Top Coach K9

Become your dog’s TopCoach through our unique Workshops

Our unique program takes you and your dog on an unforgettable journey!

Discover an extraordinary experience full of possibilities during our exclusive workshops in the enchanting Durbuy area. ENRICH YOURSELF AND YOUR DOG WITH AN UNPARALLELED EXPERIENCE THAT GOES FAR BEYOND JUST AN EDUCATION and DISCOVER A WORLD OF OPPORTUNITIES WHERE PASSION, FUN AND LEARNING meld together

During this workshop, immerse yourself in a world in which acquiring knowledge goes hand in hand with practical application. Learn new things and strengthen the bond with your faithful companion. BE PREPARED TO EXPAND YOUR HORIZONS AND BUILD A DEEP BOND WITH YOUR DOG DURING THESE EXCLUSIVE WORKSHOPS!

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Hello, I am Philippe Dhont, a passionate dog trainer who has cherished his passion for these loyal four-legged friends from an early age. Much of my life has been devoted to understanding and training dogs, and I am excited to share my years of expertise with you.

As a certified trainer, I have had the honor of working with countless dog breeds and temperaments. But during my adventurous journey I discovered that the secret of successful training lies not only in guiding the dog, but especially in forging an unbreakable bond between dog and owner.

With this deep-rooted conviction, we have developed our own training protocol that rests on pillars of respect, trust and solid training techniques.

It is my mission to share this valuable knowledge with you during our unique workshops, which take place in the middle of the enchanting environment of Durbuy. Here your limits will be pushed and your comfort zone challenged, resulting in an extraordinary experience that will exceed your expectations.

Our workshops are so much more than just training. They are a journey of self-discovery and growth where you will not only gain an abundance of knowledge and skills, but also develop a deep understanding of the unique dynamic between you and your beloved dog.

I’m ready to accompany you on this unforgettable journey, providing you with the essential tools to bond with your dog and take your relationship to new heights.

Do not hesitate any longer and give yourself and your beloved four-legged friend the opportunity to participate in our workshops in a unique environment. Here you will not only discover a world of possibilities, but also gain a deeper understanding of all our training techniques. Sign up today and take the first step towards a harmonious and connected life with your faithful companion.

As a certified trainer, I have had the honor of working with countless dog breeds and temperaments. But during my adventurous journey I discovered that the secret of successful training lies not only in guiding the dog, but especially in forging an unbreakable bond between dog and owner.

With this deep-rooted conviction, we have developed our own training protocol that rests on pillars of respect, trust and solid training techniques.

It is my mission to share this valuable knowledge with you during our unique workshops, which take place in the middle of the enchanting environment of Durbuy. Here your limits will be pushed and your comfort zone challenged, resulting in an extraordinary experience that will exceed your expectations.

Our workshops are so much more than just training. They are a journey of self-discovery and growth where you will not only gain an abundance of knowledge and skills, but also develop a deep understanding of the unique dynamic between you and your beloved dog.

I’m ready to accompany you on this unforgettable journey, providing you with the essential tools to bond with your dog and take your relationship to new heights.

Do not hesitate any longer and give yourself and your beloved four-legged friend the opportunity to participate in our workshops in a unique environment. Here you will not only discover a world of possibilities, but also gain a deeper understanding of all our training techniques. Sign up today and take the first step towards a harmonious and connected life with your faithful companion.

Our unique program takes you and your dog on an unforgettable journey. Experience an unparalleled fusion of training techniques, relying not only on scientific approaches, but also with a strong emphasis on practical application. During these workshops we create a dynamic learning environment where you can gain a wealth of knowledge and insights in a short time!

You will learn the fine art of free shaping, recall, play training, walking techniques, behavior modification, impulse control, detection, energy burn-off, tracking, and a wealth of other valuable skills. Get ready for a unique journey full of meaningful growth and transformation, where you and your dog will reach new heights!

the aspects we focus on during these workshops!

