My Approach.
The Living With Dogs Story
In 2014 I didn't start Top Dog because Kentucky needed another dog trainer.
I felt it was needed because in 2010 even after living with dogs for almost 30 years I needed help with our new dog. What I found left me with more questions than answers. The process of answering those questions led me to open Top Dog a few years later and has continued to motivate me.
My Living With Dogs approach comes from a combination of real life experience, the latest science and practical handling.
This isn't about perfect obedience. It's about reliability and having a dog you can share your life with.
HOW I GOT TO THIS
The Path That Brought Me Here
My journey with dogs didnt start in a classroom. It started in life.
Different chapters. Different lessons.
A LOT OF DOGS... all leading to the same understanding.
Dogs don't need more commands, they need less commands they do more reliably. That's what leads to the good life.
That's what helped me develop my Living With Dogs Approach.
-John
Somewhere Along The Way...
- We became obsessed with fixing things.
- Correcting normal dog behaviors.
- Managing their lives 24/7.
- Replacing relationship with obedience.
We forgot how to just live with our dogs intentionally and share the world with them.
The Living With Dogs Framework.
FIT
We start by making sure your dogs N.E.E.D.S. are met.
STRUCTURE
We create a S.I.M.P.L.E. framework as a basic foundation.
SKILLS
We distill everything down to a realistic and practical skillset.
FREEDOM
The end result is a reliable dog that can experience the good life.
REAL WORLD TRAINING
Built for everyday life.
PROVEN RESULTS
12+ Years in business.
FREEDOM TO EXPLORE
Building reliable dogs.
PREMIUM CARE
Individualized programs.
KENTUCKY BASED
Not another franchise.
MY STORY
Over a decade ago I left my position at a fortune 500 company and fulfilled a life long dream of working with dogs.
Growing up I was pretty obsessed with animals and had an unregistered zoo in my room complete with fish, lizards, snakes, birds, and more... but dogs were the one species that really intrigued me.
Whether I was taking my dog hiking in the woods or to the beach, I was always on an adventure and needed to be able to trust my dogs. Dog life continued after I met my wife and all while raising our kids. The kids have gone out into the world and now it's just us and the dogs... ours and a board and train or two.
You could say I'm a little obsessed with dogs and being the best trainer I can be... I have studied, practiced, coached other trainers and presented at multiple conferences.
I have also volunteered, led committees, served on boards and won awards.
My goal is to be a life long learner and use all of the knowledge and experience I have gained to help humans and dogs.
