Testimonials
Because we use positive training and fully guarantee our classes, you will get results while
you and your pup have fun learning. Here are just a few thank yous that we've received.
Most of our clients are busy having fun with their dogs, but some have the time to write a Google Review.
you and your pup have fun learning. Here are just a few thank yous that we've received.
Most of our clients are busy having fun with their dogs, but some have the time to write a Google Review.
"I was looking for a dog trainer and Barry was highly recommended to me by a friend. After observing just one class I was so impressed with the control and response he was receiving from all the dogs. I was hoping he had a spot available for me and my female German shepherd, I was pleasantly surprised with the training space…it was larger than most, clean, and the number of dogs allowed per class was such that it allowed for more personal attention. As a first time dog owner, I needed to find someone that had experience training German shepherds and was able to train my dog for my personal needs. My German shepherd has come a long way with the help of Barry. With just one 8 class session, my 9 month old shepherd has calmed down incredibly. I can now walk into the class without her pulling or barking at the other dogs. She has learned to sit, heel on and off leash, and sit-stay. She enters the class much calmer and Barry has toned down her incredibly prey drive. We go for walks in the park and she does not pull to chase any ducks, geese or squirrels. That’s progress! We are still working on her prey drive but I am happy with the progress my shepherd has made. I am looking forward to seeing how much she progresses in the next couple of months. Barry is extremely patient and he has also taught me how to be a patient dog owner as well. Thank you so much Barry!"
Review from one of our 10-year old clients
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Another client, Lindsay J says, "I have attended obedience classes at Top Dogs with both of my young dogs since last fall. It has been such a fun, rewarding experience that I have decided to pursue obedience trials with my dogs, something I have never done before. Barry, the owner and instructor, has extensive experience for raising, training and showing dogs. My dogs love going to his class, and it is a great bonding experience for us. Barry also offers homework or suggestions that we can work on during the week, as well as helpful tips for managing or reinforcing behaviours and skills. Classes are kept very small so that every dog has individual time and attention to practice during class time. But the best part of coming to Top Dogs is how dedicated Barry is to everyone’s dogs and their success. He tailors his classes to what the dogs or owners in the class need and is willing to try different approaches if someone just isn’t getting it. His excitement and enthusiasm is contagious! We look forward to continuing!"
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"We would like to thank you very much for all of your help with Dozer this past while. There has definitely been a major improvement in him from when we first started! Mom and I have really enjoyed coming to the classes and have learned a lot. We will continue working on what you have taught us with him and be in touch in the future."
"Simply put, Top Dogs Training works. Barry draws on his championship experience that is equal parts firmness and fun. Owners enjoy it as much as the dogs!"
"Maddie, my 11 month old husky, was becoming a handful until I took obedience classes with Barry. She looked forward to every class, probably more than I did, as I knew the dog’s success was based more on how well I did following directions. Maddie is smart and it is all about training the trainer. Huskies, I have learned, take a little longer to train as she has a lot of excess energy. But, I am pleased that if I continue to be consistent, Maddie will do well. She can now walk on the leash for at least an hour. She is learning to stay calm when she approaches people rather than jumping on them. Now I must work on calming her when the door bell rings. But Barry has given me specific directions and I know she will do well."
"Training my puppy with Top Dogs under Barry’s leadership has been very productive, informative and fun. The depth of Barry’s knowledge allows him to zero in on the dog’s problem or the handlers. Barry isn’t afraid to seek outside help if an occasional problem arises which he can’t fix. I’m thrilled and amazed with the results of my training with Top Dogs. My 10-month old puppy is happy, confident and obedient. I would not hesitate to train another dog with TOP DOGS."
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At eight months old, my bernese mountain dog, Bear, was friendly and playful but easily distracted and struggled to follow direction. He was a chore to walk and would dart from side-to-side and pull to meet other people and animals.
I enrolled in Barry’s puppy class with the hope of a more manageable dog. At the end of our eight week session, my expectations were met and exceeded. The change did not happen overnight, and I spent the first few weeks chasing Bear around class and listening diligently to Barry’s advice and watching his demonstrations. By weeks four and five, I started to notice progress, and by week seven, things really started to click. At week eight, Bear was heeling off-leash, sitting attentively beside me if I stopped and responding promptly to a number of commands.