Free shaping

Recall training

Play training

Behavior modification

Detection

Walking techniques

Tracking

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Our workshops are designed to meet the needs of you and your dog, regardless of your previous experience or knowledge!

You can delve into certain training techniques, insights, scent detection, game training, tracking training,… Or maybe you have a characterful dog with some sharp edges and you want to gain more insight into behavior and build a broader knowledge? We do all this according to a result-oriented approach with a fun, motivated group in a unique environment!

If you want to become the best coach of your four-legged friend, then this training is for you!

Workshops

Foundation

The Foundation workshop is a real adventure, a large part of practice and accessible to everyone. The Foundation class lasts 5 days. Usually from Wednesday to Sunday (arrive Tuesday evening). This Foundation class is accessible to anyone with a dog, no specific prior knowledge is required.

During this multi-day Foundation class you will receive all the knowledge and more that you need to make a success of the challenges you face. You get the necessary explanation and a lot of practice about the different training methods, how to motivate your dog, how to start free shaping, explanation about conditioning, walking techniques, mechanical and electronic training instruments, recall training, tracking training in fields and forests, play, impulse control and switching drives.

This TopCoach class is certainly well filled and of course we link the pleasant to the useful in this unique environment.

The following modules are covered in the Foundation (subject to changes):

Basics first

• What is dogtraining?
• Why does a dog do something for you?
• When is behavior well executed?
• General way of working.
• How should you communicate verbally during your training?
• Dopamine-increasing training

Practical modules

• Free shaping game based on operant conditioning
• The shaping game practically executed
• Walking techniques
• Recall training
• Recall training triangle
• Practical tracking
• Play training

Master

In TopCoach MASTER CLASS everything that has been learned from the Foundation is further elaborated and supplemented with new things. You will therefore need the knowledge of the Foundation here. It is no longer necessary to start with free shaping, but there is a transition to detection training based on free shaping. Practical tracking will also be further elaborated, NePoPo®, game training, etc… All other things from the Foundation class such as control over your dog on a leash, control while running loose, calling, tracking in all weather conditions, tracking on different terrains, play training and impulse control will also be added.

To start the master class you must first have completed the Foundation class (this Master class again takes 5 days).

The following modules are covered in the Master (subject to changes):

Master modules (theory & practice)

• GoBobby framework
• NePoPo® principles
• GoBobby Training Protocol
• Maslow triangle
• PoPo explanation
• NePo explanation
• NePoPo® explanation _{(NePoPo® is a training method by Bart en Michael bellon)}
• Practical tracking
• The dog and his senses
____Tracking conditions
____Before you start
____Spread of the odor
____How to start?
• Detection
• Play training
• Positions

Elite

A TopCoach ELITE WEEKEND is purely practical! Fun all the way! Meanwhile, you are a team with your dog and everything that has been learned from the Foundation and the Master is further elaborated in the most practical way possible.

An elite weekend is from Friday afternoon to Sunday afternoon. This weekend is organized several times a year so that you can test your training and practical tracking in the different seasons.

Het elite weekend kan je zoveel volgen als je maar wenst!

Training@ The Weekend

This workshop is a standalone program and is separate from the Foundation, Master or Elite workshops. Discover the unique concept of Training @ the Weekend, specially designed to achieve your specific goals. This exclusive program offers customized private training in an extremely practical way. Prepare yourself for a transformative weekend full of growth and development, from Friday afternoon to Sunday afternoon, in the enchanting surroundings of Durbuy. During this special weekend we can fully focus on your wishes and needs. Think of improving recall training, walking on a leash with confidence, free shaping for optimal mental stimulation, detection exercises for a sharper nose, tracking training for an active mind, general obedience to strengthen your bond with your four-legged friend, effective approach to problem behavior and much more. Moreover, this weekend can serve as a perfect preparation for the TopCoach Foundation. This is your chance to participate in an intensive weekend full of valuable learning moments.

