I've brought multiple dogs here over the years. I respect NK9 for the ability of ALL staff to answer questions knowledgeably and professionally and offer great training advice. It's clear the staff genuinely cares about their guests and advising best practices. It's hard to find a place where you trust any trainer with your best friend but at NK9 I have zero concerns. My dog doesn't do well around large crowds or other canines and I always hesitated boarding him, but he's always enjoyed his stays at NK9 and comes home happy and healthy. Staff even added a heart to his name on his labeled medication - love to see that! Highly recommend this facility for training, boarding, and all else!! read more

I was very disappointed with my experience. I brought my 9 week old Golden Retriever puppy in for a consultation before puppy preschool. She is a good sweet little girl and the trainer had me hold my puppy's mouth shut and not let her move for 15 minutes without a break. I was visibly upset and asking if we could try something different and the trainer said no. I will absolutely not be going back, and called to inform the national K9 of this experience. They said that should not have happened with a trainer. This experience was very negative and my vet warned could cause trauma in the future. Updating: The lead trainer called me and informed me that she apologized and was sincerely upset about how My puppy was treated and is actively handling the situation. read more

100% YES! This place is absolutely amazing and did wonders for my dog Kodak! I have a German shepherd who is fearful and anxious towards other dogs. I have gone twice a month since January... so I have done SIX 1on1 lessons and he's already signed up for group classes!!! I left that place in tears because this training has been SO helpful! read more

Stay away from National K9. They abused my Vizsla which made her mentally unstable. I ended up with a dog seriously in fear for her life of leashes and with a case of rage that would be set off anytime we had to handle her by the collar. The end result was that we had to put her qdown last March at 3 years old because of tbe fierce biting. This is unheard of in Vizslas. BTW. The trainer whipped the dog around by the leash attached to the coller causing the dog to fly through thr air around her. This was uncalled for and abusive. I only wish i was not so shocked to see this that i said nothing. I unfortunately did not report the incident. read more

I am surprised by the negative reviews this place has. The trainers I worked with were very knowledgeable and really seemed to care for my dog. We attended the preschool and enjoyed it very much. Our puppy was shy when we started and really improved through the preschool class. Would recommend! read more

I've been a client with many of my dogs for many years. I enrolled my dog in puppy preschool and then in residential training at three months of age. This was during COVID lockdown. The reason I'm filing the complaint now is because his current trainer has stated that my dog is fearful because he was over corrected during his time with national k-9. The trainer was pretty non responsive during my dogs training when I would ask about progress. I truly felt that she didn't like my puppy. I am complaining now because we're having to overcome her mistakes. As I stated, I used national k-9 for many years and this is the first time that I think the trainer was wrong and borderline abusive. Shame on her' read more

Incredibly unprofessional. Lots of staff in the office and yet it took them 15 minutes to wait on me. I was curtly told that someone would be "right with me." Unfortunately, I was not able to complete my assessment because I brought my puppy in a bag, who does not have her vaccinations - understandable, though I do wish someone told me this over the phone or during the 15 minutes that I was waiting in the lobby. When I asked for written materials, I was told they were only given to people after the assessment. Concerning. Why not state your prices up front? I won't be rescheduling. read more

We have taken all of our German Shepherds to National K9 for training and boarding. During a recent boarding they notified us of a health concern, they contacted our vet and picked up a prescription. We have confidence in National K9. read more

We had our Blue Heeler trained here we did the puppy preschool and a board and train and they were wonderful. We've done many follow up lessons with them as well as boarded for vacation. They are all truly committed to you and your dog! read more

National K-9 Learning Center - Pet Training Near Me - Columbus, Ohio

I signed up for puppy preschool but unfortunately did not have a good experience at this facility and I wouldn't recommend it to anyone I know. Nothing useful or helpful was retained. read more

I honestly wasn't that impressed and chose to go with a different training program. The demo dog there that has been with National K-9 for 2 years didn't listen to the trainer as well as I had anticipated. I didn't like that I would have to go through multiple training courses to get my dog where I wanted and that there was such a wide range in price IN CASE my dog needed to stay there longer if she wasn't where she needed to be after 10 days. read more

