Frequently Asked Questions
& Application
Before You Get Started
We recommend taking a few minutes to read through the FAQs below, as they answer the most common questions about the programme, training structure, costs, and what to expect.
Once you’re ready, you’ll find the application form at the bottom of this page.
If you have any questions — or would prefer to speak to someone directly — you’re very welcome to call us.
From the UK:
0843 122 3950
International:
+353 87 6643664
We’re always happy to talk things through so you can decide with clarity and confidence.
The total cost to enter the TOPDOG professional licence programme is £595.
Unlike many other companies with similar There are no hidden training charges, and no additional payments required to qualify or get your business ready.
The £595 covers your entry into the licence programme and the training, systems, and support needed to operate professionally.
Earnings vary depending on, time commitment, and how consistently the system is applied.
Many licensed trainers are able to achieve around £50,000 profit after overheads within their first 12 months, with the potential to progress towards £100,000+ per year over time as experience and client base grow.
What the licence provides is a proven professional framework designed to support sustainable, long-term income — not short-term or inflated claims.
Yes.
While some training content is delivered online, you will be guided step-by-step on how to work with real dogs and real owners in your local area.
You do not need to own a dog — we will show you how to source suitable dogs and gain practical experience.
Your hands-on work is reviewed and assessed, so you develop genuine ability, not just theory.
TOPDOG Training Careers is a licensed professional pathway designed to develop capable dog trainers and support them in building a real, professional dog training business.
This is not a short-term course or a certificate programme. It is a structured model focused on real skills, professional standards, and long-term business value.
This is not a traditional course and not a public franchise.
It is a licence-based professional model, where approved candidates operate their own dog training business under the TOPDOG brand, systems, and standards, with ongoing support and oversight.
No previous professional experience is required.
The pathway is suitable for beginners with the right mindset, as well as those with existing experience who want clearer structure, stronger systems, and professional standards.
What matters most is your willingness to learn, apply guidance, and work to a professional standard.
The process begins with an application and a conversation.
This allows both sides to understand expectations, goals, and suitability.
TOPDOG is selective — not everyone who applies is accepted.
This ensures standards are protected and that the model works properly for those who join.
There is no traditional exam.
Progression is based on demonstrated ability, real-world results, and professional conduct — not theory tests alone.
Assessment is practical, fair, and designed to support development rather than catch people out.
Most candidates commit around 10–15 hours per week during the early stages.
This time is focused on practical training, applying guidance, reviewing feedback, and building real confidence — not memorising theory or studying full-time.
At this pace, most licensed trainers are ready to begin operating professionally in around four months, depending on individual progress and availability.
The structure is realistic and designed to fit around existing work and personal commitments.
Yes.
The pathway is designed to help you develop real-world experience and begin working with clients as your capability and confidence grow, while maintaining professional standards.
Licensed trainers receive ongoing support, which includes:
professional training development
mentoring and guidance
business systems and pricing frameworks
marketing support and structure
brand usage and standards oversight
Support is continuous and designed to help you operate professionally long-term.
You do.
You decide how much you want to spend on marketing.
TOPDOG manages the structure, setup, and execution to avoid wasted spend and trial-and-error.
This gives you control without needing marketing expertise.
Yes.
The licence structure includes built-in additional income streams aligned with approved products and professional standards, designed to complement training services and support business stability.
Full details are explained during the application process.
No.
Approved products are supplied through TOPDOG at wholesale pricing, ensuring consistent quality, protected margins, and alignment with the training systems used.
This removes the need to manage suppliers independently.
Accreditation is earned through a level-based system, progressing from Level 1 through to Level 6 based on real-world performance, client outcomes, and ongoing assessment.
This ensures the TDPT designation reflects genuine professional ability.
Yes — one of the key advantages of this licence-based model is that you are building a genuine business asset, not just personal income.
After a minimum period of two years, licensed trainers may be permitted to sell their business to a buyer approved by TOPDOG, subject to meeting professional and operational standards.
This allows you to:
Build a business with real, transferable value
Create long-term wealth, not just short-term earnings
Exit or step back in the future if your circumstances change
Benefit from the value you’ve built through your work
Approval of the buyer ensures that training quality, brand standards, and client experience are protected, maintaining the integrity and value of the TOPDOG network for everyone.
Full details of the resale process and conditions are explained clearly before any licence is entered into.
Within 4 Months
A structured programme designed to prepare you to launch your own professional dog training business within four months.
Clear training.
Defined standards.
A business you own.
It is an internal professional accreditation that confirms a trainer meets TOPDOG’s training, performance, and professional standards.
It is not awarded automatically and is maintained through ongoing practice and accountability.