Barry fixed my dog and I would recommend him to anyone looking for guidance. The small class size allows plenty of focused one-on-one direction, and Barry’s method of positive reinforcement absolutely works. He is a wealth of knowledge and a world leader in dog training. It is clear that he cares about each student and takes pride in their success. Thank you, Barry."
I enrolled in Barry’s puppy class with the hope of a more manageable dog. At the end of our eight week session, my expectations were met and exceeded. The change did not happen overnight, and I spent the first few weeks chasing Bear around class and listening diligently to Barry’s advice and watching his demonstrations. By weeks four and five, I started to notice progress, and by week seven, things really started to click. At week eight, Bear was heeling off-leash, sitting attentively beside me if I stopped and responding promptly to a number of commands.
Barry fixed my dog and I would recommend him to anyone looking for guidance. The small class size allows plenty of focused one-on-one direction, and Barry’s method of positive reinforcement absolutely works. He is a wealth of knowledge and a world leader in dog training. It is clear that he cares about each student and takes pride in their success. Thank you, Barry."
"The training my Westie, Dougall, and I received was great. Barry is a no-frills guy and offers real life experience in addition to his competition training. The classes were small and everyone received the attention they needed. Our dog had fun, learned the necessities, heeling, sitting, waiting, down, and fetch in addition to some fun things just for him. He would run to the classes as he enjoyed them so much. Barry answered any additional questions about barking, begging, waiting at the door, etc. and would tailor things for your dog. This wasn’t the ‘Big box Store’ style of training and I was happy for it.
Most importantly we learned that nothing is overnight, it is all in being consistent and it is really training for the owner. Barry gives you the tools to train and practise with your dog. How we feel and interact with the dogs affects their behaviour. We are still working on our lessons but he is definitely on the right road and better behaved at one year of age for it."
Most importantly we learned that nothing is overnight, it is all in being consistent and it is really training for the owner. Barry gives you the tools to train and practise with your dog. How we feel and interact with the dogs affects their behaviour. We are still working on our lessons but he is definitely on the right road and better behaved at one year of age for it."
"I have been going to Obedience classes with my dogs for about 20 years. After I got Ruby I decided I wanted to see if I could find a new place to go. I was looking on the Internet and I found Top Dogs. I liked what I saw and thought I would give it a try.
Barry’s knowledge of dogs is amazing. He makes training dogs look so easy. I have learned many new techniques that actually work. The class sizes are small so there is lots of individual attention. We not only do the regular obedience such as heeling, sit, down, stay and come but we do the more advanced obedience work which challenges both Ruby and me. It keeps the classes interesting and most of all fun.
Ruby is turning into a well behaved dog and we will continue to go to Top Dogs as long as they have classes."
Barry’s knowledge of dogs is amazing. He makes training dogs look so easy. I have learned many new techniques that actually work. The class sizes are small so there is lots of individual attention. We not only do the regular obedience such as heeling, sit, down, stay and come but we do the more advanced obedience work which challenges both Ruby and me. It keeps the classes interesting and most of all fun.
Ruby is turning into a well behaved dog and we will continue to go to Top Dogs as long as they have classes."
"As a first time dog owner of a three year old German Shepherd, I wanted to find the right professional dog trainer to help me gain the confidence I needed to make daily activities with my new dog a pleasant experience. I went to the Academy not really knowing what to expect. As I watched a class in progress, I saw Barry in full control and the dogs so attentive, just wanting to please. Since then, and in a very short period of time, we have made great progress, as dog and owner have learned a lot...walking beside me, not bothering with other dogs or barking at them, just all around more obedient and content. Although it was never my intention to be in a ring with my dog, I truly feel like I have a dog that I can show every day! Barry’s knowledge, humour and confidence radiate through the training facility and it is not by chance that the dogs and owners respond so well to his firm positive energy."
"My name is Connor Warner I am a 16-month-old Irish Wolfhound. My breed is also known as a trustworthy guardian and a loving family member. I started Puppy Obedience training in London with a good school and I did pretty good. Due to their training schedule I couldn’t go there any longer.
I asked around and I heard about Barry Harrison owner of Top Dogs Training Academy in the Kilworth area.
What a difference Barry has made in me. I started when I was 11 months old and now after 6 months I am ready for competition. Barry’s years of experience have not only taught me but also my human Mommy and Daddy for making me, not just a good dog but, a great dog. Thank you Barry for starting me on the first part of Obedience Education, I can’t wait to graduate and start my next level of training."
