About Us | Top Dog Ranch Ottawa

The Team

Top Dog Ranch is a premier dog training and boarding facility located on a beautiful ranch in Dunrobin, ON. Our expert trainers and staff are dedicated to helping your dog reach their full potential. Our range of services includes boarding and training programs tailored to suit your dog's unique needs and personality. At Top Dog Ranch, we believe in creating the best experience for your dog when they come for a stay.

Our approach to training is all about creating a strong bond between you and your furry companion. Join us to experience the joy of a well-behaved and happy dog.

Nick Johnson

Founder & CEO

Nick's passion for animals goes beyond his graduation from Animal Behaviour College. He continues to attend seminars and workshops to stay up-to-date with the latest research and techniques in animal behaviour. Nick believes that there is always more to learn, and he is forever a student when it comes to animals. His dedication to his craft is evident in the way he works with animals and his clients appreciate his commitment to their well-being. With his expertise, patience, and kindness, Nick is a valuable asset to anyone looking for help with their animal.

Victoria Paquette

Owner & Director

Meet Victoria, a highly skilled and passionate dog trainer with years of experience in the industry. She has had the privilege of working with some of the best trainers in the business, including her mentor Cindy, who taught her everything she knows about working with reactive dogs. Her love for animals started with horses, which she has been working with since she was 10 years old. This love translated into her work with dogs, and she has helped many furry friends become well-behaved and happy companions. Her knowledge and expertise are second to none, and she is dedicated to providing the best possible care for her clients and their pets.

Shelley Paquette

Canine Operations Specialist

Shelley, our Canine Operations Specialist, is the heartbeat of our daily operations, ensuring every pup receives top-notch care. With a keen eye for detail and a gentle touch, she expertly navigates the diverse tasks of dog care and facility management. Her dedication to both the dogs and their human companions shines through in her work, making her an invaluable asset to our team and a beloved figure among our four-legged clientele.

Meet The Pack

Here at the Ranch, we take a unique approach to socializing dogs. Instead of relying solely on human trainers, we use our well-trained dogs to help socialize and train other dogs. This approach has proven to be highly effective, as dogs can learn from the behaviour of other dogs in a way that humans simply can't replicate. With our innovative training methods and our team of experienced trainers and dogs, we're confident that we can help your furry friend become the best version of themselves.

Benny

Benny has been a part of the team since day one. In fact, Benny is one of the dogs featured in the Top Dog logo! Although he spends most of his time sleeping on the job, Benny is still a critical member of the team. Benny has helped rehabilitate many "dog-reactive" dogs in the past, with his patented "I couldn't care less" attitude. When Benny is called to the front lines for a training session with your dog, it is customary that you repay him with some polite butt scratches.

Jessie

Meet Jessie, the heartwarming Potcake from the Caribbean islands who has blossomed into a beacon of hope for other dogs. Once timid and wary of the world, Jessie's journey of courage, bolstered by time, support, and understanding, has transformed her into the confident leader of the pack. Today, she dedicates herself to rehabilitating her canine peers, guiding them with gentle authority and an inspiring spirit of resilience.

Hunter

Once on a troubled path, Hunter's journey is a testament to the transformative power of compassion and trust. Rescued from the brink, this courageous dog has exchanged fear for patience, and uncertainty for curiosity. With a spirit now as vibrant as a party, Hunter's infectious energy inspires even the most reserved dogs to join in the fun. His story is not just one of redemption, but a celebration of the joyous spirit that thrives within him.

Douggie

Meet Douggie, the classic terrier with a heart full of dedication! Whether he's playing or working, he gives his all with boundless energy and enthusiasm. But don't let his vivacious spirit fool you; when it's time to get down to business, Douggie transforms into the epitome of focus, exuding a calmness that's as surprising as it is charming. He's not just a pet; he's a passionate soul ready to leap into action and lend a paw whenever needed.

Fostering

Top Dog Ranch is a place where second chances are given and new beginnings are created. we’re dedicated to making a positive impact. One of the ways we do this is by fostering dogs in need. While it can be tough to say goodbye, we do it to save lives and give these furry friends a solid foundation for a brighter future. We invite you to join us in our mission to give them a chance toward a better tomorrow. By opening your heart and home, you become a part of a larger story, one that weaves together compassion, community, and the shared joy of making a positive difference. Together, we can ensure that each tail wag represents a step towards a happier, more loving world. If you believe you can provide a loving home as a foster or adopter, we encourage you to apply!

For more information on how you can become a foster, visit For The Love Of Dogs Ottawa website.