About Us

Dog Training Columbus Ohio

At CleverDogs, we provide dog training in Columbus, Ohio and surrounding areas using positive reinforcement methods that build trust, confidence, and joy. As a women-owned business, we’re passionate about helping dogs and their people thrive. By supporting the agility and dog communities, we strive to create meaningful connections and lasting results that go far beyond traditional training.

Our Story

Kate and Kristen founded CleverDogs after first meeting in an agility class, where Kristen was teaching Kate and her dog, Mia. As their friendship grew, they realized how naturally their skills and passions complemented each other. Driven by a shared love of dogs and a vision to meet the growing demand for training and dog sports in Central Columbus, they brought CleverDogs to life.

Meet The Team

Kristen VanNess: Owner/Trainer

Kristen VanNess is a dedicated professional with over 16 years in the field of dog training. She holds a degree in animal behavior and is a Karen Pryor Academy Certified Training Partner (KPA-CTP). Kristen’s primary focus is on foundational skill training, problem-solving, and introducing families to the fun of competition activities. She has also worked with two detection dogs on wildlife research projects across the Midwest, and her expertise extends to teaching dog training and companion animal behavior classes at the college level.

Over the past two decades, Kristen has participated in a variety of dog events, both locally and afar, with her own dogs. Her main interests are competition obedience, rally, and agility. She is a judge for WCRL and CDSP, an evaluator for AKC’s Canine Good Citizen, Trick Dog, and FETCH programs, as well as UKC’s SPOT program. Kristen also gives back to the community as a volunteer with the Ohio 4-H Dog Program. Kristen’s youngest dogs, Tonks and Quill, often help with lessons—especially when working with dogs who are learning to be calm around others.

Kate Yakunich: Owner/Director of Operations

Kate Yakunich has over 10 years of experience in business and IT. She brings a strategic and detail-oriented approach to her work at CleverDogs. Her expertise in business management, data analysis, reporting, finance, and contract management will contribute to the smooth operation and growth of the business, ensuring a strong foundation for providing top-notch dog training services.

One of Kate’s passions includes inclusivity for individuals with developmental disabilities. Over the past 8 years, Kate has worked with Special Needs individuals with medical managment, communication, mental and physical enrichment, and more! She is excited to open up the world of competitive dog sports to more people.

Kate has two Dogs, Dingo (Pictured) and Mia, and a cat named Gemma, all of whom she adores!

Abby Shoben: Scent Trainer

Abby Shoben got hooked on dog training and competition through her first dog, Toby. Together, they earned titles in agility, rally, obedience, and canine freestyle (doggie dancing). Abby started learning nosework with her younger dog, Echo, when Echo was diagnosed with a back condition that limits her ability to compete in other dog sports. Together Abby and Echo have trialed primarily in NACSW where they are currently trialing at the Elite level.

Lisa Frank, CPDT-KA: General Dog Training

Lisa has enjoyed working with families and their dogs over the past 8 years to help establish their bond. She loves seeing the communication and relationship that families build with their dog through training. Of particular interest to Lisa is supporting families of newly adopted dogs of all ages as they begin their life together.

Lisa and her dog, Lily, have participated in agility, rally, obedience, and scentwork classes. As her dog has aged, they've begun working on cooperative care and senior dog activities.

People, volunteer and happy with dogs at park for walk, care and support for community service. Diversity, group and smile for animal welfare or charity with fun or help as shelter worker

COMMUNITY PAWTNERS

Ohio 4-H Youth Development

Ohio State University Extension

Muttering Mutts Club

4-H is a nonformal educational youth development program offered to individuals ages 5 to 19. Among all the fun things to learn about in 4-H are animals, computers, public speaking, cooking, art, gardening, natural sciences, and much more. Muttering Mutts is a dog training club that meets at CleverDogs once a week. Youth learn about dogs, dog training, and compete at the county fair over the summer!

Muttering Mutts 4H. Ohio 4-H Youth Development.

Veteran Companion Animal Services

Frontline Dog Training Program

The mission of VCAS is to enrich the lives of veterans, military families, and dogs through the many benefits of the human-animal bond.

The Frontline Dog Training Program is a 7-week long training class taught by a professional dog trainer. These trainings are open and at no cost to all veterans and military families that currently own a dog. It may just sound like a simple step to prevent pulling on the leash, but our training program does so much more. CleverDogs provides the training location for the Frontline Dog Training Program.

Veteran Companion Animal Services Columbus. VCAS Frontline Dog Training Program.

CLEVERDOGS