I went to this school about 19 years ago. I must say, I have learned a lot. I am sure it has changed a lot since Scott has retired. I am thinking of getting my shepherd mix trained there and have one of the students train him. read more

We adopted a rescue lab mix in July of 2016. Shortly thereafter, we set up a consultation with National K9. We were told, based on our high goals for our dog (we wanted him to be as behaved as therapy dogs), we would need at least their mid-level training package (5 days in house). After taking out pup to the vet, we found our vet's office offered free group puppy classes and decided to try those before contracting with National K9. We experienced great success with basic training (potty, sit, etc.) but decided that we wanted to really hone in on training more than the group classes could provide. Since we had liked the philosophy of National K9, we went there. We paid for an additional consultation. In that $50 meeting, we offered a great deal of information about our dog...any and every concern we could think of, even if they were fleeting concerns. We did share that our dog had exhibited guarding behaviors for high value items. Due to this freely offered info, the trainer then recommended the higher level 10 day package that was significantly more expensive. Upon reviewing their literature and our budget, we found that we could not afford the 10 day program and sincerely felt that our dog would benefit from the 5 day and we could add on some additional sessions for follow up support--or as the literature offered-- start at the mid level 5 day program and upgrade it to 10 if he wasn't responding as well as we hoped. However, when we called to schedule, we were told they would ONLY do the more expensive package. We explained that we would be willing to consider that package but that it was quite a stretch for us and we wanted to begin at the mid level and determine if the higher level was indeed needed. However, we were informed that because our dog had owner-reported "behavior problems", this was not an option. We feel that we were penalized for being overly honest about our dog and that the evaluation and referral process were more about making money than helping dogs and owners. The fact that they continually attempted to upsell us and would not allow us any input in what program we could afford or thought was appropriate for our dog is troubling. I would not recommend this facility if you want to have input in your dog's training. read more

Fantastic place! We rescued a female black lab and knew right off that we needed training because she was outsmarting us and only getting bigger. We have 2 other small dogs that have had Petsmart puppy training but that wasn't going to be enough for the lab. We were able to get in for a consultation right away where they meet your dog and explain everything they do. We paid for the 1 week of residency dog training because I lack the time or ability to do it on my own. Our trainers name was Katie and our dog was her 1st dog to train on her own. I was a little skeptical but Katie was fantastic. Katie called us half way through the week and let us know how our dog was doing. Katie even recommended our dog stay an additional 2 days, no extra charge, just to make sure she knew everything well. In the end we liked the training so much that took our dog back for a second week of additional training. We spent close to $800 for 2 weeks of residency training but it was well worth it and I would recommend this place and Katie to anyone. read more

National K-9 Learning Center - Pet Training Near Me - Columbus, Ohio

Wow. This is an amazing school. I am in week 2 of the professional dog training class. They have respectfully explored various modes of training and given great factual information to back up their balanced approach. My dog has made incredible progress, and I as a person have grown tremendously through this experience. They know what they are doing and demonstrate great outcomes. Of course you love your dog whether or not you take them to formal training. National K-9 will not only help you maximize your dog's potential, they will help you to safely share your dog with other people in your life. I thought most of my small dogs bad behaviors were cute and endearing. I have learned that when my dogs have manners and respect they have a better life, and they contribute to positive canine human interactions wherever they go. This is the place to give your canine friend a life worth living. Peace. read more

Our experience was scary. My son attend the school with our american bulldog/pit bull puppy to become a trained dog trainer. There was an incident where my son reports he had to watch the instructor swing my dog around by the leash using a training collar aka a choker chain because he wasn't following the commands and was being "aggressive". Our dog was lifted off the ground and swung around 3x by the leash while my puppy defecated all over the place. He was crying, had his tail tucked and head and shoulders down. He was biting the leash because it was being pulled so hard and he was scared. The instructor claims he was being aggressive. If that is how a dog is trained for biting his leash, it is not the right place for my son, The instructor indicated that he would never perform that "technique" in front of clients but that it is common practice. I asked to see the video of the class to verify my son's claims. The school has refused to allow me to view the video and indicated that "no one will ever see that video". read more