Top Dog Training, LLC

Training is structured in three levels: Foundations (Level 1 – Basic), Fluency (Level 2 – Intermediate), and Freedom (Level 3 – Advanced). Programs begin with an evaluation/Intro Lesson to assess the dog’s needs and recommend the best path. Options include private lessons (in-home or at facility), day training, and board-and-train programs where dogs live with John on his property. All programs include real-world training in locations like parks, coffee shops, and trails. Ongoing support is provided through the Dog Training Redefined Membership Portal for one year, with renewal options available.

Pricing Summary

The introductory evaluation/lesson costs $50, which is deducted from any subsequent program. Programs include private lessons, day training, and board-and-train options with pricing tailored to individual needs. A holiday special offers $300 off any program when signed up before 12/31/2026. All programs include access to the Dog Training Redefined Membership Portal for one year of online support.

Policies

The $50 evaluation/lesson fee is deducted from any program chosen. All programs include one year of access to the Dog Training Redefined Membership Portal for ongoing support. No specific cancellation or rescheduling policies are stated, but John responds promptly to all inquiries and offers flexible scheduling.

John is the owner of Top Dog Training, LLC, a professional dog training business based in Louisville, Kentucky. He offers personalized dog training programs designed to build trust, communication, and reliability between dogs and their owners. His approach focuses on understanding canine behavior and teaching owners how to effectively guide their dogs through real-life situations, not just commands. Programs include Puppy Foundations, Foundations to Functional, and Advanced Off-Leash FreeDog, covering manners, obedience, and behavior modification for issues like reactivity, fear, and aggression. John provides private lessons at his facility, in-home sessions, virtual training, and immersive board-and-train or day-training programs where dogs live with him on his property. He emphasizes long-term success through ongoing support via the Dog Training Redefined Membership Portal, which offers year-long access to resources and coaching. John is certified, licensed, and insured, and he combines positive reinforcement with a no-nonsense, common-sense philosophy that avoids gimmicks and punishment.

He has over a decade of full-time experience training dogs and helping families, including working with puppies, adolescents, and adult dogs of all breeds and sizes. His own dogs have participated in hiking, search and rescue, and off-leash adventures, reflecting his focus on functional, real-world skills. John is also a Certified Professional Trainer, Licensed Family Dog Mediator, and Certified Pet Nutrition Coach, bringing a holistic understanding of both dog behavior and human dynamics to his training.

He is active on social media with a YouTube channel, Instagram, and Facebook pages offering educational content, behind-the-scenes training insights, and daily life with dogs. John serves on the Board of Directors for the International Association of Canine Professionals as Director of the Education Committee and has been featured in articles and lectured to multiple organizations. His training philosophy centers on the belief that dog training is really people training — helping owners understand their dogs’ perspectives to create lasting companionship.

Accomplishments

John has over a decade of full-time experience in dog training. He is a Certified Professional Trainer, Licensed Family Dog Mediator, and Certified Pet Nutrition Coach. He serves as Director of the Education Committee on the Board of Directors for the International Association of Canine Professionals. He has been featured in articles, lectured to multiple organizations, and has trained his own dogs in hiking, search and rescue, and herding. He previously worked at a Fortune 500 company before transitioning to dog training full-time.

How to Get Started!

Prospective clients begin with a 45-minute Evaluation/Intro Lesson for $50, which includes an assessment of the dog’s behavior, discussion of goals, and recommendation of the best training program. This fee is applied toward any program selected. Clients can schedule this session via the online booking link or by phone.