Absolutely a wonderful experience! Everyone here is so kind and knowledgeable. I felt so comfortable having my dog come here. She learned so much while here and has truly improved our lives and hers❤️

Taking the Lead
Columbus, Ohio
About Taking the Lead
Is your dog's behavior causing frustration? If so, look no further than Taking the Lead, the premier option for dog training in Columbus, OH. Our comprehensive programs cater to all of your canine needs. Our day training model is perfect for general obedience and puppy training. For those dealing with more challenging issues, we offer specialized training for reactive and aggressive dogs. Our expert trainers use proven techniques to address these complex behaviors, creating a safer and more harmonious relationship between you and your pet. Contact us today to schedule an assessment and embark on your journey to a well-behaved, happy dog!
Training & services
Training goals
- Behavior consultation
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- Crate training
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- Leash training
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- Obedience training
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- Puppy training
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- Socialization
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Behavior support
- Aggression training
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- Barking
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- Counter surfing
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- Fear and confidence
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- Jumping up Customer-reported
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- Reactivity training
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- Resource guarding
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- Separation anxiety
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How training happens
- Day training
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- In-home training
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- Online or virtual training
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- Owner coaching
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- Private training
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Dog age
- Puppies
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- Senior dogs
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Support between sessions
- Follow-up support
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- Homework and practice Customer-reported
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- Personalized training plans
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Dog sports
- Agility
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Your dog’s background
- Rescue dogs
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Training approach
- Clicker training
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Consultations
- Free consultation
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Other listed services
View 5 additional details
- Alumni Social Events
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- Dog Barks
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- Lifetime Training
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- Nail Trims
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- Transformation Session
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Confirm current programs and availability directly.
Questions & answers
From GoogleWhat people have asked about this business.
How much do your services cost?
Our pricing varies depending on the type and duration of training required. We offer package deals for multiple sessions as well as individual session rates. Please contact us for a personalized quote based on your specific needs and goals for your dog.
Community answer · Taking the Lead · 2025-09-21
How long does training typically take?
The duration of training varies depending on the dog's age, breed, and temperament as well as the specific training program and goals. Basic obedience training usually takes four to six weeks, while more complex behavior issues may require eight to 12 weeks or longer. We work with each customer to establish a realistic timeline based on their dog's needs.
Community answer · Taking the Lead · 2025-09-21
What is your training philosophy?
Our training philosophy is based on positive reinforcement with a balance and building a strong bond between dog and owner. We believe in using reward-based methods to encourage desired behaviors rather than punishment-based techniques. Our goal is to create a happy, well-behaved dog and a confident, knowledgeable owner. We help our customers communicate through the leash first while applying classical and operant conditioning.
Community answer · Taking the Lead · 2025-09-21
Why should I consider professional dog training for my pet?
Professional dog training classes can help to prevent behavioral problems, such as aggression and destructive chewing, and can teach your dog basic obedience skills that make them a better companion. It also helps to strengthen the bond between you and your pet.
Community answer · Taking the Lead · 2025-09-21
What kind of behavioral issues can be addressed through professional dog training?
Professional dog training can address a wide range of behavioral issues, including aggression toward people or other dogs, separation anxiety, fear of loud noises or new situations, destructive chewing or digging, excessive barking or whining, and more.
Community answer · Taking the Lead · 2025-09-21
What types of training do you offer?
We provide a range of training services including basic obedience, leash training, behavior modification, and specialized training for service dogs. Our programs are tailored to meet the specific needs of each dog and owner.
Community answer · Taking the Lead · 2025-09-21
Do you offer group classes or private sessions?
We offer group classes and private training sessions. Group classes are ideal for socialization and basic obedience, while private sessions allow for more focused attention on specific behavior issues or advanced training goals.
Community answer · Taking the Lead · 2025-09-21
Where do you train?
Our 4,700-square-foot facility in Upper Arlington is where most of our training takes place. We also take advantage of the local scene, including stores and metro parks like Antrim for training outings. Every day our dogs go on pack walks and field trips in the neighborhood to help them become well-socialized and -mannered.
