About Us
At CleverDogs, we offer positive reinforcement dog training in Columbus, Ohio and the surrounding areas, helping dogs build confidence, trust, and joy. As a women-owned business, we’re passionate about supporting both dogs and their people, while strengthening the agility and dog communities with meaningful, lasting results.
Our Story
Kate Yakunich and Kristen VanNess founded CleverDogs after first meeting in an agility class, where Kristen was teaching Kate and her dog, Mia. As their friendship grew, they realized how naturally their skills and passions complemented each other. Driven by a shared love of dogs and a vision to meet the growing demand for training and dog sports in Central Columbus, they brought CleverDogs to life.
Why Choose Us
Discover the reasons that set us apart.
01
Personalized, Positive Reinforcement Training That Truly Works
CleverDogs uses modern, positive reinforcement methods that build confidence, trust, and real-life skills. Whether you choose group classes, private lessons, behavior programs, or dog sports, every service is tailored to your dog’s needs and your goals.
02
A Women-Owned Business Rooted in Expertise, Community, and Care
Founded by passionate trainers deeply involved in Columbus’s dog and sport communities, CleverDogs offers knowledgeable instruction, a welcoming environment, and a genuine commitment to helping dogs and their people thrive together.
03
Comprehensive Training Options for Every Stage and Skill Level
From puppies to adult dogs, from behavior challenges to agility, scent work, rally, and competition obedience, CleverDogs provides a full range of programs—all designed to create progress, build connection, and support long-term success.
Kristen VanNess
Owner | General, Behavior, & Sports Trainer
Kristen VanNess is a dedicated professional with over 16 years in the field of dog training. She holds a degree in animal behavior and is a Karen Pryor Academy Certified Training Partner (KPA-CTP). Kristen’s primary focus is on foundational skill training, problem-solving, and introducing families to the fun of competition activities. She has also worked with two detection dogs on wildlife research projects across the Midwest, and her expertise extends to teaching dog training and companion animal behavior classes at the college level.
Over the past two decades, Kristen has participated in a variety of dog events, both locally and afar, with her own dogs. Her main interests are competition obedience, rally, and agility. She is a judge for WCRL and CDSP, an evaluator for AKC’s Canine Good Citizen, Trick Dog, and FETCH programs, as well as UKC’s SPOT program. Kristen also gives back to the community as a volunteer with the Ohio 4-H Dog Program. Kristen’s youngest dogs, Tonks and Quill, often help with lessons—especially when working with dogs who are learning to be calm around others.
Kate Yakunich
Owner | Director of Operations
Kate Yakunich has over 11 years of experience in business and IT. She brings a strategic and detail-oriented approach to her work at CleverDogs. Her expertise in business management, data analysis, reporting, finance, and contract management will contribute to the smooth operation and growth of the business, ensuring a strong foundation for providing top-notch dog training services.
One of Kate’s passions includes inclusivity for individuals with developmental disabilities. Over the past 9 years, Kate has worked with Special Needs individuals with medical management, communication, mental and physical enrichment, and more! She is excited to open up the world of competitive dog sports to more people.
Kate has two Dogs, Ash and Mia, and two cats Rain and Gemma, all of whom she adores!
Abby Shoben
Scent Trainer
Abby Shoben got hooked on dog training and competition through her first dog, Toby. Together, they earned titles in agility, rally, obedience, and canine freestyle (doggie dancing). Abby started learning nosework with her younger dog, Echo, when Echo was diagnosed with a back condition that limits her ability to compete in other dog sports. Together Abby and Echo have trialed primarily in NACSW where they are currently trialing at the Elite level.
Lisa Frank: CPDT-KA
General Trainer
Lisa has enjoyed working with families and their dogs over the past 9 years to help establish their bond. She loves seeing the communication and relationship that families build with their dog through training. Of particular interest to Lisa is supporting families of newly adopted dogs of all ages as they begin their life together.
Lisa and her dog, Lily, have participated in agility, rally, obedience, and scentwork classes. As her dog has aged, they’ve begun working on cooperative care and senior dog activities.
Gina Nostramo: CPDT-KA
General Trainer
Gina Nostramo is a professional dog trainer with more than a decade of experience helping dogs and their families build strong, positive relationships. Her passion for training and agility began with her Sheltie, Silas, and further developed when she adopted Hobbes, a puppy with significant anxiety. Determined to help him thrive, Gina immersed herself in learning science-based methods for supporting shy and fearful dogs, an area that has since become her specialty and continues to guide her approach to puppy training.
Over the years, Gina has taught a wide range of classes, including basic manners, agility, confidence-building, and puppy foundations. She is excited to be a part of the Puppy Day School program at CleverDogs, where she can help puppies develop essential foundational skills and the confidence they need to navigate the world. Gina is equally committed to supporting their families, fostering communication, growth, and a truly positive bond between dogs and the people who love them.
Today, Gina shares her life with her pit bill/husky rescue, Oakley, who continues to challenge, inspire and shape her training philosophy.
Lauren Huffman
Specialty Trainer
Lauren Huffman is an occupational therapy doctoral student who believes that life with dogs should feel joyful, empowering, and possible for everyone. Through her capstone partnership with CleverDogs, she helps people implement practical modifications to dog training and everyday routines to strengthen the human-dog connection and support inclusivity in the dog community.
From her involvement in the Ohio 4-H Dog Program and years of pet care experience, to raising service dogs in training and teaching volunteer trainers, Lauren’s journey with dogs has been shaped by community and connection. She enjoys spending time with her golden retriever, Truman – building dog sport skills and sharing her love of dogs as an Alliance of Therapy Dogs registered team.
Abbey Faber
General Trainer
Abbey became interested in training through volunteering in training classes at a local shelter. She enjoyed working with newly adopted dogs and their owners to help them build a special bond. Seeing families overcome difficult issues and put dedicated time into their relationship with their dogs influenced her to explore the world of training for herself. Through the CATCH Canine Training Academy, Abbey learned science based training methods and focused on understanding the canine learning language. She specializes in teaching basic obedience and helping dogs and owners live comfortably in their daily lives.
Her and her dog Chai have recently been exploring the world of competition through agility and obedience work. Abbey hopes to learn more about canine sports and eventually be able to train others in these disciplines.
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