Dog Obedience Training Columbus Ohio

Canine Academy is Central Ohio’s best dog trainer.

We specialize in positive experience training methodologies and our programs are designed to improve communication between dog and owner, leading to a happier life for both.

Canine Academy offers Puppy Foundations Training and Basic Obedience Training, which provides your doggo with structure and creates an outlet for excessive energy. Our programs are designed to meet your dog’s needs and match your lifestyle.

Training is a great step in you and your family’s journey to achieve the dog of your dreams, regardless of their age, breed or disposition!

Canine Academy Named World’s Greatest Dog Trainer

In 2023, Canine Academy was featured by Bloomberg as the World’s Greatest Dog Trainer – Best Canine Companions. The driving force behind Canine Academy is their passion for positively impacting the lives of their clients and their dogs, taking pride in ensuring that every dog that comes to campus is happy, safe, healthy, and well-educated.

Don’t miss the opportunity to work with a world-class trainer right around the corner.

Our Locations

Located in Lancaster, OH, Canine Academy is a premier dog training facility located 31 min from Downtown Columbus. We are situated on 7 acres of green landscape. We believe that a core input to an effective training strategy for your dog is regular exercise. With our large, fenced-in play field combined with hiking trails for stimulating walks, our property is the perfect place for your dog to have access to fresh air and exercise while not in training!

Can’t stomach the drive to Lancaster? Our nearest local partner, Barks and Rec, is just a 10 min drive from Downtown Columbus!

Testimonials

See What Your Neighbors Are Saying About Canine Academy

"I adopted a rescue dog on July 31st without knowing too much about his breed (husky). I quickly found out that they are extremely energetic and mine particularly had a very hard time in his crate for the first few weeks after getting him. I just remember being so completely overwhelmed the first week and thinking "how am I ever going to be able to make this work, much less properly train the dog". I then started looking for training classes for him and most of the companies I found were a bit out of my price range until I found canine academy. The 6 class course was perfect for me and my pup and it was very reasonably priced, not to mention the E-collar was included. My trainer, Kerri, was extremely patient not only with Ghost (my dog) but the other 4 dogs in the class as well. At first I was a bit nervous about the e-collar, but Kerri showed us how to properly pair it with positive reinforcement to train the dogs most effectively. Ghost is now much better behaved and follows all the commands we practiced throughout the 6 weeks. On top of that, Canine Academy also offers free graduate classes to all dogs that pass one of their programs, which is something that my dog and I will be utilizing for as long as we can. I am not sure where I would be right now with my dog if I never took him to Canine Academy, but what I do know is that he would not be as well trained. I would highly recommend Canine Academy to anyone who is struggling or overwhelmed with owning a dog as it will provide a multitude of invaluable resources throughout your dogs life!"

"The training area is a very clean, safe, & friendly environment. Our trainer, Kerrie, and the other trainers I was exposed to while in the group program are all very skilled, kind, and patient with humans & pets. Kerrie's observations of and responses to the various pet behaviors in the group was excellent in making the time spent in a group environment very positive for all. I have learned the skills I need to have a very fun rewarding relationship with my puppy. I look forward to attending more group classes now that Li'lBit has graduated from basic training to enhance our experiences even further. Thank you!"

"First and foremost, I can’t recommend Canine Academy enough!! They deserve so many more stars than 5! We nervously brought our labradoodle to Canine Academy for board and train and had absolutely outstanding results! After losing our old man, we decided to rescue again. We rescued a year and a half year old pit bull mix named Blake Shelton. Canine Academy does an amazing job of talking you through their program and truly helps put your mind at ease from the start. Although we had all the confidence in Canine Academy’s board and train program, we were nervous all over again as we were still learning our new rescue. Canine Academy matched us with the PERFECT trainers each time. Shannon is incredible working with dogs that are reactive/nervous and did wonders with our labradoodle, Peeve. Blake Shelton was paired with Alex. Alex was exactly what Blake needed in a trainer. He went above and beyond, building a genuine bond with Blake. Alex did an amazing job with sending us picture and video updates. Blake is a whole new dog now thanks to Alex! Alex was great in our appointment when picking Blake up. He answered all of our questions and helped inform us so we are best prepared coming home. Alex and Shannon truly deserve ALL the stars!! If you are just looking to board your dog, the care team at Canine Academy is top notch. We got updates each day with pictures of our dogs playing their hearts out and on walks. During our dogs stay, they ran low on food. The care team immediately reached out to us to notify us and we were able to have more food delivered! Every person at Canine Academy treats your pet like their own and it truly helps put your mind at ease that your baby is living their best life while you are away."

Our Training Packages

We have programs designed for every dog and to meet your family’s goals. From puppy classes and small group obedience work, to board and train programs with lifetime support, and anything in between – Canine Academy has a program that’s right for your pet. Check out our full service offering here, or view some highlights below.

