AKC Canine Good Citizen (CGC) Evaluations
A formal evaluation for the AKC Canine Good Citizen certification.
Focus: Advanced obedience
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toplinek9services is a dog training business in Perris, California offering Board and Train and Private Lessons.
Perris • CA • Training facility • 4.9 ★ (42 Google reviews)
Last verified: Aug 20, 2026
24 / 100
Minimal information
How clearly this listing publishes the details owners need. See our methodology.
What they say about themselves
Topline K9 Services is a family-owned Southern California training business operated by Illya and Johanna Hardy. Illya serves as founder and head trainer and personally trains every dog rather than rotating dogs among staff. The business says it intentionally limits enrollment so each dog receives individual attention. Its stated philosophy places communication, understanding, leadership, and the human-dog relationship ahead of obedience commands alone.
K9 Bootcamp is the flagship program, with dogs living on the property and learning through structured daily routines rather than isolated training sessions. Training progresses through foundation, reliability, and generalization, moving skills into real settings such as walks, parks, cars, and veterinary visits. Before enrollment, Topline conducts a complimentary assessment to determine whether Bootcamp is appropriate. Owners are incorporated into the process before graduation, and every Bootcamp includes three private follow-up sessions after the dog returns home.
Topline's broader services include private coaching, behavior modification, boarding, swimming and conditioning, AKC Canine Good Citizen and Temperament Test evaluations, show training and handling, and expert witness work. The training environment emphasizes movement, environmental exposure, social neutrality, confidence building, structure, and clear communication. Johanna also documents dogs through photos and videos, which the site describes as part of its approach to owner communication and transparency. Pricing, formal trainer certifications, insurance information, and fixed Bootcamp duration are not published on the website.
Consultations and evaluations before you commit to a program.
A formal evaluation for the AKC Canine Good Citizen certification.
Focus: Advanced obedience
A formal temperament assessment for dogs.
Focus: Basic obedience
Professional consulting services related to legal matters involving dogs, described as expert witness work.
Focus: Aggression
K9 Bootcamp, private training, behavior modification, boarding, AKC Canine Good Citizen and Temperament Test evaluations, show training and handling, swimming and conditioning, and expert witness services are listed. Bootcamp includes residential training, owner preparation, and three private follow-up sessions. The business also offers transport for Bootcamp and boarding clients.
Current pricing is not published for K9 Bootcamp, private coaching, behavior modification, boarding, swimming, AKC evaluations, or show handling. Pickup and drop-off for Bootcamp or boarding costs $2 per mile. Topline offers a complimentary assessment and consultation before recommending a training path.
The dog lives on-site in a structured, real-world environment, progressing through foundation, reliability, and generalization phases that build communication and calm behavior in everyday settings. Training happens through daily routines, real environments, and repetition rather than isolated lesson sessions.
The dog boards at the Topline property for the duration of the program, and owners receive three private follow-up sessions after graduation to transfer handling skills.
Best for: Dogs and owners seeking lasting behavioral change rather than a quick fix, who are willing to be actively involved after the program ends.
Focus: Basic obedience, Recall & off-leash, Fear & anxiety, Socialization
Includes: Follow-up sessions
Board and Train in Perris typically runs $2,195–$5,210 across 9 programs that do publish pricing. Ask this trainer for a written quote before comparing.
A boarding option for dogs staying at the property, including former Bootcamp graduates whose families travel.
Dogs stay on the property under the Hardys' care.
Focus: Basic obedience
Board and Train in Perris typically runs $2,195–$5,210 across 9 programs that do publish pricing. Ask this trainer for a written quote before comparing.
Structured swimming sessions designed to build a dog's confidence in water, support physical conditioning, and aid recovery for dogs with joint issues.
Best for: Dogs new to swimming or already enthusiastic swimmers, including those recovering from injury.
Focus: Fear & anxiety, Socialization
Board and Train in Perris typically runs $2,195–$5,210 across 9 programs that do publish pricing. Ask this trainer for a written quote before comparing.
| Program | Price | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| K9 Bootcamp | Not published | — |
| Boarding | Not published | — |
| Swim Camp | Not published | — |
One-on-one coaching for dogs and owners who need focused guidance rather than a residential program.
Focus: Basic obedience
Targeted work for dogs with behavioral challenges such as anxiety, reactivity, or impulsivity, aimed at building confidence and calmer responses.
Best for: Dogs with behavioral issues needing more than basic obedience work.
Focus: Aggression, Leash reactivity, Fear & anxiety
Preparation and handling instruction for dogs entering conformation dog shows.
Best for: Owners preparing dogs for competition or show ring.
Focus: Advanced obedience, Agility & dog sports
| Program | Price | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| Private Training | Not published | — |
| Behavior Modification | Not published | — |
| Show Training & Handling | Not published | — |
Training emphasizes communication, consistency, structure, leadership, environmental exposure, repetition, and real-world generalization. Topline describes commands as only the surface of training and focuses on helping dogs understand expectations while teaching owners how to communicate clearly. Specific training tools or a named methodology are not published.
Method: Method unclear
Their website describes their approach in general terms without specifying which methods or tools they use.
Certifications: Not specified on their website
Verification still pending or not yet requested. See our methodology for what verification does and does not mean.
Topline is family owned, Illya personally trains each dog, and enrollment is intentionally limited. Bootcamp includes three private follow-up sessions, while Johanna documents dogs with photos and videos to keep families connected. The website also offers complimentary property visits before enrollment. Insurance coverage, formal trainer certifications, and a written training guarantee are not published.
Facility: Training facility
Owner visits: not specified on their website.
Video updates: Occasional updates
Overnight staffing: not specified on their website.
Insurance: not specified on their website.
Guarantee: not specified on their website.
Waitlist: Yes
Dogs per trainer: not specified on their website.
Booking: Contact form
Price: toplinek9services does not publish board & train pricing. Across Perris, 18 programs publish prices from about $170 to $4,220.
Reviews: toplinek9services shows 4.9★ from 42 Google reviews among 4 published Perris programs.
Transparency: This listing scores 24 out of 100 (price 0%, program clarity 53%). 1 of 4 Perris listings show certifications; this business does not list certifications.
Topline operates from a residential-style property in Southern California. Client stories on the website identify the business as being in Perris, California and describe the property as approximately 15 acres. A current street address, parking information, and accessibility features are not published.
21975 Lake Mathews Dr, Perris, CA
Friday: 6AM-6PM
Monday: 6AM-6PM
Sunday: 6AM-6PM
Tuesday: 6AM-6PM
Saturday: 6AM-6PM
Thursday: 6AM-6PM
Wednesday: 6AM-6PM
Reach out directly or send a quote request through toplinek9services.
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