I'M JOHN

Like most dog trainers I grew up with animals... reptiles, rodents, fish, birds and of course dogs. 

Dogs really became my focus after I left the military.  I wanted to be able to take my dog to the beach, hiking and as many places as possible to give them the ability to explore the world around them.  So without access to the internet, youtube or professional trainers I read books and worked on functional obedience... walking on a leash, a solid recall and the ability to be still.

A few years later I met my wife and she brought her dogs... yep, I said dogs. 

Our family grew with more humans and dogs over the next decade plus until 2013 when I proposed a crazy idea to take this "life with dogs" hobby and make it a career. 

For some reason she thought it was a good one...

we created a plan...

and in 2014 I opened Top Dog Training Kentucky.

Over the next decade the business has grown and I've had so many amazing opportunities.

I've presented at conferences on training both dogs and humans, I've served on boards and committees with international organizations related to the pet industry, I've worked with politicians in multiple states on dog and dog trainer related legislation and in 2020 I was honored to be selected as Member of the Year for the International Association of Canine Professionals, an organization of over 3000 members who span the globe.

I have handled specialized cases including rehabilitation of dogs rescued from the Korean Dog Meat Trade and those that suffered sever abuse and neglect.

All of that said... in the end I truly feel it's all about working to better the individual human and dog in front of me to help create an unbreakable bond.

MY TRAINING  STORY

I am a life long learner and love all things dog.  

My passion has always been understanding the "WHOLE" dog...

Who they really are...

What makes them tick...

Where we need to step in and be their guide...

When do we just let them be dogs...

Why we need to teach them...

and 

How we can we do it for the overall benefit of both of us.

In my journey to understand dogs...

Aside from my university degree, over the last 3 decades I've easily spent hundreds of thousands of dollars in courses, certifications, lessons, licenses, live in schooling, and travel related specifically to understanding and hands on working with the domestic dog.

I also try to stay active in the industry by attending and presenting at different conferences, volunteering and participating in various groups as well as looking for ways to expand my knowledge and continually add to my toolbox.