Board and Train – An intensive program that includes daily time with a dedicated trainer, intentional leisure and socialization with our talented care team, and 90-days of follow-up support to ensure a smooth transition home. We achieve better results than other trainers in a shorter time, because we use all 24 hours in your pet’s day to the fullest. Graduates of the board and train program receive our lifetime commitment of support.
Small Group Basic Obedience – Over the course of 5 weeks, you and your dog will master basic obedience under distraction. We optimize the training group size to ensure 1:1 attention from your trainer, and distractions in a controlled environment to build reliability. Canine Academy offers this service at our main campus, and at select doggy daycare locations in Columbus.
Build Your Own Program – Your dog and goals are unique, and our team of dedicated trainers is standing by to help you master basic obedience together and eliminate nuisance behaviors in the format that makes the most sense to you. We’ll help you design a program that ensures you’ll have a usable set of skills to communicate with your canine companion for life.
Puppy Training – It’s never too early to start building the habits and relationship you want with your puppy! We are focused on developmentally appropriate training. For puppies under 5 months that means focusing on socialization, treat training, avoiding bad habits, managing excess energy, housebreaking and crate training. With options from stay and train programs to small group learning, you’ll get started on the right paw with Canine Academy.

Canine Academy’s Results:

Even the most energetic, distracted, or stubborn dog can show a dramatic improvement in behavior in as little as one week with professional obedience training. Following your pup’s training with us, our dedicated team of trainers will work with you to ensure that your results stick. Canine Academy graduates stand out in a crowd based on their patience, attentiveness to owner, reliable off-leash behavior, and eagerness to follow commands. During training, our trainers consistently seek out distractions for your dog, so that you get a reliable, obedient dog no matter where you go.

We focus on functional obedience, so you and your dog will be able to navigate life together with a few simple cues: sit, down, place, come, walk, off, and release. All of our cues include a stay, so sit means sit…and stay!

Our Dog Training Methods:

Our dog behaviorist trainers spend a lot of time getting to know what makes your dog tick. Positive experience dog training is about providing consistent reward. Without treats in your pocket, motivating your dog by play and praise – issued the way your dog wants it – makes dog obedience training stick for life.

Beyond identifying the most effective reward for positive reinforcement, our dog trainers also use e collars to provide a very low level stimulus during both commands and praise. Our proprietary Positive E Collar methodology enhances the communication between dog and owner. This enhanced communication builds trust and produces effective training outcomes. We believe that you can teach a dog obedience training without causing the dog any physical pain through an e collar.

Along with your leash, your voice and your nonverbal cues, your e collar is just another tool in your toolbox. But your e collar allows you to communicate with your dog at even longer distances. With your new tool and our dog obedience training methods, you’ll access a level of freedom in nature and in public access.

Not sure where to start?

Take our behavioral assessment and a member of our team will reach out to discuss how to achieve your specific training goals

Dog Obedience Training FAQs

Is it OK to send your dog away for training?

While it’s natural and expected for both dogs and their humans to miss each other while apart, sending your dog away for training can have some very positive benefits for you dog. The distance from your dog during their training can be a big boost to their confidence, which has shown to improve their socialization skills and could even help with dogs who exhibit separation anxiety.

It’s important that you find a dog trainer who offers the atmosphere and enrichment that makes your dog’s time away from home a positive experience with lasting benefits. Canine Academy’s lush 7-acre campus and Customer Commitment towards the health, safety and well-being of your dog can help you rest easy, knowing that while your dog is learning the basics of their training program they’re being spoiled around the clock by the most dedicated, dog-loving staff around.

In as little as one week using Canine Academy’s proprietary Positive eCollar Training method, you’ll see improved behavior, no matter which program you choose. Our board and train program promises off-leash results in just 8 days. Additionally, all of our programs include built-in support from your dedicated trainer during the full 90 day adoption period. It’s no wonder we’re considered the best dog trainers Ohio has to offer!

Can ecollars really be used in positive reinforcement?

Yes! But it depends on how you use them. An intense static shock is obviously an unpleasant experience for any dog. However, our positive ecollar training method relies on a very low level stimulus. Because the level is just enough for the dog to notice the new stimulus, the dog feels no pain. Our dog obedience training teaches the dog that the stimulus means good things – not bad. Like Pavlov’s bell, an ecollar paired with a treat can have pup’s mouth watering in a few days.

What area do you serve?

Canine Academy offers dog obedience training in Ohio. Our campus is located in Lancaster Ohio, a short drive from Central Ohio and the Hocking Hills region. Our dog trainers can also provide in-home lessons in Columbus, Ohio and Lancaster, Ohio.

Why should I invest in basic obedience training?

A well-mannered dog makes for a fulfilling life for both pet and owner. As few as seven commands, well-learned and practiced, can help you navigate almost any situation with your dog. The structure that basic obedience provides offers off-leash freedom that most leashed dogs will never experience.

Basic obedience can also offer confidence and structure to help you manage dog reactivity and separation anxiety.

Is basic dog obedience training right for me my pup?

Any dog can benefit from basic obedience training – there’s no such thing as a dog who’s too old, too energetic, or too stubborn to learn. As your dog becomes more predictable, gains an outlet for excess mental energy, and deepens its bond with you, you can benefit from the peace of mind of a good boy or girl.

The most important thing to consider when choosing a program at Canine Academy is how involved in the training process you want to be. Private lesson packages involve you every step of the way – teaching you to be a master dog trainer, but also requiring time. Board and train packages bring your dog’s obedience training to the off-leash stage; all that’s left for you to do is practice and maintain your dog’s new obedience skills.

What is the success rate of positive ecollar training? What results should I expect from your dog training?

Every dog must pass our strict graduation standards prior to completing our intensive dog obedience training. These standards include sit, down, place, off, off-leash walk, come, and waiting at the door, all under high level of distraction. But passing our standards is not enough; our dog trainers also support you over the course of 90 days to continue to improve your skills. Most of our customers say that they get regular compliments on their dog’s obedience when out and about in Columbus, Ohio.