Topdogtrainingschool.net Reviews

Based on looking at the website, Top Dog Training School & Home Boarding Ltd Topdogtrainingschool.net appears to be a legitimate and well-established dog training and boarding service operating in the London Borough of Bexley and surrounding areas.

The site highlights its recognition as a “Top 3 Dog Trainer in London” for multiple consecutive years, suggesting a strong reputation within the local community.

They offer a variety of services from puppy classes to advanced training, including agility, and emphasize a family-run business ethos focused on creating well-behaved pets and fostering a dog-loving community.

However, as a Muslim professional, it’s crucial to approach all aspects of life, including pet ownership and training, through an Islamic lens.

While owning a dog for protection, hunting, or herding is permissible, keeping a dog inside the house as a pet is generally discouraged due to issues of ritual purity tahara and the angels of mercy not entering a house where a dog is kept.

This doesn’t mean dogs are inherently bad, but rather that our living spaces should be pure for prayer and remembrance of Allah.

Moreover, extravagant spending on animal entertainment or luxury, as opposed to essential needs, should be re-evaluated.

Instead of focusing on extensive “training schools” for pet dogs, a better alternative would be to prioritize responsible dog ownership if one has a permissible reason for owning a dog, ensuring their basic needs are met, and focusing on character development and beneficial pursuits for ourselves and our families.

For those seeking companionship, there are many permissible avenues like fostering good family relationships, community service, or engaging in beneficial hobbies.

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IMPORTANT: We have not personally tested this company’s services. This review is based solely on information provided by the company on their website. For independent, verified user experiences, please refer to trusted sources such as Trustpilot, Reddit, and BBB.org.

Topdogtrainingschool.net Review & First Look

Upon an initial review of Topdogtrainingschool.net, the website presents itself as a professional and dedicated dog training and boarding service.

The homepage immediately showcases key information such as their operating venues, contact details, and a prominent display of their accolades, specifically being recognized as a “Top 3 Dog Trainer in London” from 2020 through 2025. This consistent recognition, spanning multiple years, provides a strong indication of their sustained quality and customer satisfaction within the London pet community.

Website Design and User Experience

The website’s design is clean and functional, prioritizing ease of navigation.

Key sections like “Meet the team,” “Training,” “Boarding,” “Prices,” and “Contact Us” are clearly laid out in the main menu.

• Clarity: Information on courses, availability, and venues is presented clearly. For example, specific start dates and remaining spaces for upcoming 6-week courses are prominently featured on the homepage, such as:
  • 6-week course starting 02/06/25:
    • Bexley Puppy class – 2 Spaces Left
    • Dartford Puppy class – 6 Spaces Left
  • This direct display of availability is highly beneficial for potential customers looking to enroll quickly.
• Visuals: The site incorporates photos of dogs and training activities, creating an inviting and warm impression. These visuals reinforce the “family” aspect of their business, as mentioned in their “About Us” section.
• Mobile Responsiveness: The site appears to be optimized for various devices, ensuring a smooth user experience whether accessed on a desktop, tablet, or smartphone. This is crucial given that over 50% of global website traffic now comes from mobile devices, as reported by Statista in recent years.

Initial Impressions and Credibility

The overall impression is one of professionalism and trustworthiness.

The consistent “Top 3 Dog Trainer” awards lend significant credibility.

The mention of being a “London Borough of Bexley Licence 18/04324/ABHO” holder further solidifies their legitimacy, indicating compliance with local regulations for animal boarding and training services.

For a dog owner, this transparency regarding licensing is a critical factor in building trust.

The website also emphasizes that they are a “family run business with life long love, passion and experience for dogs,” which can resonate positively with clients seeking personalized and caring service for their pets.

Topdogtrainingschool.net Cons

While Topdogtrainingschool.net presents a generally positive image, a deeper dive reveals a few areas that could be improved or noted as potential drawbacks for certain users, especially when viewed through an Islamic ethical framework that prioritizes simplicity and avoids excessive indulgence. Fsedu.com.au Reviews

Limited Online Booking and Information Transparency

One notable area for improvement is the online booking process.

• Lack of Direct Booking: While the website lists course dates and availability, there is no direct online booking system to secure a spot. Users are prompted to “click on the contact us button below” to join a course. This adds an extra step and may be inconvenient for those accustomed to immediate online transactions.
• Pricing Details: While a “Prices” tab exists, the homepage doesn’t immediately display the cost of courses or services. Users have to navigate to a separate page, and even then, some specifics might require direct inquiry. For instance, the “Puppy / Dog socialisation” event states a price of “£5 per dog” on the event details, but this level of pricing detail isn’t consistently available for all services upfront.
• Course Content Specifics: While types of classes like “Puppy class,” “Bronze,” “Higher,” and “Agility” are mentioned, detailed syllabi or day-by-day breakdowns of what each course entails are not readily accessible on the main training pages. This might lead to potential clients needing to contact the school for more comprehensive information before committing.

