Foundation** – For beginners of all ages, this 6-hour course (6 one-hour classes) focuses on on-leash control, respect, and foundational commands like sit, heal, stay, down, come, and stand. It also covers engagement and the timing of rewards.
* **Level 2: Refine the Basic Commands** – For graduates of Level 1, this 5-hour course (5 one-hour classes) reiterates and refines basic lessons, incorporating hand signals and progressing towards off-leash control.
* **Advanced Classes** – Held throughout the year based on student interest, these classes represent the highest level of training, focusing mostly on off-leash work, distance control (come when called, long-distance stay), and include field trips to various community locations. Eligibility for advanced classes is determined on an individual basis.

Private lessons are offered on a case-by-case basis and are considered a helpful addition to group classes, not a substitute. They can address specific behavioral issues, provide a head start before group classes, or evaluate shy or reactive dogs before placing them in a group setting. For very reactive or shy dogs, a private evaluation/lesson is required prior to group enrollment, with a portion of the cost credited if the dog subsequently enrolls in a group course.

Additionally, Top Dog offers AKC Canine Good Citizen (CGC) testing, with Lori being a certified evaluator, and short courses such as a 3-day Whistle Recall program, which teaches dogs to come to a whistle off-leash.

Pricing Summary

Level 1 group classes are 6 one-hour classes for $250. Level 2 group classes are 5 one-hour classes for $175. The Whistle Recall short course is 3 days for $135, which includes the whistle. For reactive or shy dogs, a private evaluation/lesson is required before group enrollment, and a portion of this cost will be credited if the dog enrolls in a group course.

Top Dog Obedience, also known as Top Dog Canine Classroom, is a dog training business located in Grass Valley, CA, owned by Lori. Lori, who has a lifelong passion for dogs and horses, purchased the successful training program in 2016 after starting as a student and then an assistant trainer.

The business offers a variety of training services including group classes from basic to advanced, private lessons, AKC Canine Good Citizen (CGC) testing, and short courses like Whistle Recall. They also plan to hold AKC Farm Dog Certification events. Top Dog Obedience aims to help owners address behavioral issues and encourages problem dogs to attend classes, welcoming dogs of all ages from three months old, with no dog being too old to learn.

Their philosophy centers on the owner taking a leadership role, fostering a happy partnership with their dog. They employ a reward-based approach that incorporates engagement, timed rewards, and leash corrections once the dog understands the desired behavior. Training methods are described as simple “back to basics” techniques, emphasizing consistency, patience, and the understanding that there are no quick fixes. They utilize food rewards and martingale training collars.

A unique advantage is that classes are held year-round in a large, completely fenced outdoor training yard with ample shade, moving to a covered arena during rain. Each class benefits from two trainers, ensuring plenty of one-on-one help for participants. Additionally, the team includes an assistant trainer and pet photographer, Andie Mahoney, who offers photo sessions with dogs.

Accomplishments

Lori, the owner of Top Dog Obedience, has a background in the equine community since 1989, where she has been involved in breeding, training, and showing Quarter Horses. She also worked as a veterinary assistant starting in 1999 and currently manages the office at Sierra Equine.

In the dog training field, Lori began training with Top Dog in 2016, first as a student and then as an assistant trainer, before purchasing the business. She has successfully competed in Rally Obedience with her dog, Arlo. Lori is an AKC Canine Good Citizen Evaluator and an AKC Farm Dog Certification Judge. She is committed to continuous education in dog training.

How to Get Started!

To get started, clients can call Lori or send an email. For very reactive or shy dogs, a private evaluation/lesson is required before enrollment in group courses.