Dog Training in Columbus, OH | Free Transformation Session

Dog Training in Columbus, OH & Surrounding Areas

We'll help your dog (and you) build the confidence you need to finally enjoy relaxing walks, guests at the door, and trips out in public — without the worry.

Obedience Training

Puppy Training

Reactivity

Behavior Modification

★★★★★5.0150+ Google reviews

“She has transformed our boy into the best behaved buddy.” — Sara Miller

Wave goodbye to problems like:

Excessive Barking

Leash Pulling

Jumping on Guests

Dog Aggression

Reactivity

Resource Guarding

Separation Anxiety

Counter Surfing

How would your life change if you could remove just one — or all — of these problems? It's not as impossible as it feels right now. We've helped hundreds of frustrated Columbus dog owners unlock a new reality of life with their dog.

Simply fill out the form, tell us about your dog, and we'll be in touch within 1 hour or less.

Every program includes

A program built for your dog

No filler training you shouldn't be paying for. We evaluate first, then recommend.

Lifetime of unlimited group classes

Every program includes free alumni events for life — the place to proof your dog's skills and keep them socialized.

Financing available

In-house financing and Affirm so the right program is within reach.

Lifetime guarantee

Free training for the life of your dog, plus online university access. That is the guarantee.

What happens at your Free Transformation Session

This is how we find out exactly what your dog needs — before anyone talks about a program.

Evaluation

We evaluate your dog's current behavior and temperament and build a program around your actual goals.

Report of Findings

We show you why the behavior is happening — what's causing it, not just what it looks like.

First Training Lesson

We start working with you and your dog on the spot so you see the approach before you commit to anything. The whole session takes about an hour.

Three ways we can help

Lindsay working a black lab on a down-stay while the owner holds the leash

Day Training

Drop your dog off and go about your day while our certified trainers do the work. We build the obedience foundation and work directly on the behaviors you want changed, then hand the skills back to you so they hold at home. Backed by a lifetime guarantee.

Designed for busy owners who want expert repetitions during the week without giving up the bond at home.

Your dog will learn:

Sit, down, stay, come
Heel and loose-leash walking
Place with duration
Impulse control around food and doors
Calm around other dogs
Owner handoff sessions

The Taking The Lead team and alumni dogs gathered on a park gazebo

Lifetime Training

Training that doesn't stop when the program ends. Ongoing support, continual guidance, an online university, alumni social events and free training for the life of your dog — so the results last as long as your dog does.

Designed for owners who want a partner for the life of the dog, not a one-time fix.

Your dog will learn:

Reliable obedience that holds over time
Real-world proofing around distractions
Refreshers whenever you need them
Socialization at alumni events
Online university access
All training equipment included

A French bulldog puppy licking a laughing owner at a park picnic table

Puppy Program

A comprehensive program for puppies up to nine months old. We lay the foundation early — house manners, crate, leash and recall — so the problems most owners fight for years never get a chance to start.

Designed for new puppy owners who want to get it right from the beginning.

Your dog will learn:

Crate and potty routine
Bite inhibition and chewing
Name recognition and recall
Loose-leash walking
Socialization done safely
Place and settle

Not sure which option is right for you? That's okay. Start by telling us about your dog and we'll identify exactly how to help — without any filler training you shouldn't be paying for.

5.0

★★★★★

150+ five-star Google reviews

★★★★★
“Lindsay is amazing!! We have a brand new dog. We came to her at our wits end with our 1 year old Bernese mountain dog. When you have 100 lbs of dog come running at you every time you or a guest walk through the door, you think nothing could help. Step in Lindsay! She has transformed our boy into the best behaved buddy. He can now walk right next to us without ripping our arms off, he can wait in his place while guests enter our home, and he can calm himself down so that everyone can enjoy his company. Not only does she listen to you and adapt her training methods to fit your lifestyle, she’s realistic and super confident in her ways, which then makes you confident to train your dog! Thank you, thank you a million times over!!!!!!”
Sara Miller Google Reviews

★★★★★
“Cannot recommend Taking the Lead LLC (Lindsay) enough! Before training, our 1-year-old dog was aggressive towards other dogs and listened to very few commands. She would loudly bark over everything — noises, wanting attention, wanting to go outside, etc. — chew household items, jump on people, (playfully) bite fingers and toes, and get on furniture. After six training sessions, we are seeing major improvements in all areas and feel like we actually know how to control her! Lindsay is amazing at addressing concerns, answering any & all questions, and tailoring your training to you/your dog’s needs. We did another group training program before but didn’t have much success unlike Lindsay’s one-on-one style. I was hesitant to pay the price, but it was absolutely worth it. Plus, you leave knowing skills & information that you can apply to future pets as well!”
Erin George Google Reviews

★★★★★
“Last winter, my 3 year old dog started showing some aggression towards teenage boys so I decided to look for a dog trainer that could help. I reached out to several trainers, a lot of them charging $50-$100 just to meet the dog, and then didn’t even demonstrate anything they could do for him. Then I went to Taking the Lead. We had a free evaluation and Lindsay took my dog Enzo and showed me what some of the initial training would look like. She spent a lot of time understanding our issues and really showed her knowledge and confidence in helping him. It was a no brainer for me! I also loved the day camp style training where I would learn the skills worked on that day and then have homework the rest of the week. Enzo learned so much and became an expert very quickly! I would recommend Taking the Lead to anyone looking for a dog trainer!”
Jamie Cochran Google Reviews