I asked around and I heard about Barry Harrison owner of Top Dogs Training Academy in the Kilworth area.
What a difference Barry has made in me. I started when I was 11 months old and now after 6 months I am ready for competition. Barry’s years of experience have not only taught me but also my human Mommy and Daddy for making me, not just a good dog but, a great dog. Thank you Barry for starting me on the first part of Obedience Education, I can’t wait to graduate and start my next level of training."
"I first met Barry in London and watched awestruck as he worked with Splash who was only 6 months old. They were an impressive duo with Splash’s avid attention on Barry heeling along beside him so happily.
Now that’s what I hoped to do with my new Corgi pup, Morgan. We started with Barry in June that year and have achieved many titles already. Morgan is a head strong little guy who challenges me frequently. I have trained many other dogs with limited success and usually a less happy working dog. Barry’s methods are fun, creative and challenging for the dog and handler. We learn new things at every class.
Barry always has solutions to my problems for both the dog and my own handling. Barry doesn’t hesitate to consult his network of training peers for assistance in dealing with our various breeds of dogs. I highly recommend Barry and Top Dogs Training Academy to everyone to train their dog."
Now that’s what I hoped to do with my new Corgi pup, Morgan. We started with Barry in June that year and have achieved many titles already. Morgan is a head strong little guy who challenges me frequently. I have trained many other dogs with limited success and usually a less happy working dog. Barry’s methods are fun, creative and challenging for the dog and handler. We learn new things at every class.
Barry always has solutions to my problems for both the dog and my own handling. Barry doesn’t hesitate to consult his network of training peers for assistance in dealing with our various breeds of dogs. I highly recommend Barry and Top Dogs Training Academy to everyone to train their dog."
I rescued a one yr old German shepherd dog with no previous training. I started taking him to Top Dogs Academy when he was 18 months old and thought there was no hope for him (or me). Walking him was getting to the point where I was embarrassed. Sometimes I would get hurt because of the pulling. We’ve only been training with Barry for a few weeks and I can already see the difference. I feel proud walking my dog and can’t wait to see how well behaved he will be in a few months from now. Barry is extremely patient and we’re lucky to have found him. There’s a reason they call him The Dogfather." ~Karina
There really are no words…. What can I say about Barry and training with him. I first time I met Barry at a dog show in the U.S. December 2013 and his reputation proceeded him. After a few days of hanging out together and watching him with his dog Luna in the obedience ring, I decided that my goal for 2014 would be to take a trip to Canada with my dog Gretl to train. In May 2014, I got the opportunity to travel for a week to see Barry. When I got to Canada with my 2 yr old Flat-coated Retriever Gretl, we were a mess as far as training went.
Gretl barely walked on a leash and had no focus, and, after having already spent a year working w/ Gretl myself, I had very little confidence in myself and my dog. We just weren’t where I’d hope we be. Berry help me understand that just like Rome not being built in day neither would training my dog be. He help simplify training so that I didn’t overwhelm my dog or myself.
After a week long “boot camp,” I was worn out and my head was spinning (but not in a bad way). In one week, Barry aka “The Dog Father” had put us on the path to success. The training had been intense but fun and my dog was doing things that I never thought possible. Gretls healing had improved 100% and her attention was where it needed to be, On Me! The best part was that I was doing the work with my dog. Barry had provided excellent instruction but did not train the dog for me. He never gave up on me no matter how many times I slipped back into my old bad habits. He trained us together and made us a team. Knowing that I could get the same results out of my dog as the trainer did wonders for my confidence.
When I left Canada I had the skills and knowledge to continue training my own dog at home and felt confident that I could do it. If absolutely nothing else I learned that ATTITUDE IS EVERYTHING! Having a positive attitude is key. Believe and you will succeed . Now every time Gretl and I go out to train, it is a positive session.
Barry’s training is AMAZING and I know that I will be back for more (can’t wait!). I would recommend his training to any one with dogs. No matter if you want to rock the competition obedience ring or just looking for a better relationship with dog at home, you won't fail under Barry’s instruction.
Christine Ramunno & Gretl
Gretl barely walked on a leash and had no focus, and, after having already spent a year working w/ Gretl myself, I had very little confidence in myself and my dog. We just weren’t where I’d hope we be. Berry help me understand that just like Rome not being built in day neither would training my dog be. He help simplify training so that I didn’t overwhelm my dog or myself.
