Meet the team
Meet the Top Dog SF team
Dedicated professionals who love your dogs as much as you do.
- 4.9 from 200+ Google reviews
- Certified trainers since 2004
- Fully insured
Core values: D.O.G.S.
The principles that guide everything we do.
Our purpose
To keep dogs in their homes with their families for a life filled with joy, enrichment and positivity.
Dedication to positive training
Committed to force-free, reward-based methods that strengthen the bond between dogs and their owners through consistent, compassionate care.
Optimal safety and care
Ensuring the health, safety, and well-being of every dog through professional certifications, small group sizes, and personalized attention.
Growth and learning
Empowering dogs and their owners with tools, training, and support for lifelong success and enrichment.
Socialization and community
Fostering connections through structured play, enrichment, training, and community engagement for well-rounded, confident dogs.
Natalie Tondelli Walsh
Owner, certified trainer and consultant
SF SPCA Dog Training Academy · certified 2009Natalie started Top Dog SF while in college, walking dogs part-time while attending SFSU. She walked family and friend’s dogs after graduation, and she quickly learned this was her passion. Natalie became a certified trainer in 2009 when she attended the SF SPCA’s Dog Training Academy.
Natalie and her husband Tim have had two Labradors since living in San Francisco named Mojo and Luisa, which were the motivation to grow Top Dog SF.
Natalie and Tim now have two children and a border collie mix named Butters. After having her first child, Natalie pursued her lifelong dream of becoming a police officer. For a little over five years, Natalie worked in the County of San Mateo as a police officer, although officially retiring in 2024 to return to the top dogs.
The people who keep it all moving
Dylan
Service coordinator · Karen Pryor Academy graduate
A Bay Area native, Dylan lives in Pacifica with his two Australian Shepherds, who keep him inspired and on his toes. Dylan is a graduate of the Dog Training Foundations program at the Karen Pryor Academy. Dylan offers private training grounded in positive reinforcement, helping dogs and their people build lasting, trust-based relationships. Outside of working with dogs, he enjoys painting, paddleboarding, reading, mountain biking, and spending time outdoors on board game nights, camping trips, and coastal hikes.
Miguel
Operations & social media manager
Miguel moved to San Francisco in 2014. As Top Dog SF's operations and social media manager, he keeps things running smoothly behind the scenes, from coordinating services to capturing the fun reels you see on our page. He's currently training to become a professional dog trainer and has completed certifications with Dog Walker University, Karen Pryor, and Trish King. Miguel's Bernedoodle, Wolfie, joins him at the ranch and PlayCare, maybe she'll meet your pup soon.
Certified trainer, CPR & First Aid certified
Mike Rollins
Certified dog trainer
Mike Rollins is a San Francisco native and he has been with Top Dog SF since February of 2024, working closely with Natalie and the Top Dog team. Mike is an Animal Behavior College Certified Dog Trainer, approved AKC Canine Good Citizen Evaluator, Top Dog University Certified Dog Walker, and he is Pet CPR and Pet First Aid Certified. After working in the music industry as a touring musician and band manager for over a decade, and owning multiple dogs for nearly 20 years, Mike decided to become a professional dog trainer during Covid, in 2020. He brings fun, enthusiasm, patience, empathy and science with him on his dog training journey. Mike offers group classes and private training lessons at Top Dog SF, using science-based, positive reinforcement training methods.
PlayCare & the ranch
Small Dog PlayCare
Dog Walker certified, Pet CPR & First Aid certified
Michelle
Born and raised in SF with her chihuahua-terrier mix, Okami, and calico cat, Tora, Michelle Monge never knew a life without animals. Growing up with a variety of pets from guinea pigs, birds, rabbits and of course dogs. Michelle has worked with maintaining and taking care of small animals and as a volunteer in SPCA. She’s a new addition to Top Dog SF and excited to work with the pups in Small Dog PlayCare.
Doggie Ranch assistants
Pet First Aid, CPR trained & certified dog walkers
Ranch assistants
Our Ranch Assistants are committed to providing a safe and fun environment for your beloved pets. The Ranch Assistants offer supervised playtime, socialization, and plenty of TLC in our spacious ranch setting to keep your dog’s tail wagging all day long.
Dedicated to reliable and loving care
- Background checked
- CPR and Pet First Aid trained and certified
- Dog Walker University graduates
Sophie
Sophie was born and raised in Pacifica, she's no stranger to the great outdoors. When she's not adventuring with dogs, Sophie is working toward her pilot's license. Soon she'll be soaring the skies just as effortlessly as she keeps our packs running smoothly. She also has a huge heart for animals. On a recent trip to Thailand, she volunteered at a sanctuary that rescues and rehabilitates animals affected by illegal trafficking, giving them a second chance at a happy life.
Drina
Drina is a San Francisco native and an absolute animal lover. She graduated with a BFA in Dance and minors in Spanish and Anthropology from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. She has cared for a wide variety of animals in the Bay Area community for years. During college, Drina volunteered as a handler for 4Paws for Abilities service dogs in training and also gained experience in horse handling and training. A few fun facts about Drina: she loves the color periwinkle, her favorite food is pupusas, and her current favorite artist is Kehlani.
Elise
Our Adventure Walkers are dedicated to providing reliable and loving care for your furry companions. Our Adventure Walkers pick up our Top Dog SF pups in the city and shuttle them down to the Top Dog Ranch Monday through Friday. We offer tailored walks, socialization and exercise to ensure your dog's safety, happiness and health.
What our customers say
Join hundreds of happy dogs and their owners in San Francisco.
“Top Dog SF has been absolutely amazing for Max! The ranch outings have transformed him - he comes home happy and tired. The staff is professional, caring, and always keeps me updated with photos. Highly recommend!”
Sarah MitchellMax, Golden Retriever “The adventure outings to the private ranch are perfect for Luna's high energy. She loves running off-leash with her friends in such a safe, beautiful environment. Pick-up and drop-off service makes it so convenient too!”
James ChenLuna, Border Collie “I can't say enough good things about Top Dog SF! Bella has made so many friends and the socialization has improved her behavior tremendously. The certified staff and secure facility give me complete peace of mind.”
Emily RodriguezBella, Labrador “Best decision we made for Charlie! The PlayCare program is incredible - he gets exercise, training, and socialization all in one. The staff truly loves what they do and it shows in how happy our dog is.”
Michael ThompsonCharlie, Aussie Mix “Top Dog SF's small dog playcare is perfect for Cooper. He's matched with dogs his own size and energy level. The facility is clean, safe, and the staff is so attentive. We're customers for life!”
Jessica ParkCooper, Corgi “The ranch is absolutely beautiful and perfect for Rocky to run and play. The quality of care and attention to safety is outstanding. Seeing him so happy and well-exercised makes my day every time!”
David WilliamsRocky, German Shepherd
Come meet us in person
Stop by the Taraval Street storefront, or tell us about your dog and we'll match you with the right trainer and program.