Hilliard’s Heritage Rail Trail is shared with bikes, runners and other dogs. Off Leash K9 Training Columbus works with Hilliard dog owners who want a dog that stays with them on a shared path and comes back when called at the dog park.
The Trail and the Dog Park
The Heritage Rail Trail is a paved trail that starts off Main Street in Old Hilliard and runs about six miles northwest toward Plain City. A shared path is a good test of a heel: your dog has to stay close and ignore whatever is passing. Keep your dog leashed on the trail.
Heritage Trail Metro Park at 7262 Hayden Run Rd has a 4-acre fenced dog park run jointly by Metro Parks and the City of Hilliard. It has separate areas for small and large dogs, so owners can choose the side that suits their dog.
Dog Training Programs for Hilliard Families
If trail manners are the goal, lessons may be all you need. If you want dependable off-leash control, look at board and train first.
- Board and train: your dog lives and trains with one of our trainers for one week (1 Week Freedom Board and Train, $1,695) or two weeks (2 Week Board and Train, $2,795), then you get a hands-on handoff session. Board and train is the path to dependable off-leash control. Dogs 6 months and older.
- Private obedience lessons: one-on-one lessons where we coach you and your dog together. Basic Obedience is five one-hour lessons ($745); Basic & Advanced Obedience is eight lessons ($950).
- Puppy training: start with a private Puppy Training Consultation ($95) on potty training, socialization and early manners, then add Basic Marker Mastery ($450), our four-week positive reinforcement program.
- Aggressive and reactive dogs: our nine-lesson Dog Aggression & Reactivity program ($1,100) for dogs with aggression, reactivity, severe anxiety or trouble around other dogs.
Every program and price is on our Plans & Pricing page.
Payment plans are available. Call us today to learn more about payment options.
Getting to Our Facility
We train at 5640 Groveport Rd, Unit 3, Groveport, OH 43125, on the south side of the Columbus area. Visits are by appointment. Private lessons are held at the facility, away from your dog’s usual routes, so the commands hold up when you get back to Hilliard.
Questions From Hilliard Dog Owners
When is my dog ready to be off leash at the dog park?
Off-leash reliability comes from board and train, not from lessons. Our 1 Week Freedom Board and Train program centers on a full recall outside, with distractions. During training we always keep your dog on leash for safety.
How young can we start?
Dogs must be at least 6 months old for board and train. Younger puppies do best starting with our Puppy Training Consultation and Marker Mastery, which build a foundation of clear communication and confidence.
Do you use e-collars?
We use all of the common training tools, including clickers, slip leads, e-collars, prong collars and food and toy rewards, and we pick what fits your dog. Basic Obedience includes an e-collar and a 15-foot lead in the price, and part of the cost is refunded if the e-collar is not used.
Nearby Areas We Serve
We also work with dog owners in Dublin, Upper Arlington, Grove City, Columbus, and across central Ohio. See all of our service areas.
Ready When You Are
Call (740) 400-0236 and tell us what you would like your walks in Hilliard to look like. We will tell you which program gets you there.