Top Dog Training Program

Specialties

We are a Tucson based, national award-​winning program that teaches physically disabled people how to train their own service dogs to help them.

TOP DOG is a 501©(3) non-​profit organization. Since 1987, we have been dedicated to teaching people with physical disabilities how to train their own dog to become a certified service dog who can perform a broad range of tasks that help make their life easier! Our unique series of instructional books and videos guide students through the entire training process, under our professional supervision.

History

Established in 1987.

TOP DOG was inspired by Stewart Nordensson and established by five people dedicated to the idea that anyone with a disability can be taught to train his or her own dog, doing 100% of the training themselves. Stew, and a team of four others met for nearly a year putting together a program that would teach more than just obedience and service exercises – a program that would create a team of person and dog working together, understanding one another, and making life better for both of them.

The idea flourishes today in the TOP DOG teams all over Tucson, in many parts of the United States, and indeed around the world. To date we have certified 123 teams. In addition we have helped hundreds of others train their dogs to a level where they are very helpful in their everyday life, even though they were not able to certify. And with the Teamwork books and videos selling around the world, the number of good working teams may be in the thousands.

Meet the Manager

Lydia K.

Manager

Lydia is one of the founding members of TOP DOG. She is currently Vice President on the Board of Directors. Programmatically, Lydia is the Training Director and Head Instructor. Lydia has volunteered as a teaching assistant and has served as the board Secretary.

From 1979 to 1985, Lydia was associated with Handi-​Dogs. Since 1980, Lydia has been an instructor at Old Pueblo Dog Training Club, where she is also a member. She has also instructed the Golden Retriever Club. Furthermore, Lydia is a published author, with articles appearing in Off Lead Magazine, and co-​author of the Teamwork series of books with co-​founder, Stew Nordensson. The purpose of the Teamwork series is to teach people with physical disabilities how to train their own dog to be a service dog. Lydia also directed the making of the Teamwork books into video and DVD format. Most recently, Lydia has been devoting her spare time to working on TOP DOG’s online training course for out of state clients.