ABOUT
US
​
K-9 Top Performance is a full-service dog training, boarding and daycare facility located in Reading, MA. Housed within its 8,000 square feet of space are two training floors and 19 state of the art 8X4 steel and concrete kennels for boarding. Services are available to all breeds of dogs.
At K-9 we understand that some dogs require specialized training and attention. Our doors are open to all dogs, which include dogs with past challenges and behavioral issues. K-9 Top Performance is fully equipped to address any issues including but not limited to: people aggression, dog aggression, anxiety, fear, and basic obedience. We want to help foster the kind of relationship that every good dog and owner deserve to have with each other. We use a balanced approach to training, focusing on what works best for each individual dog. We find this very effective, and feel it helps to create a strong relationship with you and your dog.
Allison S.
There are many options for training and daycare facilities in the Reading area and the decision to use K9 top performance was based on the methods they use to train dogs and how they treat them. I have been bringing both my dogs here since the eldest was 6 months old, he’s now almost 4. We over the years have used the K9 camps, both individual and group obedience training, and regularly use the doggie daycare. My second dog was 10 months old when we got him and he is afraid of many things but the staff at K9 have been incredibly helpful in helping calm and train him. He has made huge progress. Both my dogs have always been well looked after. The staff is friendly, approachable, and knowledgeable. That starts in the office with Karen, with Steve, and trainers Nicky and Carley, and extends into the daycare staff. I would not leave my dogs with people I do not trust. I would, and do, recommend K9 top performance if you have a puppy or a dog that needs training or socializing.
Client Reviews
I’ve been professionally training dogs for 20+ years. I have my own training facility in NH but wanted a separate place to come train my Belgian Shepherd in protection - something I don’t specialize in. Despite other options in my area, my criteria for a trainer that was positive, motivating, and good with humans and
dogs (especially puppies) was imperative so I was very picky about whom I wanted to work with. I was told about Steve from a client who had also worked with him with her GSD and I decided to call. I am thrilled I did. The staff is incredibly welcoming and full of positive feedback, the dogs are happy, and both my dog and I leave wanting to go back. Thank you to Karen and Steve, you’re stuck with us now.
Best place ever! They truly treat my dog like one of their own! I live in New Hampshire and drive all the
way to Reading because I know I can trust them! Karen at the front has been nothing but helpful and
friendly. My Benny was trained by Nick who was extremely patient and took the time to form a bond with
us. I would recommend K9 Top Performance to anyone who owns a pooch.
Meet The Team
Steve Roberts
-Owner
From an early age, Steve had a love for animals. While studying Criminal Justice at Johnson and Wales University, his dream was to become a K-9 officer. While studying and playing baseball Steve suffered a devastating injury, which ended his baseball career. As a result of the injury, Steve rescued his first dog named Jordan, who brought new light to the idea of pursuing dog training as a career. Steve went on to apprentice under numerous trainers from all over the United States to further his experience and understanding of dog breeds, behaviors, and training philosophies. Steve involved himself in many clubs and organizations, which helped him to grow as a dog trainer and handler. His passion for training dogs to be at their best drove him to open K-9 Top Performance in 2010. Steve is a Certified PSA Decoy, Judge, and member of the Protection Sports Association (PSA) and is a certified Evaluator for the AKC & Canine Good Citizen Test on our staff. Steve and his staff also enjoy volunteering their time in the community. They participate in such events as Pitbull Awareness demonstrations, Animal Rights Day at the Mass School of Law, meet and greets obedience and protection demonstrations. Many local, state and federal K-9 officers have trained alongside Steve with their K-9 partners. These special training days are some of Steve’s favorites as he enjoys pretending to be the bad guy in vehicle apprehensions or
training the dogs in building searches. Steve’s dream is to continue helping people with their dogs and helping to create that long-lasting relationship that makes owning a dog really special.
Karen Stock
-Operations Manager
Our office manager Karen originally started out at K9 Top Performance as a client, over 20 years ago, with her German Shepherd Nico.
After spending 30 plus years in the world of banking and brokerage firms, she decided she needed a change and took early retirement to join our team in May of 2018.
She loves keeping the business organized, photographing our working/protection dog sessions, and her favorite part of the day is greeting every dog as they come in.
When she’s not at work, she can be found hiking and adventuring with Jax, the handsome Rottweiler in
her profile photo.
Nick Nastri
-Training Manager
Nick Nastri started out at K9 Top Performance as a volunteer,
working as a kennel technician, and daycare worker. After graduation, Nick has become a full-time trainer, and Assistant Manager, at K9 Top Performance; working with all dog breeds and specializing in dogs with
behavioral issues. Nick is also an AKC Canine Good Citizen evaluator.
When he’s not at work, Nick trains with his family dog Ollie, and his personal dog Ares. In October
2021, Nick and Ares earned their PDC at the Nomad Working Dogs PSA trial, and are already training
hard towards their PSA 1 title.
Carleena Sparrow-Assistant Manager
Carleena started her foray into the dog handling world via an interesting route. She found a video on
Instagram, of a man working his dog, and started following his account. As she watched his videos she
learned that the trainer she was watching had originally trained under Steve Roberts at K9 Top
Performance, and her interest in the company grew. She reached out to see if the company was hiring,
and started out as a kennel technician. In a short time, we realized that Carleena was a talented handler
and had an aptitude for training, and offered her a training position. Since that time, she has worked
with all breeds and ages of dogs, and truly enjoys watching her students grow and progress. Carleena
has a passion for dogs, and interests in possibly competing in PSA sports.
Jacob Whiteford
-Trainer
Jacob joined the K9 Top Performance family originally as a client when he brought his German Shepherd puppy Bella in for training. He was intrigued by the business and asked if we were hiring, and started working in our daycare. He was very interested in canine behaviors and thought training might be something interesting to try, so after working with Steve for his own dog's training, he asked Steve to mentor him. Since he has been with us, Jacob has worked with puppies, adult dogs, and dogs with behavioral issues. He enjoys working with the dogs and their owners and watching the change in the relationship as the owner gets more confident in their handling skills. When Jacob isn’t at work, he likes to spend his time working with his personal dogs, Bella and Thor.
KEEP
IN TOUCH
OUR ADDRESS
7:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Monday - Friday
CLOSED
Saturday - Sunday