Course Materials

Our course material has been tested and refined by TOP DOG over the last 20 years. Stewart Nordensson and Lydia Kelley, two of TOP DOG's founders, have written a two-book training manual entitled ‘TEAMWORK’, devoted to imparting TOP DOG’s philosophy and training methods to the disabled. The ‘TEAMWORK’ DVD set complements these important manuals.

A dog can be taught to perform many helpful skills to make their owner's life much easier. TEAMWORK I offers insight into dog behaviour while giving clear and easy to understand instructions for people with disabilities, to teach their dog basic obedience skills. The companion volume, TEAMWORK II, goes to the next level - teaching service exercises.

The DVD set is an imperative support tool for both Teamwork I & II, giving you demonstrations of the training techniques used to teach your dog the specific activities that are relevant to you – picking things up, opening and closing doors, etc.

These wonderful DVDs demonstrate all the exercises taught in the books. Interviews with dog trainers help the viewer understand and visualize the training. The DVD includes:

• valuable information on understanding your dog and their behaviour
• excellent training tips on each exercise
• advice for preparing for changes in your own life and that of your dog.

The professionally compiled DVDs bring the Teamwork programme alive, presenting each exercise in a step by step fashion. Service Dog Training has partnered with TOP DOG USA to provide their training programme in Australia, giving Australians with disabilities easy access to the programme and material.

The TOP DOG USA Course material can be purchased separately through our online shop; however, to achieve full independence with your dog we strongly recommend complementing the purchase with training assistance. This includes support training at our Burwood premises and, most importantly, where possible, appropriate learning with like-minded people. It is great to 'learn as a team, within a team'. Our programme also includes home-assistance, as required (please see our conditions and costs).