Virtual Online Dog Training For Everyone From Anywhere!

Our Philosophy

group of people with dogs practicing heel position

Building a Lasting Relationship

Topnotch training was established in 1981 by Karen D'Augusta and has become one of the longest-running dog training schools in Northern California – with 1,000s of owners and dogs graduating from our programs.

We believe that all dogs need boundaries and training. Consistent and patient training should start from the very first day and continue through the dog's lifetime. Positive reinforcement and lots of praise and love are the foundation for successful and rewarding companionship.

We believe training doesn't need to be painful or scary. YOU can create a loving bond, an enthusiastic learner, and a trusted partner… we'll show you how!

Our goal is to help owners ensure that their dogs are well-rounded and well-behaved in any social setting or circumstance. Now you can learn from Topnotch professionals from the comfort of your own home –virtually from anywhere!

At Topnotch Training, we value your canine's development and your health equally. Thus we decided to move exclusively to an online training format. All group and private sessions are conducted via Zoom.

Our virtual training sessions are small, so you receive the same personal attention as our in-person classes. The curriculums are the same as our fun and incredibly successful courses we've been running at physical locations for 30+ years.

Read more about How It Works and the benefits of Virtual Training.

Training Good Canine Habits From the Start

Repetition Builds Success and Consistency Speeds It Up

Our focus is on helping owners through positive reinforcement techniques ensure that their dogs are well-rounded and well-behaved in any social setting or circumstances. Further, training classes provide instruction that includes rules for each type of event, which assists owners and their dogs to enter competitions with a positive outcome.

A class atmosphere provides camaraderie and support between the students and their dogs. This sense of sportsmanship ensures that everyone has a positive experience.

Topnotch Training offers virtual training classes in four-week sessions throughout the year in Puppy Life Skills, Obedience, and Rally. Each venue offers beginning to advanced levels. As owners and their dogs master a skill set, they can advance to the next level.

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OUR BRAND | excellence and honor

Why is OTCH Capped in Our Logo?

We often get asked and appreciate the opportunity to provide some background on our logo and brand.

Obedience Trial Champion (OTCH) title is often referred to as the “Ph.D.” for dogs and is the highest obedience honor a dog can receive. To compete in the AKC National Obedience Championship, dogs must be the top OTCH and OTCH-pointed dogs in their breed. In 2018, there were 118,316 entries in AKC obedience trials, and only 69 OTCH titles earned. You can find more information at AKC.org.

When our logo was developed many years ago, it was stylized to emphasize OTCH, representing a pinnacle of achievement and a distinctive characteristic in a crowded market segment.

Topnotch Training has been producing happy working dogs with satisfied owners for over 30 years. Virtually located in Manteca, California, our training begins with Puppy Life Skills teaching good habits from the start and continues through all levels of Obedience and Rally.