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Taking the Lead

Columbus, Ohio

5/5· 151 Google reviews

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
  • Crate training
  • Leash training
  • Obedience training
  • Puppy training
  • Socialization

Behavior support

  • Aggression training
  • Barking
  • Counter surfing
  • Fear and confidence
  • Jumping up Customer-reported
  • Reactivity training
  • Resource guarding
  • Separation anxiety

How training happens

  • Day training
  • In-home training
  • Online or virtual training
  • Owner coaching
  • Private training

Dog age

  • Puppies
  • Senior dogs

Support between sessions

  • Follow-up support
  • Homework and practice Customer-reported
  • Personalized training plans

Dog sports

  • Agility

Your dog’s background

  • Rescue dogs

Training approach

  • Clicker training

Consultations

  • Free consultation

Other listed services

View 5 additional details
  • Alumni Social Events
  • Dog Barks
  • Lifetime Training
  • Nail Trims
  • Transformation Session

Confirm current programs and availability directly.

Questions & answers

From Google

What 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

Question on Google
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

Question on Google
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

Question on Google
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

Question on Google
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

Question on Google
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

Question on Google
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

Question on Google
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

Question on Google
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

Question on Google
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

Question on Google
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

Question on Google
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

Question on Google
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

Question on Google

Public community answers. Authors are not verified as business representatives; details may have changed.

Customer reviews

Google listing
5
out of 5151 Google reviews

Mentioned 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.

100 collected reviews

Text reviews first · newest first
Megan Lord
5/5
10/10 highly recommend Taking the Lead for dog training! We adopted our dog, Goose, who had been surrendered twice, and was having issues with aggression, resource guarding, and basic commands. We fell in love with the staff here when they pointed out our Goose’s need for confid…Read full reviewClose full review

10/10 highly recommend Taking the Lead for dog training! We adopted our dog, Goose, who had been surrendered twice, and was having issues with aggression, resource guarding, and basic commands. We fell in love with the staff here when they pointed out our Goose’s need for confidence was the reason for his behaviors. They presented us with a plan to support and train him according to his needs. Lindsay, Allie, Marco, and Anthony were amazing and you can tell they really enjoyed working with our dog! They gave us homework, which challenged and enriched Goose both in the training center, and in our home. They even took him to several parks, and Home Depot. After the training program, Goose is an entirely new dog. Before we worked with Taking the Lead, he had trouble sleeping, was very reactive to other dogs, and had major separation anxiety. Now, he is happier, listens to commands, and loves playing with other dogs. Lindsay was also kind enough to send us before and after videos of leash training, which I’ve attached too! Thank you all for your hard work! We are so proud to have a graduate from Taking the Lead.

Tj Rowe
5/5

Excellent trainers. Very personable. They love the dogs they train.

Brayden Spears
5/5

I was very impressed with Lindsey. She is very knowledgeable. She had our dog more obedient then he had ever been in less then an hour .

Ryan Hatfield
5/5
We had a amazing experience here. We had a bulldog puppy who was showing signs of reactivity. He would bark every time he saw a dog he hasn?t met and same thing with people. We took him here and after the 6 week training that was recommended by the team we have noticed a huge dif…Read full reviewClose full review

We had a amazing experience here. We had a bulldog puppy who was showing signs of reactivity. He would bark every time he saw a dog he hasn?t met and same thing with people. We took him here and after the 6 week training that was recommended by the team we have noticed a huge difference in his behavior. He listens to us even in high stress situations. Everyone there truly cares for your dog. The best part is they teach you what your dog learned for the day and how to go home and practice these skills with your dog to keep improving and know what to do in any situation you come across. We worked with the trainer Anthony the most. He was awesome at teaching us and our puppy what we wanted from him.

Kelly Bluth
5/5
We recently completed training with Taking the Lead for my two dogs, Ryker and Casper, and I can’t recommend it highly enough! When we started, Ryker was showing a lot of aggression towards Casper, making it stressful for both dogs and us. The trainers understood our unique chall…Read full reviewClose full review

We recently completed training with Taking the Lead for my two dogs, Ryker and Casper, and I can’t recommend it highly enough! When we started, Ryker was showing a lot of aggression towards Casper, making it stressful for both dogs and us. The trainers understood our unique challenges and gave us clear, practical strategies to address Ryker’s behavior and help both dogs feel more comfortable and secure. After a few weeks, we saw a real transformation. Ryker’s aggression dramatically decreased, and soon after both dogs learned how to interact more respectfully. The sessions not only taught us how to react properly in triggering situations, but also provided ways to build a positive, healthy bond between Ryker and Casper. Now, they tolerate each other, and our home feels more peaceful again. I am so grateful for the support—Taking the Lead truly made a difference for our dogs and our family!

Original customer experiences from the collected Google data. Ratings without comments follow written reviews.

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