About FlatTop K9

FlatTop K9 trades under the line "Man's best friend deserves the best training" and is run by Tim Russell, who trains the dogs himself.

What they publish

The listed services are Obedience, Private Lessons, Board & Train, Behavior Modification and E Collar. Private Lessons are "one-on-one training at your home, our training location, or a location of our choosing." Board & Train means "your dog will stay at our FlatTop K9 facility while we work on all the commands needed for you and your dog to be successful," with the dog interacting with the trainer's own dogs and family, and the stay ending in "a Go home lesson and follow up lessons." Boarding is offered "in a home setting" and priced openly: "$50/day for first dog, $47/day for each additional dog." Throughout any board and train, "you will receive updates on your dog's progress with pictures and videos."

The method

The About page describes a relationship-first sequence: "FlatTop K9's style of training first starts with building a relationship with the dog! Once a bond and trust is established, then the training begins." The motivators are named – "How do I reward or motivate the dog??? Food and Play!" – and the owner's share of the work is put bluntly: "You, the owner must be committed in order for your dog to be successful long term!!!" The support does not stop at pick-up: "When your dog finishes their stay with us, I will teach you how to be successful with your dog. With that being said, the training never stops!!!"

The trainer

Tim Russell writes that his interest began in childhood, that his first German Shepherd developed a nerve issue in her spine and had to be put to sleep at four, and that the loss deepened his wish to help other dogs. He credits the chance "to train, study and learn from some of the top trainers in this business," and founded FlatTop K9 with his family's encouragement.

A note on the service list

"E Collar" appears on the business's own menu as a listed item. It is a tool rather than an outcome, so ask whether it is used for off-leash work.