National K-9 Learning Center

I will start by saying that signing up for an evaluation here was one of the best decisions I have made! I cannot say enough good things about this place. One of my dogs has issues with aggression toward people and other dogs. I was starting to consider euthanasia as an option because he has gotten worse with age and would not always listen to me. A friend recommended National K-9 to me so I set up an evaluation. Cassie went through his behavioral history, training methods I had used, etc. She discussed the options of private lessons and residency programs. We started with private lessons and he did very well! Cassie really helped me to be consistent with his obedience training which in turn made me much more confident in handling him. Though his aggression will never be "fixed", I now know how to read him and work with him. He is far less reactive toward new people and dogs because he trusts me to decide if a situation is okay or not. If I walked him into the vet's office a year ago he would growl, lunge, and bark at anyone in the lobby. Today, I can calmly walk him in a heel past other dogs and people, lay down quietly while we wait to be called back, and he sits nicely while he is examined. Not to be dramatic but I teared up at his latest vet appointment because he had blood drawn for the first time without completely lashing out. He did not growl or move a muscle. I never would have thought he would be this easy to work with. I am so grateful just for this! For the past couple months I have taken another one of my dogs in for private lessons as well. He was very under socialized as a young puppy due to needing extensive crate rest from an injury in his previous home and then corrective surgery for it. He is fearful, aloof, and was difficult for me to train. Cassie again helped me to understand his personality and how to work through his panicky behavior and stubbornness. He is still a work in progress, but now we are starting off-leash training! The results I have seen with him are amazing. My newest puppy is currently in a residency program to work on basic obedience and is doing well. Contrary to some other reviews I have read, I have never felt like I was being pressured to use more expensive options. I have only felt they had the best interest of myself and my dogs at heart. My dogs have never been mistreated here and for me, the results speak for themselves. I would not be the confident dog owner that I am if it weren't for the experiences I have had here. Every staff member I have met here has been nothing short of professional, kind, and friendly. I look forward to Cassie and the staff working with any and all of my future dogs. Update: My puppy completed his residency program and came home a brand new dog in the best way possible.

I could write a book about our experience at NK9. I was reluctant to bring in our dog who had been struggling with leash aggression over several years and he was getting worse and worse. Walks brought me anxiety and I became unable to walk him and our other dog at the same time due to his “freak outs” at other people and dogs along the way. We were referred here by a friend and brought him in for a free evaluation. Our trainer spent an hour talking with us and assessing his specific needs. That day she took him on the leash and demonstrated their techniques for training with another dog present. Seeing her work with him that first day convinced us to board him there for 12 (long) days for training. They took wonderful care of him while there. And he learned a TON! We’ve now completed our lessons and can participate in group classes. He can now be around other dogs and behave on his leash! This has been life changing and well worth the time and money not only for us but for him. I’m so glad he can enjoy play time outside again! Highly recommend this place!

Had a dog trained there through the 10 day program in 2002. He was the best dog I have ever had. Confident, calm and obedient. Moved to Texas for a while, got another dog after he passed and trainers I found there did not come close. Back in Columbus now, have a new pup and going back to get this one trained ASAP. You get what you pay for and the 10 day program was well worth it in 2002, lead to 10 years of a wonderful companion for the whole family. Plan on doing it again with the new pup!