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 head trainer of Top Paw K9 Academy. A proud U.S. Navy veteran, she has dedicated over a decade to studying canine behavior and helping dogs and their owners build lasting, successful relationships through practical, real-world training.
While Top Paw K9 Academy offers everything from puppy foundations and family obedience to service dog and working dog training, Jennifer’s primary specialty is behavior modification and rehabilitation. She has extensive experience helping dogs overcome fear, anxiety, reactivity, aggression, resource guarding, confidence deficits, and other complex behavioral challenges. Her passion lies in helping dogs that others have struggled with while giving owners the education and skills needed to create lasting success.
Jennifer believes that no two dogs are the same. Rather than relying on a one-size-fits-all approach, every training program is customized to the individual dog, their temperament, learning style, environment, and the goals of their family. Her philosophy combines behavioral science, clear communication, structure, and compassion to create dogs that are confident, reliable, and capable of succeeding in everyday life—not just during training sessions.
In addition to behavior rehabilitation, Jennifer has experience training service dogs, family companions, sport dogs, and working dogs. She has earned her Protection Sports Association (PSA) PDC title and is an AKC-approved evaluator for STAR Puppy, Canine Good Citizen (CGC), Community Canine (CGCA), and Urban CGC (CGCU) and has completed professional education and continuing coursework through numerous respected organizations in canine behavior, cognition, learning theory, welfare, and training methodology. She firmly believes the best trainers never stop learning and continues pursuing advanced education to stay current with evolving research and best practices.
What truly sets Jennifer apart isn’t simply her education or credentials—it’s her commitment to understanding the dog in front of her. Every dog is treated as an individual, and every owner is given the knowledge, guidance, and support needed to maintain their dog’s success long after training has ended.
Whether you’re raising a new puppy, working through significant behavioral challenges, training a service dog, or looking to build advanced obedience and reliability, Jennifer is committed to helping you and your dog reach your goals together.
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 — Trainer/Kennel Technician
De’Javae began her journey with Top Paw K9 Academy as a Kennel Technician, where she quickly stood out for her work ethic, patience, and natural connection with dogs. Over the past three years, she has dedicated herself to learning every aspect of canine care and training, shadowing our apprenticeship program before earning her role as one of our professional trainers.
Working closely under Jennifer and the Top Paw training system, De’Javae has developed a strong understanding of obedience, confidence building, behavior modification, and creating clear communication between dogs and their owners. She is especially known for her calm demeanor, attention to detail, and ability to build trust with dogs that may be nervous or unsure. Whether she’s working with a puppy learning the basics or helping a dog gain confidence through structured training, De’Javae is committed to giving every dog the time, consistency, and care they deserve. Her passion for helping dogs succeed shines through in every session, and she has become an invaluable member of the Top Paw K9 Academy team.