Personalized approach

This program offers opportunities for every involved participant with an energetic dog. Whether you are a beginner or have already gained a lot of knowledge, you can participate. We also welcome participants with temperamental dogs.

our TopCoach program is therefore tailored to each dog’s unique learning styles. No standard approach, but a personalized approach that also solves problems and supports you as a proud owner. Through our training methods, we ensure that you develop the skills and knowledge to work in a confident manner. We’re here to support you every step of the way on your journey to success, and with our extensive range of techniques and tools you can confidently walk your own path.

We are all about your personal growth and success! Our ultimate goal is to equip you with a comprehensive and versatile set of new techniques and practical tools that perfectly match your unique needs and preferences.

Therefore experience the exclusivity of our personalized coaching, where sufficient time is made available for each participant and their dog. Be quick, because the available places are limited! Guarantee your place in this unique program now!

What are we working on to achieve your goals?

The appropriate relationship

You will receive our insights on how to best treat your dog. Not every dog is the same and one dog needs a different approach than another dog. You learn how to coach your dog, what his expectations are, how to reward and adjust, how to tackle problem behavior, how to mentally stimulate, etc…

Leash walking

We teach you the right techniques for walking with a loose leash. You learn how to get your dog’s attention during the walk and how to reward so that you can enjoy the walks again.

Walking without leash

Obedience without a leash! A good Recall is one of the most important instructions your dog needs to know and it gives your dog the opportunity to run free, which is a very nice reward. You learn which training tools you can work with to get guaranteed control while running loose in different situations and environments.

Luring

Lure training is a quick & effective way to teach your dog new behaviour. It’s easy and fun for both dog and owner. It is easy to generalize and dogs can learn new behaviors quite quickly with this type of training. In this type of training, we use food to lure the dog into certain positions and then name it.

Free Shaping

Through free shaping we can make the dog creative and mentally strong. You can teach your dog all sorts of things. Free shaping is also ideal for giving anxious/suspicious dogs more confidence. We also use free shaping as a basis for odor detection. The power of free shaping cannot be underestimated.

Play and impulse control

How do you play with your dog? How do you increase and control the different drives? You learn how to increase and adjust drives and how to combine this with obedience training. By doing this you avoid situations where your dog will shoot into a higher temper uncontrollably. You learn to control and direct your dogs drive.

Tracking & detection

Tracking with your dog is fantastic! It’s a fun activity and your dog can use one of his best talents, his nose! The environment is extremely suitable and challenging! Fields and forests! We start learning this in the foundation and we build on it in the master class.

Walking day

We reserve 1 of the days during the Foundation workshop for a nice, long walk. During this walk we practice various things from the regular training sessions (recall, tracking, impulse control, walking techniques).

Ignite your curiosity!

Give your dog a paw and book a free introduction with us!

What can you expect ?

You will receive all necessary information clearly explained.

You will receive a certificate with a description of the topics covered.

We guide you intensively!

The combination of what you learn is very useful in practical environments as well as with temperamental dogs.

You will learn the technical and practical details about the different training tools (manual and electronic).

You learn the technical and practical details about tracking (we track in the fields and in the woods).

You will learn the details about the manual training tools and how to use them in which situation and with which dog.

You learn how to use game in your training and how to control drifts.

Limited number of participants so that individual coaching is guaranteed!

Our strenghts ?

During the workshops we use a way of working that is logically structured.

We work purposefully towards a result with the necessary individual attention and guidance.

For support, we have an online platform that you can rely on for extra exercises.

You will gain the knowledge to teach your dog anything you want! There are different teaching methods and through free shaping and lure training you can teach your dog very different things according to the potential of your dog and yourself.

You will learn how to optimize your training. We use the energy of the dog and we transfer that energy into usable motivation.

With our method you can train any dog!

We are NePoPo® certified! We are certified in the field of dog training and behavioral training by having followed several courses at home and abroad.