Top Class K-9 LLC · Dog Training

Sylvie Nuzzolilo , President and Head Trainer at Top Class K-9 LLC, has owned and cared for animals since early childhood.   She has owned dogs all of her life and has enjoyed working with dogs for many years.  A horse trainer and riding instructor of 30 years, Sylvie possesses a broad range of knowledge and experience in the art of teaching and training both owners and their animals.

Sylvie is a Certified Dog Trainer, Professional Member of the International Association of Canine Professionals and AKC, Canine Good Citizen Evaluator.  She successfully trains for and competes in Formal Obedience, Rally Obedience and AKC Herding trials with her own mixed breed and purebred rescue dogs, having earned multiple titles.  Many of Sylvie's students also successfully compete in Formal Obedience and Rally.

A professional and dedicated trainer, Sylvie is committed to training you and your dog to reach the highest level of excellence.   Using many different protocols, Sylvie teaches you to understand your dog and train with empathy.  She interpret the reasons causing your dog's behaviors and will treat the cause of the behavior not just band aid the symptoms with punishment protocols.  

Sylvie helps the handlers understand their dogs and teaches them interventions that really work long term.  She also encourages realistic expectations and will educate you on the characteristics your dog's breed or breed mix as well as how to recognize instinctual behavior and interrupt sequencing in a reactive dog.

Sylvie understands the science of discipline and precision thus enriching each training session with her ability to bring out the best in each dog and its handler.  Your training experience will be fulfilling, enjoyable and fun.   

Sylvie's dogs are all rescues;

Fergus, GSD/Akita, CGC, TT, ASCA-CD, is trained in off-leash obedience and retrieve work.  He works as an assistant dog in proofing classes and in rehabilitation sessions.

Ozzie, Catahoula/Pit Bull, CGC, TT, ASCA-CDX, AKC CDX, RAE:  with us for 7 years now, still occasionally works as an assistant dog in Advanced, Off-Leash, Rally and Competition Obedience classes.  Ozzie was trained as an assistant dog in rehabilitating fearful and aggressive dogs and performed those duties for years as well as training for his competition work.  He is retired from aggression rehab work for a couple of years now.  Ozzie is still working on his Utility titles.  At age 11, he refuses to retire from the show ring!  Ozzie also is trained in field and retrieve work.

Logan, German Shepherd Dog, CGC, HIC, HSCs:  works as an assistant dog in Intermediate and Off-Leash Obedience classes.   Logan has his CGC award and is training in sheep herding and flock tending.  Logan has his Herding Started C Course title on sheep and is now working towards his Herding Intermediate title.

Harriet, American Staffordshire Terrier:  CGC, TT, ASCA-CDX, AKC CDX, RAE:  a rehabilitated dog aggressive dog with extreme prey drive, works as an assistant dog in Rally and Competition Obedience classes.  She is off-leash trained.  She has her CGC award, ATTS certification, ASCA-CDX and AKC CDX as well as her RAE.   Harriet is working on her Utility titles. 

Faith,  American Pit Bull Terrier, CGC, ASCA-CD, AKC-CD, RE:  young and abandoned at age 8 months, is living with us now and is working as an assistant dog in Agility, Rally and competition Obedience classes.  Faith is Off-leash trained and has her CGC award, her ASCA and AKC CD and AKC Rally Excellent titles and is working towards her RAE and AKC CDX titles.  Faith has had to endure a total hip replacement due to displasia at age 18 months and a subsequent knee surgery.  She is now recovered and beginning her retrieve and scent work.   Faith has a lovely temperament and is an energetic, happy dog.

Daisy, Beagle, who lost her home, is with us and is training in agility as well as helping rehabilitate reactive dogs.  Daisy has a wonderful temperament.  She is a happy go lucky girl who loves attention.

Casey, Beagle:  lived with us for 7 years, rescued from Arlington Shelter where he was on death row.  He was rehabilitated from a fearful, resource guarding, aggressive dog with a bite history,  to a pet who could live in our household. Casey passed away on December 27th, 2011.  We will him him always.

Hope,  a sweet American Bulldog  lived with us for 4 years as a companion dog enduring many health challenges.  Hope passed away on January 31, 2010.  We will miss her always.

Rachel Pearson, Agility Trainer,  at Top Class K-9 LLC

Rachel has been involved in the world of dog training and competition her entire life. Raised by a family that was deeply embedded in dog sports, Rachel began training and competing in conformation and competitive obedience at the age of nine. At age thirteen, Rachel and her rescue mix breed, Tweedy, discovered the world of dog agility, and her true passion.

Rachel has competed in agility with the United Kennel Club, American Kennel Club, Canine Performance Events, and United States Dog Agility Association with all of her dogs. She has earned numerous titles in all organizations, including the coveted Agility Champion title.

Rachel brings with her several years of teaching experience teaching obedience at a local dog club and more recently agility at another facility  here in North Texas.

Rachel's doggie family includes:

Tweedy- Mixed Breed- UCDX UACH CGC TDI- Tweedy was Rachel’s very first dog, adopted from the SPCA of Texas when Rachel was nine.  Tweedy and Rachel competed in obedience together, but really found a calling in agility. Tweedy is also a certified therapy dog, and a canine good citizen. Now, Tweedy is a thirteen year old happy couch dog.

Landon- Belgian Sheepdog-  NA NJW UCD UAG1 CGC TDI CD PJ2 PS1 PD – Landon was Rachel’s first purebred dog, brought home from the breeder at 7 weeks old. Landon and Rachel have competed in competitive obedience, rally, and agility, and together have had many adventures. Landon is now retired from competition, but still enjoys his favorite past time, running trails with Rachel during her other hobby; mountain biking.

Deets- Catahoula Leopard Dog- PS1 PS2 PD NA NAJ APD MPD- Deets was adopted from the Animal Rescue Fund. Rachel spent four years competing in agility with Deets, who she believes had more “try” in him than any other dog she’s known. About Deets, Rachel says “he never shirked a task.”

Mimzy- Catahoula Leopard Dog-SSA AD AJ AS AAD- Mimzy was adopted from the Jacksonville Animal Shelter, when Rachel saw her picture on Petfinder and fell in love with her face. Today, Mimzy and Rachel spend their weekends competing in USDAA agility, and are working steadily toward Mimzy’s Championship. Rachel credits Mimzy with teaching her to find the humor in life.

Vixen- Border Collie- Vixen is Rachel’s “baby dog”. She purchased Vixen from working cattle stock out of Oklahoma, and is just now starting to compete in AKC and USDAA agility with her. Rachel has big plans for this little Collie!