Canine Academy Columbus
About Canine Academy Columbus
Canine Academy Columbus is a board-and-train dog trainer in Lancaster, OH (about 20 minutes south of Columbus), known for a reward-paired "positive e-collar" method that targets reliable off-leash control in as little as 8 days.
How they train
Rather than using the e-collar as punishment, they pair low-level stimulation with treats and affection as a communication signal — they're explicit that the dog feels no pain and that the focus is rewarding wanted behavior, not fear or dominance. Support runs in three stages: a consultation to choose the program, dedicated training for both dog and owner, and a maintenance phase with trainer follow-ups and free group classes. They also send photo and video updates while your dog boards — reassuring if you're nervous about leaving them.
Programs
The flagship is an intensive Basic Obedience board-and-train: dogs live on-site, with off-leash results targeted in roughly 8 days and around 90 days for habits to fully set. By graduation, dogs are expected to reliably sit, down, place, come, walk off-leash, and wait at doors under heavy distraction. Alongside it are puppy fundamentals (socialization, crate training, housebreaking, bite inhibition) and targeted help for reactivity and separation anxiety, both built on confidence and redirecting energy through obedience. Group and one-on-one options exist for owners who don't want a residential program.
Experience & credentials
The team cites 30+ years with this method and over 1,000 dogs trained, with named trainers Zeke and Shannon and a dedicated trainer assigned per dog. The facility at 332 Mount Zion Rd NW, Lancaster has fields and walking trails; in-home lessons are available across Columbus and Lancaster. Reach them at (614) 706-1828 or
Who it’s best for
Best for owners who want fast, structured off-leash reliability and are comfortable with reward-based e-collar work — including reactive or anxious dogs. Less ideal if you specifically want a purely force-free, no-collar program.
At a glance
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Reviews
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Kayla was our trainer and wow, were we lucky!! I’ve always wanted to have the ability to take my dog off leash and this class did it for us! It’s a dream come true. Thank you Kayla and Canine Academy for such a knowledgeable and throughout class. All the tidbits from Kayla were so helpful on what not to do and what to lookout for while training. And the personalized time with Kayla during classes was SO helpful! You bring your issues, she solves them! Cannot recommend this class enough.
Shannon is a wonderful trainer who helped my six month old Cavachon move past her hyperactivity around people. She learned the basic commands and I couldn't be more pleased with all her progress! Gracie is becoming a perfect dog thanks to Shannon!
Canine Academy is situated on a beautiful piece of land in Hocking Hills. It's like entering a different world being there and is very peaceful. Gracie loved her walks in the woods and all the socializing with other dogs.
I give Canine Academy a ten star review and will recommend them to everyone! A huge thanks to everyone at Canine Academy!
Kayla was an excellent trainer! My dog has improved so much. She went from not being able to walk on a leash without lunging at people to walking by my side with little to no reactions.
Group Training – 10/10 recommend if you have the time to go with your dog!! Not only did my dog learn a TON, I also did! Kayla was great! Penny now knows how to place when people come in, walk on leash without dragging me around (thank goodness), and go into down/sit when approaching new dogs/people all thanks to the work at Canine Academy. Couldn’t be happier with our choice to go there!!
Canine Academy was incredible from top to bottom. Extremely kind and accommodating.
Every correspondence with Beth was great. Alex, Kayla, and Ashley provided great training for my dog Nellie. I would highly recommend them.
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