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.
Reactivity 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!
Reactivity
Our (re)Activity Program is a step-by-step reactive dog training program in Columbus, Ohio for dogs that bark, lunge, or become overwhelmed around other dogs, people, or everyday distractions. Beginning with private lessons and progressing to small group classes and advanced training, we help dogs build confidence, develop practical skills, and succeed in real-world situations using positive reinforcement and thoughtful training techniques.
Reactivity | Beginner
Price: $200
What’s Included: 4 private training sessions
Is this your first time starting reactivity training at CleverDogs? Start here!
The (re)Activity | Beginner package is designed to give you and your dog the foundation skills needed to begin your reactivity training journey in a supportive, individualized setting.
Your package includes one 25-minute planning session (without your dog) to discuss your goals, training plan, and management strategies, followed by three 25-minute private training sessions with your dog.
During these sessions, you’ll learn the core concepts of reactivity training, build engagement and focus, develop practical handling skills, and begin helping your dog feel more successful around their triggers.
*If you have already purchased Reactivity | Beginner and need to schedule your private session, Login and go to Book Now, to use your credits for Reactivity | Private sessions (with and without dog).
Reactivity | Intermediate
Price: $325
What’s Included: 5 group classes
Ready for the next step in your reactivity training journey? If you’ve completed our (re)Activity | Beginner package, it’s time to transition into (re)Activity | Intermediate.
This package includes five small group classes, with just 2–3 dogs per class, allowing for individualized coaching while giving your dog the opportunity to practice around real-life distractions in a carefully managed environment.
At first glance, putting reactive dogs in the same class may seem counterintuitive—but it’s one of the most effective ways to build lasting skills. Using visual barriers, appropriate spacing, and thoughtful setups, we’ll help your dog learn to notice other dogs and people, remain calm, and disengage appropriately.
As your dog gains confidence and success, we’ll gradually decrease distance and increase the challenge at a pace that is appropriate for your individual dog.
*If you have already purchased Reactivity | Intermediate and need to schedule your group sessions, Login and go to Book Now, to use your credits for Reactivity | Intermediate | Group Class.
Reactivity | Advanced
Congratulations on completing (re)Activity | Intermediate! You’ve built a strong foundation, and now it’s time to continue growing your skills in a variety of fun and engaging classes designed specifically for reactive dogs.
Whether you’re interested in Agility, Scent Work, outdoor walking classes, teamwork activities, or other specialty offerings, our advanced (re)Activity classes allow you and your dog to continue progressing while enjoying new training experiences together. These classes combine sport and life skills with ongoing reactivity training, helping your dog learn to stay engaged with you while working around real-world distractions.
As in our Intermediate classes, we use visual barriers, appropriate spacing, and thoughtful training setups to ensure every dog can work successfully at their own pace. Reactivity training techniques remain an integral part of every class, allowing your dog to continue building confidence, making thoughtful choices, and expanding the activities you can enjoy together.
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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