Top Gun Dog Training

Puppy Training and Dog Obedience Training run 8 to 16 private in-home lessons covering potty and crate training, basic commands (sit, down, stay, come), advanced cues (leave-it, drop-it, place), loose-leash walking, socialization field trips, and control of jumping, barking, play biting, and chewing. The Fast-Track program condenses the same obedience foundation into 12 sessions over four weeks for owners who want quick results. Specialty programs cover multi-dog households, leash reactivity, AKC Canine Good Citizen certification, therapy dog preparation (16 sessions), and behavior modification for fear, separation anxiety, resource guarding, and aggression. A rescue dog consultation provides an in-home evaluation and training plan for newly adopted dogs. Every program includes Dale’s book The Complete Puppy Training Manual, access to his online courses, a certificate of completion, and invitations to the free group training and pack walk sessions.

Pricing Summary

Published program rates: The Good Dog (8 sessions of basic obedience) $1,575; The Great Dog (12 sessions, intermediate obedience, includes AKC CGC) $2,175; The Best Dog (16 sessions, advanced obedience, includes 2 AKC CGC certifications) $2,675; 2-Dog Basic Training (12 sessions) $2,175; 3-Dog Basic Training (16 sessions) $2,675; Leash Reactivity Program (8 sessions) $1,675; Dog Behavior Modification (8 sessions) $1,875. Payment in full by credit card or PayPal, or financing through AfterPay, Affirm, or Klarna. A free 15-minute phone consultation comes first so the program and quote fit the dog’s goals.

Policies

Training is conducted in the client’s home and the owner must be present for the sessions. Sessions run 60 minutes. Behavior modification requires a foundation in basic puppy or dog obedience first and daily follow-through from the owner over an extended period; working alongside the dog’s veterinarian may be necessary. Therapy dog training prepares the owner and dog for testing but the certification test itself is administered by an outside organization, such as the Alliance of Therapy Dogs. Free group training and pack walks are by invitation, for current clients and graduates of the basic obedience program, and do not replace private sessions.

Top Gun Dog Training is a one-on-one, in-home dog training business serving Huntsville, Alabama and the surrounding Tennessee Valley. Owner and head trainer Dale Buchanan travels to the client’s home for every session, teaching house manners, leash manners, and socialization in the environment where the habits actually form. Field trips to nearby stores and public spaces are built into the programs so dogs learn to listen with people, dogs, and distractions nearby.

Dale founded Top Gun Dog Training after rescuing a Lab-Husky mix named Spaulding in 2008 and working with trainers across Alabama and Florida. He holds a CDTK (Certified in Dog Training Knowledge) through the Master Course and a Certificate in Dog Training and Behavior through the Core Skills Course at CATCH Canine Trainers Academy, is a member of the Association of Professional Dog Trainers, and follows the LIMA (least intrusive, minimally aversive) standard. His approach is built on positive reinforcement with minimal corrections: teach and reward the behavior you want rather than punish the behavior you don’t.

Programs run from puppy foundations starting at 10 weeks old through basic and advanced obedience, AKC Canine Good Citizen preparation, multi-dog households, leash reactivity, therapy dog preparation, and behavior modification for fear, anxiety, stress, and aggression. Free group training sessions and pack walks are offered twice monthly in spring and fall to graduates of the basic obedience program. Virtual coaching over Zoom or FaceTime is available for owners outside the service area.

Accomplishments

Named Best Dog Trainer in Huntsville, AL 2023-2026 and 2023 Best in Pet Training from CommunityVotes. Featured on Fox54 and WHNT 19 News in Huntsville. Host of the Puppy Talk Podcast and author of four best-selling dog training books on Amazon, including The Complete Puppy Training Manual. CDTK (Certified in Dog Training Knowledge) and Professional Dog Training & Behavior Certificate through CATCH Canine Trainers Academy. Member of the Association of Professional Dog Trainers and follows the LIMA standard. Continuing education with Suzanne Clothier, Ian Dunbar, Michael Shikashio, and Dr. Kristina Spaulding. 18 years of experience and more than 2,000 dogs trained.

How to Get Started!

Start with a free 15-minute phone consultation. Call or use the request form on the website to share your location, your dog, and your training goals. If it is a good fit, Dale sends over the program options and a rate quote, and you sign up for the program you choose. Results begin showing within the first lesson, and the program ends with a certification and a custom graduation gift.