This is designed as a long-term professional pathway, not a short-term course.
Licensed trainers build a business asset under the TOPDOG framework, with systems designed to support stability, consistency, and professional growth.
Full licence terms are explained clearly before any commitment is made.
Yes, particularly in the early stages.
Many trainers start part-time and transition as confidence, experience, and client demand grow.
No — and that’s intentional.
This pathway is best suited to people who want to operate professionally, follow structured systems, and build something of long-term value.
It is not designed for hobby training or casual involvement.
The next step is to submit an application.
If appropriate, you’ll be invited to a conversation to talk everything through properly, ask questions, and confirm whether this pathway is right for you.
TOPDOG Training Careers is a structured professional pathway designed to develop competent, confident dog trainers and support them in building a professional dog training business under an established brand and system.
This is not a hobby course or a certificate programme. It’s a selective pathway focused on real-world training ability, professional standards, and long-term business value.
Training is delivered primarily online, supported by live interactive sessions and real-world practical work where you live. The programme is designed to fit around existing commitments while still developing genuine hands-on experience.
This is not theory-only learning. Practical application and real-world results are central to the programme.
No prior professional experience is required.
Some people join with existing dog-handling experience, while others are starting fresh. What matters most is your willingness to learn, apply guidance, and work to professional standards.
The programme begins with a Foundation & Assessment month, priced at £595.
This allows you to experience the training properly while allowing us to assess suitability for progression.
If you are accepted to continue, the £595 assessment fee is retained.
If we determine that progression is not suitable, the £595 is fully refunded.
If you choose to withdraw during or after the assessment month, the fee is non-refundable.
This ensures the assessment period is fair, professional, and not treated as a trial.
When do I pay the £595 assessment fee?
The £595 fee is not payable at the application stage.
Payment is only requested after:
Your application has been reviewed
An initial phone call has taken place
We both feel comfortable moving forward
No.
Progression is selective and based on suitability, engagement, and professional standards. Not everyone will be invited to continue, and that decision is made to protect training quality, brand integrity, and long-term success for those who do progress.
Most people complete qualification within approximately three months, depending on individual pace, availability, and progress.
There is no fixed “pass by date” — progression is based on demonstrated ability rather than time served.
The programme is designed to support people who are willing to learn, apply guidance, and engage with the process.
Training is clear, structured, and practical. There are no trick assessments or unnecessary pressure. If you put the work in and follow the guidance provided, progression is achievable.
Most trainees commit around 10–15 hours per week, though this can vary depending on individual circumstances.
The programme is designed to be flexible and fit around existing work and commitments.
Once qualified and accepted, you are offered a long-term licence to operate under the TOPDOG brand and systems.
This allows you to run your own professional dog training business with the support, structure, and credibility of an established brand.
No.
There are no ongoing monthly licence fees once you are licensed.
Yes.
You operate your own independent business under licence. You are responsible for your clients, scheduling, and day-to-day operations, while working within approved systems and professional standards.
Yes.
After two years, licensed trainers may sell their business to a buyer approved by us. This allows you to build and realise genuine business value while ensuring standards and brand integrity are maintained.
Yes.
Licensed trainers operate using approved training systems, equipment, and nutrition products. This ensures consistency, quality, and reliable outcomes for clients, while supporting the professional standards of the brand.
Full details are provided before licence activation.
No.
This is not an employment role or franchise-style micromanagement. You operate independently, with guidance and support available when needed, while maintaining agreed professional standards.
Earnings vary based on location, availability, and how consistently the systems are applied.
Many trainers are able to achieve £50,000+ per year after overheads, with £100,000+ per year becoming a realistic progression over time.
No income is guaranteed, and results depend on individual effort and application.
Yes.
Many trainees begin working with clients during training, building confidence, experience, and income as they progress.
Yes.
Some people start part-time and transition over time, while others pursue this full-time from the outset.
This programme may not be the right fit if you:
Are looking for a casual or hobby-based experience
Want a quick certificate without accountability
Prefer to work without structure or professional standards
Are not currently in a position to commit time and effort
Once you submit an application:
Your application is reviewed
If suitable, you’ll be invited to an initial phone conversation
If both sides are comfortable, you’ll be invited to begin the assessment month
There is no obligation to proceed until after the initial conversation.
You can apply directly through the application form.
If you’d like to talk things through first, you’re welcome to call or email anytime.
There isn’t a catch — but there is accountability.
This programme is selective, standards-driven, and based on real-world capability. Not everyone is accepted, and progression is earned through engagement, application, and professional conduct.
The low upfront cost reflects our confidence in the model — not a lack of rigour.