Top Flight K9

Top Flight K9 offers customized training programs ranging from basic obedience to advanced working dog certification. Programs include private lessons, in-kennel training for titles in Schutzhund, French Ring, and KNPV, and intensive programs for police and personal protection dogs. They test dogs for suitability before training and tailor programs to each dog’s drive and temperament. Clients can visit their dogs at any time during in-kennel training. Detection and patrol certifications are available through the AWDA, and they offer free training visits to any department.

Pricing Summary

Pricing is not publicly listed; clients are encouraged to call for quotes on training packages, puppy sales, and detection services. Payment options include outright payment or monthly installments for in-kennel training programs. All trained police K9s come with a one-year work and health warranty. Green dogs have a health warranty. Stud fees and bitch leasing are available upon request.

Policies

No cancellation or rescheduling policies are explicitly stated. All trained police K9s come with a one-year work and health warranty. Green dogs have a health warranty. Clients may visit their dogs at any time during training. No refund or return policies are mentioned.

Top Flight K9 is a professional K9 training facility established in 2006, located in Kings Mountain, NC, just 25 miles outside of Charlotte. Founded by Eric Collins and Pat Paxton, the business specializes in training police and working dogs for law enforcement, as well as providing obedience, personal protection, and sport training for private dog owners. They focus on high-quality, low-volume training, selecting only dogs they would trust on the street themselves. Their services include in-kennel training, private lessons, and certification testing for patrol, detection, and dog sports like Schutzhund, French Ring, and KNPV. They also offer detection services for narcotics in schools and businesses using certified K9s. The team has extensive experience working with Belgian Malinois and other working breeds, and they maintain their own breeding program for top-tier working dog candidates. They welcome all dog owners, including those with aggression or socialization issues, and offer tailored programs to fit individual needs.

Eric Collins, the owner and lead trainer, trained under renowned trainer Mike Bullock and holds certifications as a decoy and helper for Schutzhund USA and the American Working Dog Association (AWDA). He competes in dog sports with his own Belgian Malinois, Flash. Pat Paxton brings decades of experience across multiple dog sports, hunting, and police work. Top Flight K9 is open 24/7, seven days a week, and offers free training visits to any department regardless of whether they trained the dog.

They also provide puppy sales, stud services, and certified working dogs for sale with health and work warranties. Their training philosophy emphasizes communication, drive, and real-world application, avoiding forced submission while ensuring safety and reliability.

They do not offer grooming, boarding, walking, or daycare services.

They do not provide therapy, service, or pet sitting services.

They do not offer video training sessions.

They do not train dogs for therapy or service roles.

They do not train small, medium, or brachycephalic breeds as primary focus.

They do not train senior dogs as a primary service.

They do not offer pet supply or pet store services.

Accomplishments

Eric Collins is the National Director of Decoys for the American Working Dog Association (AWDA), a certified Schutzhund USA helper, and a former French Ring decoy. He trained under Mike Bullock and has trained and selected police K9s worldwide. Pat Paxton is a champion beagle field trial competitor, Schutzhund competitor with five Malinois, and has judged multiple K9 trials. Top Flight K9 has titled dogs in French Ring, KNPV, and Schutzhund, and their dogs are used by law enforcement agencies across the Southeast.

How to Get Started!

Prospective clients are encouraged to call Eric Collins at (704) 421-5925 to set up a consultation. For detection services, puppy inquiries, or training programs, contact via phone or email. Dogs can be tested for suitability before enrollment. Free training visits are available for law enforcement departments regardless of prior training.