**First, I need to mention that Civil Obedience Dog Training teaches at two locations, one is in…read moreClintonville at the Beechwold Veterinary Hospital, the other is in Dublin. Depending on which class and time of year it is, they will teach at either location.** It wasn't too long ago that I decided to finally take the plunge and buy a puppy like I've been dying to do for a while now. It took one weekend to realize that I needed to do some basic training ASAP or I was going to have a mental breakdown. When he reached the appropriate age, I took him to puppy kindergarten at a local training club and learned some very basic training techniques. The problem though, was I felt the instructors didn't really seem as knowledgeable about training a dog as I had hoped. Also, their solutions to some of his annoying behaviors such as mouthing seemed detrimental and rough. When the pup graduated, I wanted to continue his training, but this time I wanted to try a more professional trainer and see how he reacted. This is where Civil Obedience training came into play. It was recommended to me by my vet and they teach using only a positive reinforcement approach to training, first utilizing "clickers" to help the dogs recognize they did something correctly. I could tell after our first class with Amy (the trainer) that she worked very well with my dog and he responded beautifully. She also gives off a very approachable but professional vibe and gladly answers email questions in between classes. As with most dog training classes, most of the time is dedicated to showing you, as an owner, how to conduct training at home, and this class is no different from those. The big differentiating factor, is that they keep the classes small (6-7 dogs), which allows Amy to spend time with each owner and their furry child. She normally demonstrates how to do something correctly, incorrectly, and then has everyone try it, while she walks around the room making sure everyone performs correctly and has time to ask questions. I liked the basic obedience class so much that I recently started the advanced obedience training to further my skills. There are a couple things I find disappointing with the basic obedience class, but not enough to knock my rating down to a 4: 1) Some of my dog's problem behaviors were not covered in the basic obedience class. Looking back, there really aren't that many skills covered, but I think it is because Amy spends a lot of time building a base to work from. The first couple weeks focus on sitting calmly, giving you their attention, and using healthy food/treats. I will say though, when training dogs, slow and steady tends to be much more effective. 2) There are a few occasions, especially when dealing with problem behaviors, that I feel like the "all positive" approach is too lenient. Just like when a human child gets out of line, an occasional spanking gets the message clear to them that they did something wrong. I'm certainly not advocating hitting your dog, but I feel a certain amount of firmness needs to be applied when appropriate. Overall though, most of the suggestions given to me have worked. Ok, I know this review is getting long, but one last thing. $$Price$$ If you browse their website, you'll see that it is one of the more expensive classes in Columbus, but I've learned that you get what you pay for when it comes to dog training classes.

Best spot for boarding and training. My dog loves the handlers and he is always excited when we…read moredrop him off for boarding. Can't thank them enough for their AMAZING service!! I highly recommend them!

I was very disappointed with the results we received from our puppy. She did great with their…read morehandler while she was there but the minute we got home she reverted back to her habits immediately. When I picked her up I was under the impression they would spend time with her and I together to teach me what she learned. She had never heard the commands from me, only her handler there. All the did was a Q&A and said here's your dog. What a waste of money.

