Topnotch K9 Professional Dog Training

Dog Training Classes

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Autumn 2024

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Puppy Class!

For puppies up to 18 weeks of age at the start of class.

You will learn how to teach your dog behaviors such as sit, down, come, leave-it, target and loose leash walking.  You and your puppy can earn your AKC S.T.A.R. Puppy at the completion of this class.  If you wish to get your puppy off to a good start, this is the class for you.

We will cover common behaviors, body language and any problems you may be experiencing with your puppy. Techniques for handling unwanted behaviors will be covered such as jumping up, chewing, house soiling and mouthing.  We will go over nail clipping, grooming, diet and exercise.

This is a positive reinforcement, force-free class.  Please have your puppy on a flat buckle collar or harness and 6-foot leather or nylon leash.  No prong, choke or electric collars.  No Flexi-leashes.


Puppies should be up to date on puppy vaccinations.

Puppies must have a fecal parasite test to start class.


Start Date: Monday, October 14, 2024; 7:00 pm

  • 6-week class session
  • Place:  Topnotch K9, Marengo, IL
  • Cost:  $140

To Register: email: kimberly@topnotchk9.com



Puppy II Class

This class is for puppies aged four to nine months.  We will help you and your puppy progress as you continue to develop behaviors introduced in puppy class.  We will continue to work on the behaviors introduced in puppy class such as sit, down, come, place, settle, leave-it, target, tricks and loose leash walking.  Techniques for handling unwanted behaviors will be covered such as jumping up, chewing, house soiling and mouthing.  We will go over nail clipping, grooming, diet and exercise.

This is a positive reinforcement, force-free class.  Please have your puppy on a flat buckle collar or harness and 6-foot leather or Nylon leash.  No prong, choke or electric collars.  No Flexi-leashes.


Puppy should be up to date on puppy vaccinations and have a fecal parasite test to start class.

Start Date: Monday, September 16, 2024; 5:00 pm

  • 6-week class session.
  • Place: Topnotch K9, Marengo, IL
  • Cost:  $140


Start Date: Saturday, October 12, 2024; 12:30 pm

  • 6-week class session.
  • Place: Topnotch K9, Marengo, IL
  • Cost:  $140


To Register: email: kimberly@topnotchk9.com


Beginner Obedience Manners

This is a 6-week positive reinforcement class designed to help you train your dog to be a well-mannered pet.   Training methods, equipment, nutrition, play and dog behavior will be discussed in the first class.

In this class you will teach your dog sit, down, come, loose leash walking, leave it, and drop it.   Canine Good Citizen test items will be introduced such as handling, greetings and supervised separation. Class size limited to 4 dogs.


This is a positive reinforcement, force-free class.  Please have your dog on a flat buckle collar or harness and 6-foot leather or nylon leash.  No prong, choke or electric collars.  No Flexi-leashes.

Start Date: Tuesday, October 15, 2024; 7:00 pm

  • 6-week class session
  • Place:  Topnotch K9, Marengo, IL
  • Cost:  $140


Start Date: Saturday, October 12, 2024; 10:45 am

  • 6-week class session
  • Place:  Topnotch K9, Marengo, IL
  • Cost:  $140


To Register: email: kimberly@topnotchk9.com



Obedience Manners (Obedience 2)

This is a 6-week positive reinforcement class designed to help you train your dog to be a well-mannered pet. 

In this class we will continue to build on foundation skills you started in beginner obedience.  We will also be adding the 3 D's, Distance, Duration and Distractions.  This class will help you work to build a more durable behavior in preparation for Canine Good Citizen Class.  Class size limited to 4 dogs.

This is a positive reinforcement, force-free class.  Please have your dog on a flat buckle collar or harness and 6-foot leather or nylon leash.  No prong, choke or electric collars.  No Flexi-leashes.

Start Date: Tuesday, October 15, 2024; 5:30 pm

  • 6-week class session
  • Place:  Topnotch K9, Marengo, IL
  • Cost:  $140


​To Register: email: kimberly@topnotchk9.com



​​Introduction to K9 Scent Detection™

Introduction to K9 Scent Detection™ is a fun class for all types of dogs, all energy levels, ages 6 months and older. Begin your journey with your dog to compete in the sport of Nosework.  This class is perfect for the shy/fearful/reactive dog. No prior training required. K9 Scent Detection™ is a FUN activity where your dog gets to use his natural, amazing ability to smell. You will learn how to read your dog’s body language while he is searching for the target odor.  Each class is 1 and ½ hours long to allow sufficient time for each dog and handler team.