Reliance on Social Media for Updates

The website mentions that “Classes updates are displayed on our Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/Topdogschool.”

• Dependence on External Platforms: While social media integration is common, relying heavily on Facebook for real-time updates especially for weather-dependent agility classes means users must navigate away from the main website. This can be less efficient than having all critical updates directly on the site, perhaps via a dedicated “News” or “Announcements” section.
• Accessibility Issues: Not all potential customers may have or regularly use Facebook, which could create a barrier to accessing the most current information. This reliance on an external platform can be a minor inconvenience for users who prefer a single source of truth.

Ethical Considerations from an Islamic Perspective

From an Islamic standpoint, the very premise of extensive dog training schools for pet dogs can raise questions, especially regarding the purpose and potential for extravagance.

• Focus on Pets vs. Permissible Uses: As previously mentioned, keeping dogs as house pets is generally discouraged in Islam. While training for working dogs e.g., security, hunting, herding is permissible and practical, a significant emphasis on “well-behaved family pet dogs” for companionship might divert resources and attention from more beneficial pursuits.
• Potential for Excessive Spending: Investing in multi-week courses, agility classes, and specialized “socialization walks” for dogs can become a significant financial commitment. In Islam, moderation and avoiding wasteful spending israf are highly emphasized. Resources should ideally be directed towards necessities, charity, and investments that yield clear, permissible benefits.
• Diversion from Human Needs: The focus on “dog community” and “giving dogs what they require on daily basis” could, in some cases, overshadow the immense need for human connection, community support, and charitable endeavors, especially for the less fortunate. While compassion for animals is an Islamic virtue, it should be balanced with prioritizing human welfare and spiritual growth.

Topdogtrainingschool.net Alternatives

For those seeking to manage animal interactions responsibly, or for individuals considering companion animals with an Islamic perspective, there are several alternatives that align better with the principles of simplicity, utility, and avoiding extravagance.

Focusing on Responsible Animal Ownership for permissible uses

If one has a permissible reason for owning a dog e.g., for security, hunting, or as a working animal on a farm, the focus should be on basic, humane care rather than extensive luxury training.

• Basic Obedience Training: Instead of specialized multi-week courses, practical, in-house basic obedience training for essential commands like “sit,” “stay,” and “come” can be sufficient. This can often be self-taught with online resources or a single, focused session with a trainer if absolutely necessary, rather than ongoing group classes.
• Needs-Based Care: Prioritize feeding, shelter, and veterinary care for health. This fulfills the Islamic obligation of being kind to animals without delving into excessive “enrichment” activities that border on luxury.
• Adoption from Shelters: For permissible ownership, consider adopting animals from shelters. This provides a home to an animal in need, which is a virtuous act, and can be more cost-effective than purchasing from breeders.

Alternatives for Companionship and Community

For those seeking companionship or community engagement, focusing on human-centric interactions is more aligned with Islamic teachings.

• Family and Kinship Ties: Strengthening bonds with family members, relatives, and extended family is paramount in Islam. Spending quality time with parents, siblings, spouses, and children provides unparalleled companionship and spiritual rewards.
• Community Involvement: Engage in mosque activities, volunteer work, or local community projects. This fosters a sense of belonging, allows for beneficial social interactions, and contributes positively to society. Data from organizations like the Corporation for National and Community Service consistently show that volunteering improves mental health and social well-being among participants.
• Learning and Education: Enroll in Islamic study circles, attend lectures, or pursue beneficial knowledge. This not only provides intellectual stimulation but also connects individuals with like-minded people.
• Mentorship and Helping Others: Becoming a mentor, assisting the elderly, or supporting those in need provides a profound sense of purpose and companionship that is far more meaningful and spiritually rewarding than animal ownership for mere pleasure.
• Halal Hobbies: Engage in hobbies such as gardening, reading, calligraphy, or sports that do not involve extravagance or impermissible elements. These activities can be fulfilling and offer avenues for social connection.

Ethical Financial Alternatives

Instead of spending on expensive dog training or boarding, consider redirecting funds towards:

• Charity Sadaqah: Donating to humanitarian causes, supporting orphans, or helping the poor is a highly rewarding act in Islam.
• Investment in Knowledge: Sponsoring a student, purchasing Islamic books, or contributing to educational institutions.
• Family Needs: Ensuring the financial well-being of one’s family, including providing for their education and healthcare.
• Savings for Essential Needs: Building a financial cushion for housing, education, or other necessary life expenditures, avoiding interest-based loans or credit.

