Tops Kennel - Grayslake, Illinois

Sara S.

I researched the best training locations in my area and was also recommended to visit Tops Kennel. I have a Male European Doberman a little over the age of one and knew I wanted him to have professional obedience training. I decided to go with their three week board and train program and I can honestly say it was the BEST decision I could have made for both me and my boy Duke!!! Jason was absolutely phenomenal and I was truly amazed upon having my first session with my dog after three weeks! The tools and information I have learned have made me even more confident and excited to continue training every day with my dog. Incredible staff, facility, and overall amazing experience for me and my fur baby! Thank you Tops Kennel!!!

Claire M.

If you have a reactive dog, I would not recommend bringing them here. Despite our negative experience, we did have an initial consultation with Chris and she was great. She recommended a class setting and although we were hesitant due to his reactivity, we signed up.

Long story short we had to leave the group class because our dog could not calm down . Any time he reacted during the class, we were instructed to pull on his prong collar. The instructor refused to do a 1-1 lesson with our dog after. She called back recommending the board and train, even though she had just seen how he is around other dogs and was only in class for 20 minutes. In my option, a boarding situation with other dogs while using a prong collar would just make his reaction worse.

We are working with a new trainer that only focuses on positive reinforcement. She helped us understand that reactivity is often out of the control of the dog due to lack of socialization and comes from fear/anxiety. They should not be “punished” with a prong collar over something that’s not their fault. I wish they would’ve been upfront in the beginning that the trainers here are not qualified to handle reactive dogs (he’s not aggressive at all). Just know you have other options before bringing them here! Obviously they have a successful business but just wanted to share my experience.

Kat B.

Very concerned with the training practices of the staff here. Selina was very aggressive with our very sweet dog during a consult completely unprompted. Based on other reviews posted on here, this trainer has a history of profiling a certain type of dog regardless of their temperament. I would hope a dog trainer would have enough knowledge and experience to properly assess a dog's behavior and handle the dog without the need for physical punishment. I highly recommend others to read the reviews for this place. We will be looking for a more competent and experienced trainer.

Nick H.

I brought in my 6 month old chocolate lab to Tops, he was wild, strong and not very obedient. They were amazing. Within a few short weeks their training and methods worked like magic. People who met my Labrador before Tops Kennel can not even believe it’s the same dog. I’ve already recommended this place to several people for their dogs.

Ashley Y.

The trainers and staff are amazing and helpful. We have completed 2 classes and the board and train. Next month we will start our 3rd class. We recently went on vacation and we're unable to take our dog. They took excellent care of our dog and she loves it there.

Corynn S.

First time boarding my dogs for 10 days with them and by far the best care my dog has had while I travel every 5 weeks. My dog has never looked so healthy before after leaving him in someone else's care. This place is above and beyond. The service is amazing. You are allowed to call and check up on your dog. They're very accommodating. Im so pleased with this place. Seeing my boy happy and healthy, there's nothing more I could have asked for. Thank you guys. I HIGHLY recommend topps. I will be back 10000%. Best place ever.

Peter S.

I was at my witts end went through 3 trainers Before Tops was recommended I contacted Paula she had me come in with Max very high spirited GermnSherpherd Alex evaluated him Told me no problem we can help i dropped Max off for 4 weeks they always updated me Said he was doing great They were correct I went to classes to get training myself they did awesome job with Max Highly recommend

christopher B.

I just returned from vacation and I just picked my lovely dog Bruce and I found collar burn and he had a limp…. I talked to Selina and she had me wait for an hour .. she returned and told me to fill out a form as she stormed off I overheard her say in the back “that’s why we don’t take there peoples animals”…… I asked to see a manager and she said she was the manager…. So I went to call the humane society in front of her then she said do you just want your money back… I said no I want my dog back unharmed she stomped off and said what ever!!!! Do not leave your pet here ever!!!