After a week long “boot camp,” I was worn out and my head was spinning (but not in a bad way). In one week, Barry aka “The Dog Father” had put us on the path to success. The training had been intense but fun and my dog was doing things that I never thought possible. Gretls healing had improved 100% and her attention was where it needed to be, On Me! The best part was that I was doing the work with my dog. Barry had provided excellent instruction but did not train the dog for me. He never gave up on me no matter how many times I slipped back into my old bad habits. He trained us together and made us a team. Knowing that I could get the same results out of my dog as the trainer did wonders for my confidence.
When I left Canada I had the skills and knowledge to continue training my own dog at home and felt confident that I could do it. If absolutely nothing else I learned that ATTITUDE IS EVERYTHING! Having a positive attitude is key. Believe and you will succeed . Now every time Gretl and I go out to train, it is a positive session.
Barry’s training is AMAZING and I know that I will be back for more (can’t wait!). I would recommend his training to any one with dogs. No matter if you want to rock the competition obedience ring or just looking for a better relationship with dog at home, you won't fail under Barry’s instruction.
Christine Ramunno & Gretl
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I’ve always wanted to take one of my dogs into the obedience ring, but have been intimidated by it. I’ve had over thirty years of trainers with my various dogs, and have done conformation, agility and rally, but Obedience was something that was always just out of my reach.
One night of training with TOP DOGS TRAINING ACADEMY and my eyes were opened! I could do this stuff! Barry had so many helpful hints, simple training aids and suggestions that I have visions of actually getting a UD! I had no idea that a lot of the obedience work involves proper footwork and body language from me to cue my dog. A few quick pointers and ideas and my dog was working so much closer with me and with more attention than ever. I’ve been training for a couple of months now with Barry. He has a maximum of four students per class which allows for excellent learning time for individuals. He can pinpoint different issues quickly and get them sorted before they become bad habits. After class I am thrilled to see the direction we are going and the progress we have made. It is hard to believe that after thirty years of training I can be this excited and eager to attend my next class! What a difference a good trainer makes! Watch out, one of these days my girl is going to be a “TOP DOG” in the obedience ring too! --Penny & Georgia |
Top Dogs Training Club is committed to only positive training and positive reinforcement for puppies and dogs of all ages. We offer puppy and dog training workshops, private sessions and classes. Our training classes have limited, small class sizes for personalized training. Top Dogs Training Club specializes in training you, so you can train your dog. Our puppy classes are rated the best in London, Ontario and the surrounding area. In our puppy class, beginner class and puppy workshops, you will learn the skills and train your dog heeling off leash, giving you their complete attention, coming when called, and so much more. You will be amazed at how quickly your puppy dog will learn to sit, heel, stay, come when called, and have lovely manners to greet and meet people. Learn how to stop your dog from pulling on the leash and dragging you everywhere. Train your dog to have a reliable recall even with distractions. Overall, our classes will help your puppy dog become a self-confident, attentive and well-mannered. You will get fantastic results using all positive training techniques that work even on dogs that are not “food motivated”. Unlike other local training centers, we do not use electronic collars or other negative training tools in any way. Our puppy class has a 100% success rate with a money-back guarantee. We work with all sizes of dogs from big to small and everything in-between. We train all breeds of dogs, purebred and recues. We work with young puppies and we do teach old dogs’ new tricks. We have had complete success with hard-to-train dogs. Our positive training works whether this is your first puppy or whether you are an experienced dog owner. We offer classes at all levels of experience for dogs and their owners. Our puppy classes are for young pups who need to learn everything. We offer additional classes that train intermediate and advanced pet obedience and good manners. We also offer specialized competitive obedience training classes that has resulted in successfully earning more than 18 Obedience Trial Champions (OTCH), many Master Obedience Trial Champions (MOTCH) and countless lower level obedience titles. So, whether you have never owned a dog before or whether you want to train at any level of competitive obedience, we can help you and your dog meet and exceed your training goals. Our classes have a high success rate with a guarantee because we know that our training techniques work. They are 100% proven, positive and guaranteed. We have countless testimonials, too many to publish. We are highly recommended by veterinarians. We have excellent reviews that we are the best classes our students and their dogs have ever taken. And the best news is that they all have fun in class! Happy dogs and happy owners with proven, guaranteed results.