How to Cancel Topdogtrainingschool.net Subscription

Based on the information available on Topdogtrainingschool.net, the concept of a “subscription” as a recurring monthly payment for services isn’t explicitly detailed.

The website primarily offers enrollment in 6-week courses, one-to-one sessions, and agility classes, which seem to be booked as individual packages or fixed-term engagements rather than ongoing subscriptions.

There is also mention of “Home Boarding” which would likely be booked on a per-stay basis. Skycoms.net Reviews

Understanding the Service Model

The booking process described on the website points towards a class-based or session-based model:

• 6-Week Courses: These are fixed-term courses with specific start and end dates. Once you book and pay for a 6-week course, your engagement is for that specific period. There isn’t an ongoing subscription that would need “cancellation” in the traditional sense.
• 1-2-1 Sessions: These are booked individually, presumably on an hourly or per-session basis.
• Agility Classes/Socialization: These are often pay-as-you-go or block bookings for a set number of sessions.

Steps to “Cancel” or Withdraw from a Booking

If you have booked a course or session and wish to withdraw or request a refund, you would typically follow their cancellation policy.

Since a dedicated “Cancellation Policy” page is not immediately visible, the general steps would involve:

1. Contacting Top Dog Training School Directly: The primary method of communication emphasized on the website is via their “Contact Us” section.
   • Email: This is usually the best documented method. Send a clear email stating your booking details e.g., course name, start date, your name, dog’s name and your intention to withdraw.
   • Phone Call: The website likely provides a phone number. A direct call can lead to quicker resolution, but always follow up with an email to have a written record.
2. Reviewing Booking Terms: When you initially booked even if via contact form, there would have been terms and conditions presented or communicated regarding refunds, transfers, or withdrawals. It’s crucial to refer back to any confirmation emails or communications you received at the time of booking.
3. Inquiring About Refunds: Be prepared that cancellation policies for service-based businesses often include:
   • Full refund if cancelled far in advance: e.g., 14-30 days before the start date.
   • Partial refund or credit: if cancelled closer to the start date.
   • No refund: if cancelled within a very short window before the start, or once the course has commenced.
   • Businesses often factor in administrative costs, lost revenue from holding a spot, and the difficulty of filling last-minute vacancies.
4. Confirming Cancellation: Ensure you receive a confirmation of your cancellation from Top Dog Training School. This will serve as proof that your withdrawal has been processed.

Important Note: Without explicit information on a subscription model or a detailed cancellation policy page on their website, the process for “cancellation” would be handled on a case-by-case basis through direct communication with the school, adhering to any terms communicated at the time of booking. It’s highly recommended to clarify cancellation and refund policies before making any payments.

Topdogtrainingschool.net Pricing

Based on the navigation of Topdogtrainingschool.net, specific, transparent pricing for all services is not immediately available on the homepage.

While there is a “Prices” tab in the main navigation, clicking on it directs users to a page that provides some general information rather than a comprehensive price list for every single service offered.

General Pricing Approach

The website’s strategy seems to be to encourage direct inquiry for detailed pricing, which is a common practice for service-based businesses that might customize offerings or have dynamic availability.

• “Contact Us to Book” Emphasis: The prominent call to action throughout the site is “contact us now” or “contact us to book,” suggesting that pricing and availability are often discussed directly with potential clients. This allows them to tailor recommendations and explain the value proposition in detail.
• Limited Online Price Disclosure: The homepage and other sections do not display a static price list for 6-week courses, 1-2-1 sessions, or boarding services.
• Exception for Socialization: One specific instance of pricing found on the site is for the “Puppy / Dog socialisation” event, which explicitly states “£5 per dog” in the event details section. This indicates that for some ad-hoc or smaller events, pricing might be listed.

How to Obtain Pricing Information

To get accurate pricing for Topdogtrainingschool.net’s services, you would need to:

1. Visit the “Prices” Page: Navigate to the dedicated “Prices” section from the main menu. This page might contain some general pricing guidelines or a contact form specifically for price inquiries.
2. Contact Them Directly: The most reliable way to get up-to-date pricing for specific courses e.g., Puppy Class, Bronze, Higher, Agility or services e.g., 1-2-1 training, home boarding, “Walkies” services is to use the “Contact Us” form, email them, or call them.
   • When contacting, be specific about the service you are interested in, the type of dog e.g., puppy, adult, and any specific needs, as pricing might vary based on these factors.
3. Look for Event-Specific Pricing: For special events or standalone workshops, check the “Events” or “News” sections, as these might occasionally list prices for single sessions, as seen with the socialization class.

