Reward Based Dog Training
in Columbus, Ohio.
Caring, training and exercising Columbus Dogs Since 2021
Keep Emailing SterlingK9Retreat@gmail.com to schedule training today!
Welcome To Sterling K9 Training
Sterling’s approach to dog training emphasizes fostering a positive and harmonious relationship between dogs and their owners by addressing behavior concerns with a holistic approach.
This philosophy uses positive reinforcement,
enrichment, and minimally aversive methods to achieve various training goals.
Whether it’s basic obedience, leash manners, addressing reactivity, aggression, Sterling K9 tailors the training experience to meet
the specific needs of each dog and their owner.​
Training with Understanding
Our certified trainers have a back ground in socialization and development to help educate your fury friend's behaviors and your collective relationship.
Sterling Day Trainers ($100/Hour)
Group Socialization Certification
K9 Body Language Certification
Practical Exam
Day Trainer Final Exam
Sterling Behaviorist ($200/Hour)
300 Hours of Shadowing
K9 Good Citizenship Practical Exam
CCPDT Final
Animal Psychology Certificate
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Sterling Specialist ($300/Hour)
Aggression (fear, anxiety)
Groom Therapy
Agility Performance
Trauma
Psychiatrist
Nutritionist
Massage Therapist
Keep Emailing SterlingK9Retreat@gmail.com to schedule training today!
Sterling K9 Dog Handling Series
The Complete 10-Part Experience to Train, Bond, and Thrive Together
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Looking to build a better relationship with your dog? Whether you’re raising a confident companion or a future service animal, our Sterling K9 Dog Handling Series delivers the tools, trust, and transformation you’ve been hoping for. Here’s your exclusive first look into what this unique training journey includes:
Part One: Dog Communication
All great training starts with connection. Our expert trainers—each with a four-year degree in communication—teach you how to speak your dog’s language. You’ll learn how to send consistent, calming signals that your dog understands, laying a foundation of trust that lasts for life.
Your dog already wants to listen—learn how to say it right.
Part Two: Appropriate Play
Puppies don’t come pre-programmed for polite play. We give them a space to explore, move, and develop healthy social behaviors through enrichment-based daycare and certified group play. They’ll discover:
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"Leave it"
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No mounting
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Short chase play only
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No interrupting others’ play
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Choosing compatible playmates
This is how great social skills begin—happy play with healthy limits.
Part Three: Safety & Boundaries
Before obedience comes emotional safety. In this section, we help your dog understand and respect boundaries in everyday life with core commands:
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Sit
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Stay
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Down
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Come
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"Thank you"
A reliable dog starts with clear expectations and calm reinforcement.
Part Four: Transportation & Greetings
Struggles with car rides and chaotic greetings? We’ll guide your dog through:
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Safe vehicle entry and exit
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Riding calmly in the car
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Friendly greetings (dogs and people)
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Respectful approach behavior
This is the moment trust becomes practical—in every daily routine.
Part Five: Loose Leash Walking
No more tug-of-war walks. Your dog will learn to follow your lead with:
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Come Here (on and off leash)
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Come Back (on and off leash)
With a calm leash hand and structured guidance, your walks become peaceful, purposeful, and even fun.
You don’t have to drag your dog through life—you can walk together.
Part Six: Handling & Home Care
Does your dog resist grooming or vet visits? In this phase, we teach them to accept touch and handling with confidence:
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Desensitization to touch
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Cooperative care training
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Recognizing and respecting consent signals
When your dog feels safe in your hands, anything is possible.
Part Seven: Dog Hygiene
Well-being begins with routine care. You’ll learn the why and how of basic hygiene tasks:
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Nail trimming, ear cleaning, brushing
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Setting up a regular home-care routine
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Understanding how hygiene affects behavior
Part Eight: Dog Nutrition
Food fuels focus. We’ll help you build a personalized nutrition plan that supports mood, energy, and long-term health:
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Breaking down labels and ingredients
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Exploring raw, kibble, freeze-dried, or hybrid options
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Gut health and behavior
Feed their brain as well as their belly—and watch their behavior transform.
