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!
SIGN UP NOW FOR APRIL CLASSES -
Puppy K Headstart Class - (Sign up now for May/June)
New Puppy? Sign up for our April class & help your puppy to get a head start! 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!
Sign up for the May/June 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) -
May/June 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.
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.
AKC Beginner Novice plus CDSP Starter Novice & MORE! - June registration now available!)
A 5 week class. 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)
A 5 week class. Have fun while you 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)
5 Week class starts in late May - Wednesday AM class! 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.
Novice Rally & More - NEW!
Learn how to navigate a Novice (and more) Rally course with your dog. This is a fun sport that uses signs with obedience exercises on a numbered course. It's fun for dogs that want to keep learning!
AKC Rally - NEW! Monday daytime class added!
A 5 week class. April info available (email to check availability for this popular class) 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)
April registration available now! 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.
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 to email for availability. We often have a waiting list for this class.
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!
Private Sessions & Behavior Counseling -
Are you having problems with your dog that you don't feel classes will address? Private training & Behavior Counseling is available in your home with Pat Tetrault. Sorry, we currently aren't working with aggression/possessive issues. Call or email for details. 845-592-1688 email: TopNotchDogs@optonline.net
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!
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.
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)
Potpourri of Dog Training
A fun 5 week class designed to work on and proof the skills you've learned so far. A great class to prepare you and your dog for Canine Good Citizen testing, as well as improving attention & reliability. (Prerequisite - Instructor approval. Minimum class requirement is Better than Basic)
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)
Agility FUN-damentals - (Watch for this class in Fall 2022)
Learn the basics of how to begin 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.
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.
AKC Canine Good Citizen Class -
Sign up for January! 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.
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.
I Got a New Puppy, Now What?
This 3 week summer mini class will cover the basics of puppy training until September classes begin! Don't miss this critical time for socializing & training your new pup.
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.
Effective immediately ALL students
that are not vaccinated must wear a
face mask when attending
a class at Top Notch!
We are now allowing 2 people per
dog in a class.