Start Date: Wednesday, October 2, 2024; 5:00 pm

  • 6-week class session
  • Place:  Topnotch K9, Marengo, IL
  • Cost:  $165


Start Date: Saturday, October 5, 2024; 3:00 pm

  • 6-week class session
  • Place:  Topnotch K9, Marengo, IL
  • Cost:  $165


To Register: email: kimberly@topnotchk9.com

Other details regarding this class:

Each dog takes his or her turn individually.  So, if you have a dog that is dog reactive or aggressive, he or she can have fun without the worry about the presence of other dogs. All dogs will be crated, in your car away from the area where we are searching, until it is their turn.

Bring several different, high-value treats for your dog (if he is food motivated). Examples: are hot dogs, cheese, lunch meat, liver treats- something your dog does not usually receive. Usually a quart size Ziploc bag full of treats will last through a single class.

If your dog prefers toys to treats, bring several of his favorite toys. We have found that what your dog finds especially rewarding at home may not be so in the classroom.

Wear comfortable clothing and shoes (close-toed, flat heeled shoes).

No prong, choke collars or head control collars. This is a FUN class! A flat buckled collar with a nylon or leather leash (no Flexi-leashes). If your dog is a puller and you have an easy-walk type of harness that is fine. We will switch the clip so it does not act as a restraint on your dog while searching.

This class does not require any skills on the dog or owners’ part. This is an obedience-free class. The dog is teaching us in this class and he gets to be a dog, have fun and do what comes naturally.



K9 Nose Work® - K9 Scent Detection™ Introduction to Odor

K9 Scent Detection™ Introduction to Odor is a fun class for all types of dogs, all energy levels, ages 6 months and older. This class is perfect for the shy/fearful/reactive dog.

Prerequisite: Introduction to K9 Scent Detection™, or instructor approval.

K9 Scent Detection™ Introduction to Odor is a class where we build upon the foundation laid in Introduction to K9 Scent Detection™. We begin to expand the scent detection game by introducing the target odors used in competition. We also begin to refine handler technique and search strategies. By the end of the class the handler and dog team should be prepared to participate in the National Association of Canine Scent Work, Odor Recognition Test (ORT).  Each class is 1 and ½ hours long to allow sufficient time for each dog and handler team.  Class duration may be adjusted if less than full registration.

Start Date: Wednesday, November 6, 2024; 6:45 pm

  • 6-week class session
  • Place:  Topnotch K9, Marengo, IL
  • Cost:  $165


To Register: email: kimberly@topnotchk9.com


Other details regarding this class:

The game really gets fun with this class. All class rules from Introduction to K9 Scent Detection™ apply. This is an obedience-free class, by this we mean that we apply no corrections to the do while learning. No aversive training techniques are utilized nor tolerated. The aim of this class is for both the canine and handler to have fun.

Wear comfortable clothing and shoes (closed-toed, athletic type shoes). Class participation is encouraged. We begin working on problem solving, search design, and search location selection. 



Continuing K9 Scent Detection™ 


K9 Scent Detection™ for fun & Competition 


For teams that have completed the Introduction to K9 Scent Detection™ and K9 Scent Detection™ Introduction to Odor classes and wish to move to the next level. This class prepares teams for competition while having fun building a stronger communication bond between dog and handler.  Each class is 1 and ½ hours long to allow sufficient time for each dog and handler team. 

Start Date: Friday September 13, 2024.  Ongoing class with open registration.

  • Place:  Topnotch K9, Marengo, IL
  • Cost:  $30 per drop-in class
  • To Register: email: kimberly@topnotchk9.com


Prerequisite for K9 Scent Detection™ Introduction to Odor, or instructor approval.  


 Other details regarding this class: 

Continuing K9 Scent Detection™ is a class where we build upon the foundation laid in K9 Scent Detection™ Introduction to Odor. We also begin to refine handler technique and search strategies. In this class we concentrate more on the search elements utilized in competition.  Student are coached to prepare for trial competition. We also cover the requirements for scent detection competition venues such as NACSW- K-9 Nose Work, UKC NoseWork, AKC and C-Wags Canine Scent Detective. 



Private Lessons

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  • Private and semi-private training may be arranged. 
  • All training is an informed consent assumed risk activity.
  • Signed waivers required for each participant.


For questions about private and semi-private dog training please submit a contact form or contact Kimberly by email at; kimberly@TopnotchK9.com.


We do not provide drop-off training at this time.  Though we are confident that we can train your dog to respond to cues, we believe that it does not adequately prepare the handler.