5th Annual Train the Trainer

Training the Trainers: Three-Day Conference Recap

At Tip Top K9, we believe in continually pushing ourselves to deliver the best dog training services across the country. That’s why we recently hosted an incredible three-day Train the Trainer Conference, and it was a massive success! This event brought together the owners and head trainers from 10 of our 20 locations, all eager to refine their skills, share experiences, and grow as a team.

A Unique Opportunity with a Purpose

This wasn’t just another training session—it was an opportunity to work with some of the most challenging dogs imaginable, all while giving back to the community. We partnered with two amazing rescue organizations:

• Skiatook Paws and Claws, a no-kill shelter dedicated to rescuing abandoned or stray country dogs.
• Helpless Hounds Rescue, an underfunded and overloaded organization that works tirelessly to save dogs in desperate need.

The dogs we trained during this event came from these rescues, many of them struggling with severe anxiety, aggression, or fear. Several had never walked on a leash, let alone mastered obedience skills. This provided the perfect real-world challenges for our trainers to tackle.

Intense Training and Lifesaving Results

Over the three days, our trainers worked tirelessly with 15-20 dogs at a time, focusing on essential skills like common commands, sitting automatically, place and stays under heavy distraction, and leash walking. With so many high-energy and high-anxiety dogs in one space, the atmosphere was a flurry of barking, wagging tails, and hard work.

Our corporate team didn’t hold back—they were relentless in nitpicking and enhancing each trainer’s techniques. From leash handling to managing behavioral issues, every trainer walked away with sharper skills and greater confidence. The effort paid off, as we saw amazing progress in these shelter dogs, many of whom are now closer to finding their forever homes.

More Than Just Training

This event wasn’t just about refining technical skills; it was about reconnecting with our mission. At Tip Top K9, we specialize in working with the “tough cases”—dogs with anxiety, aggression, or behavioral issues that others may shy away from. Partnering with these rescues reminded us why we do what we do: to make a difference not just for the dogs, but for the families who will one day welcome them into their lives.

Looking Ahead

The conference was a testament to the dedication of our franchise owners and trainers. Everyone returned to their locations not only with new skills but also with a renewed sense of purpose. We’re incredibly proud of the hard work put in by our trainers and grateful for the partnerships with Skiatook Paws and Claws and Helpless Hounds Rescue.

We’re excited to see how this event will elevate training standards across all our locations and how the dogs we worked with will thrive in their new homes. If you’re considering a Tip Top K9 franchise, know this: our commitment to excellence, education, and giving back is second to none.

Here’s to continuing to make a difference, one paw at a time!

— The Tip Top K9 Team