Implications of Non-Transparent Pricing

• Customer Convenience: For many modern consumers, the expectation is to see pricing online immediately. The lack of upfront pricing can be a minor inconvenience and might deter some who are simply price comparing without wanting to engage in a direct conversation yet.
• Perceived Value: While not showing prices can sometimes imply a premium service, it also means potential clients cannot quickly assess affordability or budget for the services without an extra step.

In summary, Topdogtrainingschool.net opts for a more personalized approach to pricing, requiring direct engagement for detailed quotes.

This allows them to discuss individual needs and tailor their offerings, but it does mean a bit more effort for the customer to obtain specific cost information. Elitesignals.com Reviews

Frequently Asked Questions

What services does Top Dog Training School offer?

Top Dog Training School offers a range of services including 6-week group courses Puppy, Bronze, Higher, 1-2-1 training sessions, video consultations, socialization training, socialization walks, agility classes, and home boarding.

Where are Top Dog Training School’s training venues located?

Their training venues are located in various areas including Bexley, Dartford, Belvedere, Abbey Wood, and Agility classes specifically in Erith, all within the London Borough of Bexley region.

How long have they been recognized as a top dog trainer in London?

Top Dog Training School has been recognized as a “Top 3 Dog Trainer in London” consecutively from 2020 through 2025.

Is Top Dog Training School a licensed business?

Yes, they hold a London Borough of Bexley Licence with the number 18/04324/ABHO, indicating they are regulated for animal boarding and training services.

Are classes suitable for puppies?

Yes, they offer dedicated “Puppy class” sessions as part of their 6-week courses in various venues.

How can I book a course or session with Top Dog Training School?

To book, you need to contact them directly by clicking the “contact us” button on their website, which likely leads to a contact form, email address, or phone number.

Does Top Dog Training School offer online training options?

Yes, they mention offering “Video consultation” services, which suggests an online or virtual training option is available.

Do they offer specialized training for specific dog issues?

While not explicitly detailed as “specialized,” their “1-2-1 Training” and “Video consultation” services suggest they can address individual dog behaviors or needs.

What is the structure of their group training courses?

Their main group training consists of 6-week courses, typically categorized into Puppy, Bronze for dogs 6 months and older, and Higher levels.

How do I find out the prices for their services?

Specific pricing is not listed upfront on the website. Americanvanlines.com Reviews

You need to contact Top Dog Training School directly to inquire about the costs for their various courses and services.

Do they offer dog boarding services?

Yes, Top Dog Training School also offers “Home Boarding” services in addition to their training programs.

What is the class schedule for their courses?

Evening classes typically start at 6 pm, and Morning classes start at 9:30 am.

Specific dates for new courses are listed on their homepage.

How do I know if there are spaces left in a course?

The Topdogtrainingschool.net homepage prominently displays start dates for upcoming 6-week courses and indicates how many spaces are left in each class e.g., “2 Spaces Left,” “FULLY BOOKED”.

Is there a cancellation policy for bookings?

The website does not explicitly detail a cancellation policy page.

It is advisable to contact them directly to inquire about their terms for cancellations, refunds, or withdrawals from booked courses or sessions.

Are there any events or ongoing activities besides the main courses?

Yes, they offer ongoing “Agility classes” and “Puppy / Dog socialisation” sessions, often on Sundays, which are typically held outdoors and are weather permitting.

How do they communicate class updates, especially for outdoor sessions?

Updates for classes, particularly for outdoor “Agility classes,” are displayed on their Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/Topdogschool.

Is Top Dog Training School a family-run business?

Yes, the website states that “Top Dog Training School & Home Boarding is a family run business with life long love, passion and experience for dogs.” Fiscozen.it Reviews

Do they cater to all dog breeds and sizes?

While not explicitly stated, their range of classes from puppy to higher levels, and 1-2-1 sessions, suggests they can accommodate various dog breeds and sizes.

However, it’s best to confirm with them directly if you have specific breed concerns.

What sets Top Dog Training School apart from other trainers?

Their consistent recognition as a “Top 3 Dog Trainer in London” for multiple years, their family-run ethos, and their focus on creating a “large dog community” are highlighted as distinguishing factors.

Do dogs need to be vaccinated to attend their classes?

Yes, for their “Puppy / Dog socialisation” event, the website states, “All dogs have to vet…”, implying that all dogs must be vaccinated and have up-to-date veterinary checks before attending classes or social events.

It’s safe to assume this applies to all their services.