FirstBarkHad a great experience with TTL. The trainers were skilled and knowledgeable. Not only did they show great patience but also perseverance - and not just with our dog, Belka, but with us owners too. Trainers Teagan, Karla and Ally treated Belka with almost as much care and kindness as we do at home. Belka has more confidence and discipline, and is a pure joy to be with.
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
- 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 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 listing5
151 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.
Taking the Lead did a fantastic job training my dog. Even at 4 years old there was notable improvement across the board which was awesome to see. The Staff is very friendly & accommodating - my dog is going to miss them! All the lessons are made available online too which is grea…Read full reviewClose full review
Taking the Lead did a fantastic job training my dog. Even at 4 years old there was notable improvement across the board which was awesome to see. The Staff is very friendly & accommodating - my dog is going to miss them! All the lessons are made available online too which is great for reminders and future training! Easy 5/5 stars and would recommend to anyone looking to improve their dog’s behavior in any way.
Very pleased with the training Louie received. Trainers are very knowledgeable and helpful. I chose Taking the lead because I liked the idea of leaving him for a day once a week rather than leaving him for a week or 2 and that there were other dogs which socialization was one…Read full reviewClose full review
Very pleased with the training Louie received. Trainers are very knowledgeable and helpful. I chose Taking the lead because I liked the idea of leaving him for a day once a week rather than leaving him for a week or 2 and that there were other dogs which socialization was one of my concerns.. Adding a 2nd review...I like Taking the Lead so much I put my Golden Retriever through training with them also. They do a great job and are always helpful and offer alumni events that are fun and help keep our pets on track!!! Highly recommend TTL!!!
You can teach an old dog new tricks! My sweet Daisy is about 10 and she began to show more and more aggression towards people, and the vet was practically impossible. I decided to look into training because I started to feel I couldn't have Daisy around hardly anyone, as she had …Read full reviewClose full review
You can teach an old dog new tricks! My sweet Daisy is about 10 and she began to show more and more aggression towards people, and the vet was practically impossible. I decided to look into training because I started to feel I couldn't have Daisy around hardly anyone, as she had lunged a few times. It felt exhausting planning anything that involved her. The price was scary at first, but I can say it's totally worth it! It really trained me as much as Daisy. The team was AMAZING at really getting to know her and care for her needs. Alli and Marco got to work with us a lot and taught me so much! I know every team member had a part though and I appreciate everyone. It felt they truly care and got to know her personality to a T. She successfully sits calmly even when random maintenance men come in the house. Most notably, the vet was a DREAM compared to anything I could imagine. She will always be an anxious girl, but the team was able to help show me how to help her healthily deal with her anxiety. Plus, I feel much more bonded with Daisy now. Thank you!
We absolutely loved our experience with Taking the Lead. We adopted our dog from the shelter, and she was very anxious - it honestly felt overwhelming trying to figure out where to start. After browsing reviews for different programs, we decided to take the leap and schedule an i…Read full reviewClose full review
We absolutely loved our experience with Taking the Lead. We adopted our dog from the shelter, and she was very anxious - it honestly felt overwhelming trying to figure out where to start. After browsing reviews for different programs, we decided to take the leap and schedule an initial visit. Seeing how well Winnie responded to Lindsay at that very first meeting made our decision easy, and we’re so glad we joined. Over the ten weeks she attended, Winnie truly blossomed. She gained confidence, learned essential skills, and developed a much more peaceful way of living at home. We went from “What have we done?!” to “Look at our well-adjusted little lady!” (She still has opinions… they’re just more socially acceptable now.) Marco was Winnie’s primary trainer, and we can’t say enough about the patience, skill, and genuine care he brought to every session. Kaitlyn also worked with Winnie and was wonderful - supportive, thoughtful, and clearly invested in her progress. Thanks to them, our home is calmer, our walks are actually enjoyable, and we finally feel like we understand our dog…which is impressive when we think about where we started with our Winnie. We’re incredibly grateful to the whole team for giving us such a strong foundation to build on. We’re excited to keep working on everything we’ve learned and are really looking forward to the alumni events. If you’re feeling overwhelmed about where to begin, we can’t recommend this program enough!
Original customer experiences from the collected Google data. Ratings without comments follow written reviews.