REDEFINING

DOG TRAINING

BY HELPING YOU UNDERSTAND YOUR DOG & THEN GET RESULTS!

FOR OVER A DECADE

I'VE BEEN HELPING PET OWNERS!

GIVE ME 60 DAYS...

AND I'LL GIVE YOU A BETTER RELATIONSHIP WITH YOUR DOG!

Do any of these sound familiar?

I've done dog training programs before.

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.

I've used trainers before and all we did was learn some commands.

If you want help… let's talk.

SCHEDULE AN EVALUATION HERE!

I take a practical, common-sense approach to training—one built on clarity, trust, and reliability between you and your dog.

For over 12 years now, I’ve helped thousands of dogs and their families—from raising puppies the right way to working through challenges like reactivity and aggression.

But real success isn’t about just learning commands.

It’s about preparing dogs for the life they’re actually living.

I’ve spent years learning, testing, and refining systems that hold up in the real world—whether that’s at home, in public, or out on the trail.

My focus is simple: help dogs "fit" into the world around them, create "structure" that reduces chaos, build practical "skills" that translate beyond the session, and earn the kind of "freedom" that makes life together bigger—not smaller.

Because training isn’t about quick fixes or gimmicks.

It’s about building understanding, alignment, and a partnership that lasts.

Hey there!

I'M JOHN.

I’ve had dogs for most of my life.

Now in my mid-50s, that adds up to a lot of years — but experience alone doesn’t make someone a professional.

For over 12 years, I’ve worked full-time in the dog training world, helping families navigate real challenges while raising and training my own dogs along the way.

My dogs have taken me from the backyard to the backcountry and into a number of different sport and working dog adventures.

I’ve helped clients build those same kinds of experiences in their own lives — whether that’s traveling, enjoying a calm coffee shop afternoon, or simply having peace in their home.

What I’ve learned is this:

Those moments don’t happen by accident.

They’re built through clarity, structure, practical skills, and earned freedom.

That’s what my "Living With Dogs" approach is about — helping dogs and their people move through the world together with confidence.

FOLLOW ME ON MY SOCIALS FOR TIPS, INFO, AN INSIDE LOOK AT LIVING WITHT DOGS & A WAY TO GIVE YOURSELF A BETTER IDEA WHO YOU ARE WORKING WITH... YOUR DOG DESERVES THAT.

TOP DOG FB PAGE

See announcements, service offerings, my life with dogs, behavior help and educational content!

MY INSTA PAGE

A real life mix of dog training, behavior insights, service offerings, life with my own dogs and more!

MY YT CHANNEL

Behind the scenes of Top Dog KY, my cases and thoughts on welfare and dog training.

MY PRO FB PAGE

My personal reflections on training philosophy, debates in the dog world, and daily life with my dogs.

LET'S WORK TOGETHER...

A PROGRAM FOR ALMOST EVERYONE!

From everyday “selective hearing” to more serious challenges like reactivity, fear, or aggression—I’ve got programs designed to help.

Some owners prefer one-on-one private lessons at my training location, in your home or even virtual.

Others may want a little more help, like day training or a full board & train where your dog lives and learns with me in my home on my property with my dogs.

No matter what you and your dog are facing, I’ll help you figure out the right fit so you can make real progress together.

GO TO PROGRAMS

OR SCHEDULE AN EVALUATION HERE

HERE ARE A COUPLE TESTIMONIALS FROM PREVIOUS CLIENTS!

"Spoiled by our first dog experience, we adopted a new puppy (Petra) that proved to be quite the handful. As much as I hoped for a quick fix, John taught us that the solution wasn’t a magical formula, but understanding and raising our new family member for a lifetime. He has worked with us extensively, and has helped us navigate several twists and turns. Overall, if you want a trainer who truly cares about the relationship between you and your dog, we highly recommend John.."

Stephen L.

"Lincoln’s training program was tailored specifically for him based on his personality and the behaviors he was exhibiting. Even more importantly, John taught ME how to work with him to encourage the behaviors I want and discourage those I don’t. He explained everything from Lincoln’s point of view to help me understand why he behaved the way he did and how he would interpret my response to his behavior. We do a lot of hiking. He enjoys the freedom of exploring off leash and I have peace of mind knowing he will come to me when I call him. I highly recommend John and Top Dog Training!."

Devin B.