Behavior Training
Behavior training in Columbus, Ohio at CleverDogs is led by Kristen VanNess, who brings hands-on experience and a degree in animal behavior to every session. Specializing in reactivity, separation-related challenges, and fearful behavior, Kristen uses proven, positive reinforcement methods that build trust and confidence. Her approach helps you manage difficult behaviors, improve social skills, and strengthen the bond with your dog—so you both can thrive.
Discover CleverDog’s Behavior Training in Columbus Ohio
Below are our current behavior program offerings, including positive behavior support training for dogs working on reactivity, building confidence, or managing separation challenges. Don’t see the program you’re looking for? Check back often—we’re continually adding new programs to help your dog thrive.
(re)Activity Program
Does your dog bark, pull, or get a little too excited when they see other dogs or people on walks? Or do they become unsure and bark when they feel overwhelmed? This reactivity training program is designed for dogs who are generally friendly but react with barking, pulling, or over-excitement around people or other dogs. We’ll help channel your dog’s energy into appropriate outlets while building calm, confident behavior—making this program ideal for dogs who are reactive or easily overstimulated.
Brave Dog Program
Do you have a timid, cautious, or nervous dog? Enroll in our Brave Dog Program—our confidence-building dog training designed specifically for hesitant, or easily overwhelmed dogs. Through gentle exercises, structured exposure, and supportive guidance, we help your dog learn to navigate new environments, approach challenges calmly, and grow into a more confident companion.
Separation Success Program
Does your dog chew, bark, have accidents, or pace frantically when you’re not around? Separation distress can be incredibly stressful for both dogs and their humans, but there’s a lot we can do to help. At CleverDogs, we work step-by-step to build your dog’s comfort with alone time, reduce anxiety-driven behaviors, and create routines that support long-term success. You don’t have to navigate it alone—CleverDogs is here to support you!
$450 – 2 private lessons & 5 Group Classes
(re)Activity Program
We provide reactivity training to help dogs build calmness, focus, and confidence in real-world situations. Skills include loose leash walking, settling under pressure, transitioning from high energy to calm, responding neutrally to noises and movement, and even fun, trick-based focus games.
The program has two parts:
Two private sessions: one strategy session with you, and one hands-on with your dog.
Five small-group classes: safe, structured, and tailored for each dog.
Though it may seem surprising to bring these dogs together, the shared goals and step-by-step approach make group learning both effective and supportive. Your dog gets to practice with real distractions while still receiving individual attention.
Brave Dog
We will grow your dog’s confidence with activities to build brave behavior around people, dogs, the environment, and more. We’ll do this through teaching your dog skills and specific desensitization activities. We’ll work at your dog’s pace and adjust activities as needed for success. Our group classes not only provide a cost-effective option but also provides the opportunity for your dog to build confidence around other dogs and people.
Separation Success
We will do activities each week to build your dog’s confidence. We will work on separation using a pen or gate, discuss your personalized homework, and spend time on dog body language, your progression plan, and more. The most important part will be the homework that you do at home. Our group classes not only provide a cost-effective option but also offers targeted strategies to address separation distress, with techniques you can apply and gradually extend in real-life situations at home. You’ll have the added benefit of practicing these skills in a controlled setting and receiving feedback, all while receiving support from classmates who are navigating similar challenges.
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