DOG TRAINING CLASSES | TOP NOTCH DOG TRAINING | PUPPY TRAINING

We offer a wide range of classes to suit every age & need. Click on the link & open the current information/pre-registration form for that class, or contact us for additional information.

(no link? email us for details on any class you are interested in.)

Click on the class name to open the file in .pdf format. Please email if you require a different format.

All classes require pre-registration!

December Mini Classes!

Mini Puppy Class - The best time to train a puppy is NOW! Don't miss out on those critical early training opportunities - it's easier to teach the correct behaviors now instead of untraining bad behaviors later.

Dog Sport Sampler -

Classes will include:

Introduction to K9 Nosework. Watch a demo & then try some searches with your dog! Learn how the sport began & why it’s so good for our dogs.
AKC Rally - Learn how to navigate a Rally course with Obedience exercises at each sign along the way. If time allows, some tricks will be taught as well.
Canine Good Citizen - See if your pup has what it takes to become an AKC CGC Title holder, or what he needs to work on to get this title.

Reliable Recalls - get your dog to come when called! This class works on distractions & having a recall you can count on.

Heeling- Understanding the finer points & working for precision. Class includes teaching attention, footwork and precision.

Obedience Run Thrus - Utility, Open, Novice & Beginner Novice are offered. These are timed run thrus, work on what you need to work on! (Must be pre-registered)

Rally Run Thrus - Novice & Advanced courses will be offered. Now is your chance to work on those troublesome signs!

Seasons Greetings & Neutral Meetings - Have you been dreaming of taking your dog to fun dog friendly places? Not quite there yet? Do you have a Jumper? This is the class for you!

Intro to Nosework - NEW CLASS FORMING IN JANUARY!

If you've always wanted to try this fun & amazing sport with your dog, now is the time! There are no pre-requisites for this class, however if your dog has any behavioral issues, please let us know. For more info about Nosework, click here. For more info about joining this class, Click on the class name above for registration info. We often have a waiting list for this class.

January schedule coming soon!

Puppy Headstart -May class now available!

Puppy Headstart

New Puppy? Sign up for our Puppy Headstart class. Good for any puppy under 18 weeks of age! Puppy class helps you to start out on the right paw. You will be astonished by how much your puppy learns. This is great class for the first time puppy owner AND seasoned owners! Enrollment in Puppy Class includes 2 free ebooks by Dr. Ian Dunbar!

Basic Obedience & Manners -

Sign up now for the September session - our classes fill very quickly! This class is for any dog over 18 weeks of age that needs basic training (That's every dog!). Our skilled staff will help you to teach your dog manners, impulse control, leash walking, stay and much more! (Is your pup under 18 weeks? Check out Puppy K Headstart)

Better than Basic - (Prerequisite: Basic Obedience & instructor approval) -

September Registration now available! A follow up class for owners & dogs that want to improve on the skills learned in Basic Obedience & Manners. Leash walking, stays, no jump greetings & come when called are the main focus of this class.

AKC Beginner Novice plus CDSP Starter Novice & MORE! - (October registration now available!)

A 5 week class on Friday evening. Have fun while you prepare your dog for the AKC Beginner Novice and CDSP Starter Novice titles. This is a titling class for ALL dogs - mixed breeds welcome! (Prerequisite: Better than Basic Obedience & Instructor Approval)

AKC/CDSP Novice and BEYOND -

A 5 week class on Friday evenings. Learn how to prepare your dog for the AKC Novice, and CDSP Novice, and BEYOND. You should always work on new things! This is a titling class for ALL dogs - mixed breeds welcome! (Prerequisite: Beginner Novice/CDSP Starter Novice class &/or Instructor Approval)

Competition Level Classes - Monday mornings

5 Week class starts in October -These are Monday AM classes! Drop Ins may be available - email for info! This class may be divided into 2 sections, depending upon enrollment. Novice for those working towards their AKC Companion Dog (CD) Title, Open/Utility for those working on their Companion Dog Excellent (CDX) and/or Utility Dog (UD) titles. Very advanced training - students must be instructor approved.

AKC Rally -

A 5 week class. October registration now available. This is a fun class for dogs & owners alike. Join the fun as you learn the AKC Rally signs! Owner & dog move through courses at their own pace, very similar to rally-style auto racing. (You must be instructor approved for this class)

Therapy Dog Prep Class -

VERY Limited enrollment! This 10 week class prepares the dog & handler team for the Therapy Dog International Certification Test. You must have instructor approval for this class; dogs need previous training.