In short: Capital Canine Dog Training gets our highest recommendation. Worth every penny in results…read morefor our (formerly) defiant, anxious min-pin. Longer story: we took in a 2+ year-old rescue miniature-pinscher who was not even housebroken, let alone trained. He would bark at the drop of a hat, snarl at strangers, eat irregularly, sprint out of open doors/attempt escape from fencing, mark inside the house, anxiously guard resources (space and/or closeness to preferred humans), obstinately ignore commands; the run of the gamut for small dog issues. Enter Kevin and Capital Canine Dog Training's "21-Day Board and Train" program. From our initial emails and through the in-home consultation, we could tell we had a good fit with Kevin/Capital Canine. This was someone that understood our concerns and also spoke patiently and realistically about the results we could expect over the three weeks that our dog Milo would spend with Capital Canine. Just as important as the training that Milo would receive from Kevin would be the training that we would need to do to ourselves with help and advice of Capital Canine. Over the 21 days that Milo was in the "Board & Train" program, we got regular updates on his progress via texts, pictures, and videos, showing our boy was in good spirits and making strides. What we thought was impossible, Kevin and his team demonstrated was eminently, if incrementally, achievable with Milo in their hands and across varied exposure environments (in-house, outdoors, and in public places). Following Milo's return home, we (re)introduced our neighbors to this once-fiesty character, and they were shocked. "This can't be the same dog! Who is this sweet boy?" In that moment we couldn't have been more proud of the change in our dog or more relieved in our choice of Capital Canine. But the benefits of the "Board & Train" program didn't end with The Big Reveal. Kevin had three in-home follow-ups with us which were crucial to cementing our understanding of how to be the best stewards of Milo's progress and to monitor his progress and/or difficulties in the time following his return home. Just as we had hoped, Capital Canine planted the seeds of obedience in our dog. Kevin also guided us expertly in our journey toward becoming the kind of dog owner that establishes firm boundaries, consistency, and rewards/corrects properly and proportionately. Our utmost thanks to Kevin and staff at Capital Canine!​

Harrison and I are SO glad that we made the decision to train our dog, Hudson, with Capital Canine…read more Kevin is the absolute best, and we fully trusted him with our pup for the 3 week board and train program. Before training, Hudson struggled with separation anxiety, couldn't go in a crate or car, was very impulsive and would run away at the park with unreliable recall and boundaries. He is a very sweet natured and fun dog who is great with people, he just needed help learning how to control his energy. Harrison and I did not know where to begin with training, and we felt overwhelmed. Kevin made it extremely easy for us by doing all the hard work in establishing a behavioral foundation during the 3 week board and train. He even kept Hudson for an extra couple of days as he was committed to getting Hudson comfortable in a crate before bringing him home to us. The transformation has been incredible. After Hudson came home to us, there were immediate improvements. He could hold a place, sit, and down through distraction, and rest in his crate when asked. He understood how the E-collar worked, had better recall, and could heel and walk on a leash without pulling. These basic commands have truly changed our day to day and have helped us create more structure in Hudson's day. On top of the 3 week program, Capital Canine continued to be supportive and helpful. Kevin worked with us in 4 additional sessions after the board and train to teach Harrison and myself how to continue the training throughout different environments and scenarios. He would respond to texts in-between sessions when Harrison and I had questions or were unsure of how we were training. He was a great teacher and helped us understand how dogs think and how we can better communicate with them. We really looked forward to these sessions and enjoyed our time with Kevin! Hudson always had a blast too. A month has now passed since the board and train. We have kept up with Hudson's training and are confident taking Hudson in public, to parks, family and friend's houses, and he is a more confident dog in those spaces. The training has been life changing. I am so happy that we did this, not only because it makes our lives easier, but I also know it makes Hudson's life better too now that he knows boundaries and limits and doesn't have to feel as anxious as before. Highly recommend training with Capital Canine. It is worth the time and investment!

Would give 100 stars if I could. My 8-year old terrier was a terrified terror and bundle of…read morenerves. I was worried about sending him away to Christian K9 because of his severe anxiety. But, what I got back after the 20 day program was a much happier, more confident and calm dog. Things that used to cause him severe distress are now actually enjoyable: meeting new people, crossing paths with other dogs, going out in public, and even having guests at home. My only regret is that I did not do this sooner. I felt selfish thinking I was doing this for myself and that my dog might not be able to handle it. If I had any idea how much this program was going to improve his daily life, I would've done it much sooner.

I highly recommend Christian K-9 Academy! We brought our puppy, Raven, to them because she was…read morestruggling with severe fear aggression and major obedience issues. We were at our wits' end, but the transformation has been incredible. Raven has come back as a completely different dog in all the right ways--she is much more confident, calm, and follows her commands perfectly. If you're dealing with reactivity or behavioral challenges, this is the place to go. They truly worked wonders for Raven! Dean, not only did you help Raven, but you also ensured that our family did the right thing by her. You are a true difference maker!

