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About KellyI began working with dogs in 1998 and finished my certification in 2002. I received my Certification From Tarheel Canine Academy of Sanford, NC. Specializing in Canine Behavior problems. I am a member of the Association of Pet Dog Trainers. I believe in continuing education for all dog trainers. I have worked with a wide variety of dogs and behavior problems. I am a strong advocate against cruelty to animals and encourage everyone to rescue a dog when they can. There are so many dogs out there without a home and only need some training to help them merge into our households. My own dog was a rescue from the Holland Humane Society. He is a Newfoundland/Lab mix. His name is Argos. I also have a Border Collie named Topper. I live in the Fennville/Saugatuck area with my husband and daughter. Training PhilosophyMost behavior problems come from a lack of communication, this can be solved though obedience and a basic understanding of your dog's thinking process. I believe that every dog is an individual and all dogs' behaviors can be modified. I have experience working with all types of training methods. My perferred method of training is using food. I believe you need to introduce commands in a positive manner in order to help your dog learn successfully. Yes, there does come a time when you might need a little back up and that is when we will add a collar for support. This method gives you and your dog a positive experience with training. Testimonials"Top Dog Saved our Family! We were so desperate about our Lab, Bear and Kelly came in and saved the day!" The Bryant Family Saugatuck, MI.  "We were impressed with your knowledge of our not well-known breed (Italian Greyhound) and appreciated the flexibility of the Top Dog Program to meet our specific needs. I would definitely recommend Top Dog to any dog owner. The one on one training experience in our home couldn't have been better." Glenn & Lisa Kauppila Fennville, MI. "Your caring and prompt visits were so encouraging and helpful for all of us. Your frequent phone calls helped us stay focused." Don, Linda & "Rascal" Piffer Fennville, MI.
"We will need to stay up on training-but we got the desired results in not very much time. I think that the individual lessons are worth the extra money (over group lessons) because it was all focused on them, they worked the entire time, and we got results much more quickly than the general type class Maddie did when she was a puppy ( that took 10 weeks for the basics). I also liked the positive teaching methods because we don't yell at the dogs any more, and they behave better. Positive works, and is easier on us and them!" "Thanks again for your help. As is usual in these situations, the dogs were easily trainable while their owners needed more work. You showed me that positive and consistent reinforcement was the way to go, and that if there are setbacks, just go back to the beginning to start again. The setbacks never lasted longer than an hour or so-which means the dogs are just testing us. Hopefully that will stop with time as well, but at least I know what to do now, and am not worried about Cricket taking off running out the door never to be seen again." Very Truly yours, Scott D. Feinstein Douglas, MI & Chicago, IL. 
"I can't begin to express how grateful we are to you for your help with obedience training for both Nemo and Schylar (deaf). From our first meeting, I could tell that you had a real interest in the difficulties we were facing, and that you were thoughtful and knowledgeable in your decision on which training method to utilize. And throughout our training, you constantly came up with new ideas to help us solve our problems." "It has become a pleasure taking Nemo out on walks and letting him interact with people - and eventually even other dogs. We have seen such a great change come over him during our training time, and it is amazing how much more relaxed and obedient he has become. And who would have ever thought a 5-year-old dog with arthritis could begin agility training? and he LOVES it!!!" "I know Schylar was the first deaf dog that you took into your program, and it was a challenge you took with enthusiasm. The fact that you were willing to learn with her helped make all the difference! We thought that we had trained her decently on our own, but the change in her is amazing. We knew that we had a very special dog the day we brought her home, and now we have a wonderfully happy dog that we can "talk" to. I know that obedience training, as well as agility, has helped to open up a whole new world for her!!!!" "Kelly, thanks so much again for all of your help and direction. We are all looking forward to continuing in agility and moving on the Canine Good Citizen!! And please, if you have any potential clients that are hesitant in their decision on training because they feel it will "break" their dogs spirit - I will be happy to tell them the truth - that their dogs will have the same wonderful personality as before, but with better manners and a more positive attitude!"
Best Regards, John, Tricia, "Schylar", "Nemo" Topping Douglas,MI.
Top Dog Pet Trainers have made a huge difference in our lives. We have a wonderful puppy named Hemmy, he is very smart and headstrong dog. We have special needs because Hemmy needed to learn to work with an electric wheelchair, and it is hard to get a puppy to listen anyway. Kelly took the time to work on our specific needs, even bringing Samantha, her little girl, to help us with a jumping problem that we had. Hemmy is about a 40# dog and he loves people so much we couldn't control his need to jump, thanks to Samantha's help he listens to children. He stops and lays down to be petted, he still wiggles like a worm but he is not hurting anyone. We really struggled with the decision to spend the money on training because we are on a fixed income and it's hard to make ends meet, but we have not once regretted a dime of the cost. We are all a lot happier in our home since we have learned to communicate our needs. I know I speak for us all. Rob, Hemmy and I have a great relationship and look foreword to growing together for many years to come. It's nice to know that if something comes up we have Kelly's continued support. We can call if need be. I strongly recommend the training program Kelly has to offer if you intend to take your relationship with your pet to the best level for everyone. Your pet deserves to be understood, he has needs too. I believe we have achieved the ground work for a wonderful life together.
God Bless Rob Libby Hemmy
Anonymous Comments:"Kelly has a firm and kind way of dealing with both pet and owner. Our dog is no longer the talk of the town."
"By addressing each of our dogs individual needs, we were able to learn how to correct their individual problems!"
"I was very pleased and thrilled for Douglas because he was headed for doggy heaven!!"
"Kelly was always just a telephone call away. She really helped us alot in gaining camaraderie with training Roma."
"I was sure Cricket would ignore Kelly as she had me, WRONG!! From Cricket's reaction to Kelly I could see hope for me, and we got the desired results. Kelly's methods are fun for the dogs, and they love their time with her."
Some of these testimonials do not appear in their entirety. You may read them on request when Kelly visits for her initial evaluation.Thanks to all whom have written to us. It is much appreciated!
We wanted to thank you from the bottom of our hearts, for your patience and understanding, during our basic obedience training course; yes I do mean ours, as much as Dixie's. We were amazed, how you seemed to know just exactly, what Dixie needed from us, and how we could work toward achieving our goal of living with a puppy that would listen and behave; well most of the time - she is a beagle! We, through your guidance, learned to understand our dog and how we best could reach him and help him to understand our expectations. I am happy to say now 4 months after our graduation from your program, we have a loving, content and happy dog. Thanks again, it was nice working with you and nice to know that I can call you any time for advice
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