Tip Top K9 Dog Training

Posting here as well, for visibility. Owner is the same at this location and Zephyrhills. BE AWARE. When we enrolled Maple in the training program, we were told we would receive regular daily updates, including photos and progress reports. Instead, I often had to reach out every other day just to receive any information about how she was doing. As a dog owner, this lack of communication was stressful and concerning. When Maple was returned to us, we were unexpectedly told there was an outstanding balance due, despite the fact that we had paid the full amount on the first day. While this was eventually resolved, it was concerning that such a significant payment had not been accurately tracked. The return experience itself was also troubling. When the trainer arrived, Maple was not secured with a seatbelt or restraint in the vehicle. As soon as the driver's door opened, she ran out. While closing the door, her tail became caught, causing her to scream in pain. We were advised to monitor her tail for possible injury, and immediately afterward the trainer stepped away to take a phone call, remaining outside our home for several minutes before beginning the handoff. Once inside, Maple appeared exhausted, frightened, smelled strongly of cigarette smoke, and her coat felt oily. During the training demonstration, we were instructed on how to use the e-collar. Maple repeatedly yelped while wearing it, and when we expressed concern, we were told that her discomfort was part of the training process and that we needed to continue giving commands while increasing the stimulation level as instructed. Unfortunately, the training results did not reflect what we had been promised. Shortly after the trainer left, Maple ignored every command we attempted, ran through the house, and even urinated on our bed. We consistently followed the instructions we had been given, including carrying and using the clicker throughout the day as directed, but we continued to experience the same behavioral issues. When we contacted Tip Top K9 Zephyrhills for support, we were repeatedly told that we needed to be "proactive, not reactive." While I understand the importance of consistency in dog training, we were already making every effort to follow the program exactly as instructed. We have young children in our home, and despite explaining our situation multiple times, our concerns were dismissed. Rather than discussing possible solutions, we were told we must not have been following the training correctly. Before enrolling Maple, I had openly shared my hesitation about using an e-collar. However, I was willing to try the program because our previous family dog had bitten our son in the face, leaving him with significant permanent scars. Finding a safe and effective training solution was incredibly important to our family. This program represents a significant financial investment. Based on our experience, the communication, customer support, and training outcomes did not meet the expectations that were set during the sales process. When we voiced our concerns, we were told we were being disrespectful simply for explaining why we were dissatisfied, and the owner ultimately left our home during the conversation. I truly wish our experience had been different. I wanted this program to succeed and hoped Maple would return with the skills we were promised. Unfortunately, that was not our experience. We did not receive a refund, and we are left disappointed with both the results and the way our concerns were handled.

Chris was our trainer for both of our dogs Jedi and Obi. Jedi is older and has anxiety with thunder and fireworks. I was shocked when they came home and Chris was walking us through our training at how well Jedi handled the thunder storm outside. He still had anxiety but his overall reaction was a complete 180 from before! It was worth it for him go through it. Obi is 5 months and you can see how well he is listening. It is great how the dogs still have their play time to be just regular dogs but still have much better behaviors and follow the commands. I can honestly say the training was worth it. Thank you Chris and the rest of the Tip Top K9 Tampa staff!