My puppy loved her 5 day training! She walks so well on the leash, and can hold her commands around…read moreother dogs/distractions. 10/10 worth it!

Molly did a great job at helping our puppy learn some basic obedience and work on his confidence…read moreand socialization. During our initial meeting with her, we discussed our training goals and what it would take to get there. We chose to do private lessons, which were perfect for us. Each session provided time to talk about what has been going well and what needs improvement. Next Molly provided time for demonstration, instruction, and coaching for the obedience lessons for the session. We felt this was great because we could see what we needed to do as handlers, and then were coached through the best way to communicate what we wanted with our puppy. At the end of each session we did a confidence builder - it was great to see our puppy overcome a fear like a tunnel or jumping over a hurdle. In just a few minutes he went from unsure and timid to beaming with confidence and having fun. I highly recommend Red Hot Heelers as a trainer! We will be back in a few months for more training when our puppy is a bit older and ready for more complicated obedience lessons.

TL;DR: Joining Taking The Lead was the best decision we made for our dog. It's more like "school"…read morethan "training".. both you and your dog will learn a lot! Before TTL, Levi struggled with separation anxiety, avoided buildings, and wouldn't touch unfamiliar surfaces (like the scale at the vets office). He was sweet, social with both dogs and people, and knew basic commands, so we didn't think training was necessary. (spoiler alert: it was) At our first consultation, Levi was terrified--shaking, crying, and trying to escape. I realized I was unintentionally reinforcing his anxiety by trying to comfort him. We enrolled in the 9-week program, and it completely transformed him. Each week, Levi grew more confident. He now calmly gets his nails clipped, follows "place" commands anywhere (even at the park), and even sits at the door before I take him outside. He's still our smart & happy dog.. just more adventurous and confident! The staff is amazing. Anthoney, our lead trainer, was phenomenal! Levi adores him and so do we. His work with his own husky is seriously impressive.. you should ask him about it! Even after graduation, TTL keeps the momentum going with free alumni events every other weekend. We get to train in fun new places around Columbus and connect with other dog owners who want the best for their pets. Huge thanks to Lindsey, Anthoney, and the whole team.. you've helped Levi thrive!

This is a long time coming, but I just want to thank Greg! I actually had a pretty severe case. One…read moreof my dogs bit me and I thought I was going to have put him down, because I didn't know who would adopt a dog with that history. Greg came in to assess. He saw the whole dynamics of the family and how my other was picking on the one that acted out. It's taken a family shift but EVERYTHING has changed. We had to do a lot of work, but we have restored faith in our dog that acted out now. GREG IS OUR HERO! We have such a better family dynamic and everyone is happy. It's all thanks to Greg! Our dogs are great, it was just we needed to learn how to speak to them as individuals. He taught us. It's not just dogs he knows, but he looks at the whole picture. We feel so lucky to have found him. Thanks for all the peace you have given us. Greg! It's life changing!

Greg is very knowledgeable about techniques for many different temperament of dogs. He will take…read morethe time to get to know your dog and come up with a unique plan that fits you, your dog and your family best! We have used him several times with different dogs throughout the years and cannot say enough good things about Greg! His training techniques are very helpful and we saw an instant change in unwanted behavior. Highly, highly recommend Greg Knows Dogs for in home training! Repeat customer, Jenna

Our puppy, Dex, completed Paige's 2 week Day Training program at Proper Pups at just 13 weeks old…read moreand we were thrilled with his progress! We were just struggling with all the typically puppy behaviors (nipping/biting, jumping, leash walking) and could simply use the help with teaching him basic commands given that my partner and I work full time. This quick (and overall affordable) training course minimized a great deal of the stress and chaos that comes with getting a new puppy. And Dex was always so excited to go to school!

They did such a wonderful job with my fur baby. Highly recommend and will definitely use againread more