K9 Nosework/AKC Scentwork - Looking for advanced classes?

Email us if you are interested in joining an advanced K9 Nosework class! These classes fill quickly! Please include the current level your dog is working at, and what your experience with K9 Nosework is.

At Top Notch, we believe that one should always try new things,

so check back often to see what we are offering next!

Special Events Check here for new additions to our schedule, exciting seminars and MORE!

Aggression, Reactivity & Resource Guarding

Are you having issues with resource guarding? Aggression towards dogs or people? Reactivity to dogs? These issues can be very scary for owners, and we are seeing them more often with the influx of poorly socialized dogs. Our recommendation is to contact a Veterinary Behaviorist for help with these issues. There are veterinarians that have been Board Certified in Animal Behavior that can help - you can search for them here: American College of Veterinary Behaviorists

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Classes listed below are not on our current schedule - email for information on when they may be offered!

Potpourri of Dog Sports

A fun 5 week class that will introduce you to a few of the many canine sports that are available. These may include Rally, Obedience, Tricks, Freestyle and more! (Prerequisite - Instructor approval. Minimum class requirement is Better than Basic)

AKC Trick Dog Class -

Dogs will work to earn their AKC Trick Dog titles. Who says you can't teach an old dog new tricks? This class is designed to teach the skills your dog will need to earn the AKC Trick Dog Novice title - You will test the last night of class.

Mini Puppy K class -

Class begins in July! Get your puppy started on the right paw this summer. This fun class will help you learn how to manage your puppy's behavior, channel his energy in a positive direction and teach basic, helpful commands.

Meet AKC Fit Dog Program!

Are you interested in having a Fit Dog? This course will give you a basic overview of the AKC Fit Dog program and introduce you to some of the exercises and equipment used. Tuck sits, kick stands, rear end awareness and stride lengthening exercises are some of the things you will learn.

Who Let the Dogs Out?

This group class will take you and your dogs to a different local environments each week and put you through exercises to help you and your dog be comfortable and confident out in public. Dogs must be of a friendly nature and not dog reactive. Dogs should have previous training - Better than Basic or higher.

Loose Leash Walking -

This mini class will teach you how to keep your dog from dragging you down the road and back. Limited enrollment - don't miss out! (Coming 2023)

Recall Reliability!

Here's a chance to work on having your dog come when called - every time! Instructor Laurie Cafaro will help you & your dog to

work through some very distracting environments!

Tricky Dog Training

NEW CLASS! This is a fun class for those who want to spice up their dog training by using Tricks. A great way to build teamwork & precision - you can also work towards an AKC Trick Dog Title in this class. Skills taught can be used in various sports - Obedience, Agility, Rally and more!!

AKC Canine Good Citizen Class -

Sign up for March! A Limited Enrollment class! This 5 week class is designed to prepare you & your dog for the AKC Canine Good Citizen test. Testing included in cost of class.

AKC Community Canine Class (CGC-A) -

Limited Enrollment!A 5 week class to prepare you & your dog for the AKC Community Canine (CGC - A) test. Testing included in cost of class. (Dogs must have CGC Title to participate)

Therapy Dog Prep Class -

First Aid for Pets -

Learn how to care for your dog in an emergency, and how to tell when to take your loyal friend to the veterinarian.

Let's Go for a Walk!

Starting in July this mini class may be just what you need! Have you been struggling with your pooch when you go for a walk? Are you having difficulty keeping control in new environments? Does your dog think every other dog wants to play? Or feels the need to greet every person? If you answered YES to even one of these, this is the class for you. In this mini class, we will start with a short obedience warm up, followed by a group walk.

NEW! Dog Sport Sampler -

Here's your chance to try some of the fascinating sports that are available for your dog. Some of the sports that may be introduced are: Rally, Agility, K9 Nosework, Obedience and more! (You must have instructor approval for this class.)

Breed Handling -

Look for this registration in November! Get ready for shows! Prepares handlers and their up & coming Champions for the world of dog shows. Learn how to show your dog to his best advantage & what to expect when you get in the ring.

Intro to Agility -

Learn the FUN-damentals of beginning Agility training with your dog. This class will help you learn how to start on the right foot (paw) with your canine partner. Good for dogs of all ages. Very helpful to teach control, direction and teamwork! Dogs MUST have a minimum of Top Notch “Better than Basic”, be able to work off leash in a controlled environment & be approved to enter this limited enrollment class.