Part Nine: Real-World Confidence
Now it’s time to take your skills on the road. You and your dog will tackle real-life challenges with clarity and calm:
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Walking through busy areas
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Building focus in distraction-rich environments
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Practicing reliable behavior in public
From grocery store parking lots to nature trails, this is where it all comes together.
Part Ten: Graduation & Family Photos
You did it! Celebrate the journey you and your dog have taken with a professional photo shoot:
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Graduation cap or bandana included
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Outdoor and studio options
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Candid, action, and posed photos
Capture the transformation—and the pride you both deserve.
There's a better way to live with your dog!
The Year of the Puppy
A canine psychologist with a new puppy explores 'how dogs become themselves'
Email SterlingK9Retreat@gmail.com to schedule training today!
Sterling K9 "Enjoy Life" Series
Real-World Training for Real-Life Joy
Priced Per Chapter – Pick the Moments That Matter Most to You
Why wait for a meltdown to start training? Our "Enjoy Life" Series lets you build a well-behaved, adaptable dog one moment at a time—each chapter focused on a specific, everyday situation that matters. Choose only what you need, when you need it.
Mini-Series One: Everyday Confidence
Build Calm Reactions in Chaotic Moments
Chapter 1: Loud Sounds
Thunderstorms. Fireworks. Construction noise. This chapter teaches your dog to stay grounded—no matter what’s booming outside.
Chapter 2: Guests at the Door
No more barking frenzies or jumping. We show your dog how to greet guests with polite curiosity, not chaos.
Chapter 3: Visitors Who Aren’t Dog Fans
Some guests want space. This session teaches your dog how to give it—without feeling anxious or left out.
Chapter 4: Sporting Breed Stimulus Control
If your dog has a strong prey drive, this chapter helps them stay focused—even around squirrels, birds, or tails that demand chasing.
Chapter 5: Weird Humans & Unexpected Encounters
Bikes. Strollers. Costumes. This lesson helps your dog stay calm around the unpredictable quirks of public life.
Each chapter is designed to stand alone—pick the one that fits your current lifestyle challenge.
Mini-Series Two: Time Together
Turn Play Into Powerful Connection
Chapter 1: Basic Fetch Fundamentals
Learn how fetch can teach responsiveness, impulse control, and recall—all through joyful movement.
Chapter 2: Swimming Safely & Confidently
From nervous beginners to natural swimmers, we teach safety, confidence, and fun around water.
Chapter 3: Catching in the Air
Improve timing, tracking, and hand-eye coordination while building your dog’s confidence—step by step.
Chapter 4: Frisbee Fun & Focus
Add some flair to your routine. Frisbee builds agility, stamina, and communication in a way no other toy does.
Choose a play-based session to reconnect with your dog while sharpening skills.
Mini-Series Three: Special Occasions
Train for the Moments That Matter Most
Chapter 1: Visiting Grandparents’ House
Help your dog behave in new environments, respect house rules, and stay chill with family.
Chapter 2: Wedding-Ready Dogs
Yes, your dog can be part of your big day. We train for beauty, calmness, and perfect photo ops.
Chapter 3: Hosting Guests Who Prefer Space
Ensure everyone feels at ease. Your dog learns how to respect personal boundaries while staying engaged.
Don’t let big moments turn into big stress. Prepare your pup to shine with grace.
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Start Where You Are—Buy Only What You Need
Each Series is an easy, approachable way to build your dog’s life skills without overcommitting. Whether you’re prepping for a holiday, a hike, or just a peaceful backyard moment, there’s a series (or three) for you.🎯
Ready to Choose Your First Chapter?
Email us today to hear sessions availability and pricing for each topic. Your dog’s best life starts one moment at a time.
