Obedience & General Dog Training
Top-rated dog training in Columbus, Ohio, helping dogs with socialization skills, obedience training, and lifelong confidence for a happy, well-behaved companion.
Discover Expert Dog Training in Columbus Ohio
CleverDogs provides group dog training classes, private dog training, and focused single-session workshops to give owners flexible choices for their puppy or adult dog. With multiple training formats available, you can easily choose the level of support and structure that works best for your dog.
Group Training Classes
Our group training classes are our most cost-effective option, offering great value while giving your dog plenty of opportunities to socialize with other dogs in a controlled, positive environment.
Obedience training is ideal for families who want to learn the basics of dog training and start off on the right foot. Group training helps dogs develop important skills like obedience, polite greetings, focus, and impulse control, while also allowing owners to practice and reinforce these skills with guidance from a professional trainer. It’s a fun, supportive way to build a strong foundation for a well-behaved and happy dog.
Private Lessons
For those who prefer a flexible schedule and a training environment with minimal distractions, our private lessons are the perfect choice.
They’re ideal for families who have a specific goal or challenge—whether it’s addressing particular behavior issues, teaching advanced skills, or giving your dog one-on-one attention to thrive. Private lessons allow the trainer to tailor each session to your dog’s needs, ensuring faster progress and personalized guidance for you as the owner.
Single-Class Workshops
Choose the topic that fits your dog’s needs and your schedule! These focused, one-time sessions are perfect for families who enjoy the benefits of group learning but aren’t able to commit to a full course of regular classes. Each workshop is designed to target a specific skill or behavior, providing practical tips and hands-on guidance that you can immediately apply at home.
Whether you want to improve leash manners, teach polite greetings, or work on a particular challenge, our single-class workshops give you focused training, expert support, and the flexibility to fit learning into your busy life.
Helpful Resources & FAQs
Access our helpful tip sheets on topics like potty training, puppy biting, and more!
Helpful Resources
Explore our helpful tip sheets covering essential skills like house training, leash walking, polite greetings, and much more! Each guide is packed with practical advice and step-by-step strategies to help you and your dog build good habits, prevent common challenges, and enjoy a smoother, more enjoyable life together. Perfect for both new puppy owners and those looking to refine their dog’s skills.
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House Training Basics for Adult Dogs and Puppies
This guide provides helpful tips for house training both adult dogs and puppies. It focuses on establishing routines and addressing common challenges to create a successful training environment.
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Beginner Walking Skills
This guide teaches how to build strong walking skills, focusing on pre-walk exercises, rewards, and managing distractions to keep your dog walking calmly by your side.
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Polite Greetings Skills
This guide outlines how to teach your dog calm, polite greeting behaviors by breaking old patterns, planning low-stress interactions, and practicing around people in controlled ways.
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Dog Travel – Packing List
Our dog travel packing list covers everything you might need—from daily essentials to safety gear—so you can hit the road prepared, confident, and focused on fun with your dog.
Frequently Asked Questions
Find answers to commonly asked questions about our general dog training classes.
What types of dog training classes does CleverDogs offer?
For adult dogs, CleverDogs provides a variety of training options to meet every dog’s needs and every owner’s schedule. You can enroll in group classes to build skills in a structured, social environment, or choose private lessons for personalized, one-on-one guidance. If your dog has a specific skill or behavior you’d like to focus on, our single-session workshops are perfect for targeted learning.
In addition to general obedience and behavior classes, we also offer dog sports programs such as agility, nose work, rally, and more. These classes help your dog stay physically active, mentally stimulated, and engaged, while strengthening the bond between you and your dog. Whether your goal is to improve manners, learn new skills, or explore a fun dog sport, CleverDogs has a program to suit every adult dog and owner.
Is my dog too old for dog training?
No! Training is for all ages. Whether your dog is young or old, they benefit mentally, emotionally, and physically from structured learning. We tailor exercises to fit their pace and comfort.
Does CleverDogs offer adult dog obedience classes?
Yes! CleverDogs offers adult dog obedience classes in a group setting, designed to help dogs and their owners build strong skills together. Our Beginner: Core Skills class is perfect for adults and their dogs who are just starting out, focusing on essential obedience commands, manners, and confidence-building exercises in a supportive group environment.
What should I bring to my dog training class?
YOUR DOG!
Give your dog some exercise before class—just enough without overdoing it! The ideal amount varies based on their age and individual needs.
Flat Buckle Collar or Harness
Back-clip harnesses are great for exploration and hiking, but if your dog is strong, a collar or front-attach harness will give you better control in class.
Leash (Non-Retractable)
A Variety of Small, High-Value Treats
This could include part of your dog’s regular meal for easier training activities, one or two types of pet-store treats cut into tiny pieces, and a couple of extra-tasty options like cheese or plain cooked chicken. If your dog has any food restrictions, please reach out—we’re happy to help you find alternatives.
A Chew Item
Perfect for downtime or short breaks—this gives your dog something relaxing and appropriate to focus on.
A Tug or Play Toy
Interactive toys are especially helpful for recall/“come” training and building engagement.
Should I choose group dog training classes or private dog coaching?
Group classes are a great option if you’re looking for the most cost-effective way to train your dog while learning alongside others. They’re best suited for dogs who are comfortable working around other dogs and people — meaning they can take treats outside the home and don’t bark excessively in a group setting. If your dog tends to bark, growl, or struggle in busy environments, we recommend starting with our (re)Activity Behavior Program, which is designed specifically for those needs. Private coaching is also a great alternative for customized, one-on-one help with specific goals or behavior concerns.
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