Community answer · Taking the Lead · 2025-09-21
Do you offer payment plans?
Yes, we offer in-house financing and financing through Affirm to our customers.
Community answer · Taking the Lead · 2025-09-21
What breeds of dogs do you train?
We train all breeds and sizes. From Chihuahuas to Great Danes, the big and small, we train them all.
Community answer · Taking the Lead · 2025-09-21
Do you guarantee your training?
Yes, we guarantee group classes for the life of your dog. If your goals aren't reached during your program, we'll continue to provide support through group classes for maintenance and progress. No matter if it takes two months or two years, we'll be here for you and your dog until you're completely satisfied.
Community answer · Taking the Lead · 2025-09-21
Can all dogs be trained?
Yes, all dogs can be trained. However, some dogs may require more patience and persistence in dog training classes than others, and certain grades may require specialized training techniques.
Community answer · Taking the Lead · 2025-09-21
When is the best time to start training my puppy?
The earlier you start training your puppy, the better. Puppies have a critical socialization time period. Between three and four weeks of age is when they are most receptive to learning and new experiences.
Community answer · Taking the Lead · 2025-09-21
Public community answers. Authors are not verified as business representatives; details may have changed.
Customer reviews
Google listingMentioned in reviews
- knowledgeable trainers 16
- leash training 16
- reactivity training 12
- anxious dog training 7
- crate training 5
- tailored training 5
All 10 topics
- transformation session 5
- confident dog owners 3
- disobedience training 2
- rescue dog training 2
Google review topics, not confirmed services.
We and our dog had a wonderful experience at Taking the Lead. Popsicle is a different dog now, gone from pitifully anxious in the beginning to a confident graduate of the program. She is now potty trained, she sleeps happily in her crate every night, and her barking is under con…Read full reviewClose full review
We and our dog had a wonderful experience at Taking the Lead. Popsicle is a different dog now, gone from pitifully anxious in the beginning to a confident graduate of the program. She is now potty trained, she sleeps happily in her crate every night, and her barking is under control. Marco and Teagan were very exact in their training, at the same time warm and loving with their positive reinforcement. This training is the best investment we have ever made. Highest recommendation.
Great staff-caring, positive, supportive, and very knowledgeable
We had such a great experience with Taking the Lead. Lindsey, Marco and all of the other trainers were super amazing with how they handled Louie. When we brought Louie in initially, we were a bit nervous as he is a very anxious and reactive dog. After our consultation with Lindse…Read full reviewClose full review
We had such a great experience with Taking the Lead. Lindsey, Marco and all of the other trainers were super amazing with how they handled Louie. When we brought Louie in initially, we were a bit nervous as he is a very anxious and reactive dog. After our consultation with Lindsey, we knew we were in the right place and that they were going to do all they could to help us and Louie. Throughout training we have learned so much about how to manage Louie’s behaviors and have seen so much progress. Every week we picked him up, we were just blown away with all of the training they were able to do in one day! The best part is that the training doesn’t stop and we are able to go to alumni events to touch up on what we learned. I would highly recommend Taking the Lead!!
I cannot recommend Take the Lead LLC enough for their work with our dog, Rusty. When we started, Rusty was incredibly stubborn and anxious, making simple outings a real challenge. The staff was absolutely wonderful—they were always receptive to my questions and took the time to g…Read full reviewClose full review
I cannot recommend Take the Lead LLC enough for their work with our dog, Rusty. When we started, Rusty was incredibly stubborn and anxious, making simple outings a real challenge. The staff was absolutely wonderful—they were always receptive to my questions and took the time to give thorough explanations about their methods, which made me feel confident and involved in the process. The transformation has been incredible. Rusty is now a much better listener, and his anxiety has decreased. We’ve reached a huge milestone: we can now take him to Menards and the parks without constantly fighting him to behave. It’s a game-changer for us.
Original customer experiences from the collected Google data. Ratings without comments follow written reviews.