Where Calm Meets Confidence
Grounded in behavior science and relationship-based training, our approach blends clear communication, emotional regulation, and intentional structure to create calm minds, confident dogs, and lasting behavior change you can rely on anywhere.
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Our Mission
Our mission is to help dogs and owners build clear communication, trust, and reliable behavior through structured, real-world training. We focus on practical skills and owner education so results last far beyond the training program.
Core Principles
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Clarity Creates Calm
Clear communication and consistent expectations help dogs feel safe, regulated, and confident.
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Connection Builds Trust
Training is built on relationship first — calm guidance that creates cooperation, not compliance.
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Real Life Skills
Practical behaviors that work at home, in public, and in everyday situations — not just in training sessions.
Meet Jennifer
Jennifer is the founder and lead trainer at Top Paw K9 Academy, with over a decade of experience working with dogs across a wide range of behavioral challenges.
Her approach blends structure, empathy, and real-world practicality. Jennifer is known for helping overwhelmed owners regain confidence while guiding dogs toward balance and stability.
She works closely with each client to ensure training isn't just effective during sessions — but sustainable long after.
Our Standard
The Top Paw Standard
When you trust us with your dog, you can expect every member of our team to uphold the same standard of care, professionalism, and accountability.
We believe in:
- Clear communication
- Consistent expectations
- Honest feedback
- Respect for every dog and owner
- Continuous learning and improvement
- Training that works in the real world
Whether you're working with a trainer, kennel assistant, or support staff member, our goal is the same: to leave every dog, owner, and interaction better than we found it.
Meet Our Team
At Top Paw K9 Academy we ensure that every member of our team aligns with our values and mission as a business.
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— Head Trainer at Top Paw K9 Academy
John has been an integral part of Top Paw K9 Academy for over 2½ years, working directly alongside owner Jennifer Worswick. He began his journey by successfully completing our intensive six-month apprenticeship program, where he was trained in the methods, handling techniques, and standards that define Top Paw K9 Academy before advancing into the role of Head Trainer.
Over the years, John has worked hands-on with dogs of every breed, age, and temperament. Whether he’s building reliable obedience, helping owners navigate behavioral challenges, or strengthening communication between dogs and their families, his focus is always on creating lasting results that carry over into everyday life—not just during training sessions.
As Head Trainer, John is committed to upholding the same training philosophy, expectations, and level of care that Top Paw K9 Academy is known for. Every dog receives an individualized approach based on their temperament, goals, and learning style, ensuring both dogs and their owners leave with the tools they need for long-term success.
In addition to his work at Top Paw K9 Academy, John actively trains his own dogs in personal protection bite work and is currently working toward competing in French Ring, continually expanding his knowledge and handling skills as a trainer.
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— Jasmine — Lead Kennel Technician
Jasmine serves as the Lead Kennel Technician at Top Paw K9 Academy and is an essential part of the care, structure, and daily operations that keep our program running smoothly. She oversees the day-to-day well-being of every dog in our facility, ensuring each dog receives the attention, enrichment, exercise, and individualized care they need while away from home.
Known for her calm demeanor, patience, and genuine love for dogs, Jasmine has a natural ability to help even the most nervous or sensitive dogs feel comfortable in our environment. Whether a dog is with us for training, boarding, daycare, or behavior modification, she takes pride in making sure they feel safe, secure, and cared for throughout their stay.
Jasmine works closely alongside Jennifer and John to maintain consistency in each dog’s daily routine, reinforcing structure, expectations, and training protocols between formal training sessions. This consistency plays a critical role in helping dogs retain and strengthen the skills they are learning while in our care.
In addition to overseeing daily kennel operations, Jasmine helps monitor health and wellness, tracks feeding schedules, administers approved medications, coordinates enrichment activities, maintains cleanliness and sanitation standards, and ensures every dog receives the individualized attention they deserve. Her attention to detail allows our trainers to focus on training while giving owners peace of mind that their dogs are being cared for at the highest level.
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— De’Javae — Kennel Technician
De’Javae has been passionate about dogs for as long as she can remember and has been working with them since she was 14 years old. She believes dogs are far more than pets—they are family members, partners, and an important part of our lives. Her experiences with her own fear-reactive dog helped shape her understanding of canine behavior and taught her the value of patience, empathy, and seeing the dog behind the behavior.
As a Kennel Technician at Top Paw K9 Academy, De’Javae plays an important role in the daily care and well-being of the dogs entrusted to us. She helps ensure each dog receives the attention, structure, exercise, enrichment, and individualized care they need while staying in our facility. Her calm presence and genuine connection with dogs allow her to build trust quickly, especially with dogs who may be nervous, uncertain, or struggling to adjust to a new environment.
Working closely alongside Jennifer, John, and the rest of the team, De’Javae helps maintain consistency in daily routines, reinforces training expectations between formal sessions, and contributes to creating a positive, structured environment where dogs can thrive. She is deeply committed to ensuring every dog feels safe, comfortable, and successful during their time with us.
Outside of Top Paw, De’Javae enjoys hiking, training her dog, and continuing to expand her knowledge of the canine world. She is currently pursuing her goal of becoming a professional dog trainer and is particularly interested in obedience, behavior modification, bite work, agility, and Fast CAT.
De’Javae is especially passionate about helping misunderstood dogs and advocating for those who have been given difficult circumstances in life. Her dedication, compassion, and commitment to learning make her a valuable member of the Top Paw K9 Academy team and an important part of the care each dog receives while in our program.
