GIVE ME 2 MONTHS AND I'LL GIVE YOU A BETTER BEHAVED DOG!
Do any of these sound familiar?
I am overwhelmed by my dog’s behavior.
I feel lost with my new puppy.
I’m jealous of other people casually walking their dog on leash.
I am embarrassed when people come to visit and my dog jumps all over them.
I get frustrated when I call my dog and they ignore me.
If so… I can help.
LATEST NEWS AND OFFERINGS

***NOW BOOKING RESIDENCY BOARD & TRAINS FOR SUMMER 2023!***
I am currently booking Residency Board and Trains for July 2023. I only take one dog at a time and your dog will live with me, my family and my dogs on our property on Oldham County. The program includes Private Lessons to teach you as well. An Evaluation/Intro Lesson must be completed to secure your spot!
I'm John Imler
I'm a Professional Dog Trainer and owner of Top Dog Training, Kentucky. I am recommended by a number of local veterinarians in the area and teach out of Barbour Lane Animal Hospital in Louisville, KY
In 1995, after getting out of the military I got my own “problem dog” and needed help dealing with aggression and reactivity. Our family had dogs growing up but this one was mine and I had to figure out what to do… that started a passion of working with dogs.
Fast forward almost 2 decades to 2014 where I left a successful position at a Fortune 500 company and turned a passion into a career opening Top Dog Training Kentucky serving Kentuckiana.
Read My Story
Every owner can have their own Top Dog...
It's my goal to help make that happen...
My basic dog training program is the “Foundations to Functional Program” which is designed to fundamentally change the relationship you have with your dog from often a position of mutual "misunderstanding" to one of clear communication and mutual respect. It is based on on building trust and takes into account the fact that both the dog and the owner play a role in the success of a training program. I have used this on thousands of dogs. This program can be modified to address everything from obedience issues and manners to aggression and reactivity.
My clients are guided by regular lessons, access to me via text and phone as well as online video support and a maintenance guarantee that lasts as long as you have your dog.
So whether you choose Private Lessons, Board and Train or my Small Group Lessons… I focus on the dog AND the human… and I can help.

John has been excellent in helping me to understand how my own behavior and excitement effects the progress with training my dog. John's training methods are the right balance between positive reinforcement and structure.
_
Patty and Sadie
FIND THE PROGRAM THAT'S RIGHT FOR YOU
1
PRIVATE LESSONS FOR PUPPY AND ADULT DOGS
"FOUNDATIONS TO FUNCTIONAL" PRIVATE LESSON PROGRAM
The "Foundations to Functional" Private Lesson Program consists of Six 1-hour Private Lessons every two weeks over the span of 2 to 3 months. Due to the flexibility of lessons, this program can be tailored specifically to the dog and client based on information gathered in the evaluation. Some clients choose to move on to complete the "Free Dog" Advanced Curriculum upon graduation.
2
BOARD & TRAIN FOR PUPPY AND ADULT DOGS
BOARD AND TRAIN PROGRAMS FOR PUPPIES AND ADULT DOGS
Our board and train program is where your puppy or dog will live with me and interact with my family and my dogs. I will personally work with them on my "Foundations to Functional", "Puppy Foundations" and/or include the "Free-Dog" Advanced Program and then follow that with Private Lessons to make sure you understand your dog's new skills.
You will receive constant updates throughout the process as well.
3
ONLINE PROGRAMS FOR PET OWNERS & TRAINERS
1:1 VIRTUAL COACHING AND ONLINE COURSES
Whether your schedule is too crazy or you are out of the area? I have worked with average pet owners who are facing out of control dogs to people trying to raise the perfect puppy to trainers trying to get ahead or started in the industry.
I offer 1:1 virtual coaching on a number of topics that can be tailored to your situation, online courses (coming soon) and hybrid programs that include both online courses and 1:1 online virtual coaching.