We teach dog owners new tricks - Columbus, OH

Member since Apr 2017

Big or small, toy, working or mixed, young or old, aggressive, shy, or just needing better manners…Acme Canine partners with Columbus area dog owners to ensure successful experiences with their dogs.

Founded in 2004 by owner and professional blogger, Laura Pakis, to help owners better understand their dogs, Acme Canine’s mission has always been, and remains, “building better lifelong bonds through behavior training and coaching.”

Acme Canine offers a variety of services to educate both novice and knowledgeable dog owners. Laura is well-trained in canine behavior and certified in breed selection, temperament testing, dog training, puppy development, behavior modification and pet boarding, so you can be assured your dog is in great hands. Having worked with over 5,000 dogs in her life, Laura will bring this knowledge and expertise to you and your dog.

The advantage of working with Acme Canine: Individualized Training in your home, downloadable training materials, and monthly workshops. A monthly e-newsletter, The Bark, and Spike’s Dog Blog— absolutely everything to make your dog the happiest they have ever been!

Laura Pakis is an experienced certified professional trainer, and owner/founder of Acme Canine. Having trained over 5,000 in the past 12 years, Laura feels responsible ownership is an important part of having a dog and guides her business toward providing dog owners with not only training knowledge but also care and understanding of dogs. Laura is a certified in Pet First Aid by the American Red Cross and PetSaver, is AKC Canine Good Citizen and Community Canine Evaluator, and AKC PuppySTAR evaluator. She is certified in breed selection, puppy development, assistance dog training, basic and advanced obedience, Police K-9 and protection training, tracking, E-touch training, and Pack to Basics.

Laura is well known throughout the canine community for quality training, high standards, and professionalism. Published author in several national and local magazines, invited speaker by the media and pet equipment companies for canine expertise, Laura assist dog trainers worldwide with improving their training techniques, people skills, and business knowledge. She has been nominated for the Woman of the Year in the Pet Industry Award, Better Business Bureau’s Integrity Award and Worthington Chamber’s Small Business Person of the Year Award. Recently her business was singled out from among several thousand businesses to receive The Silver award for the 2014 Pet Age boarding facility of the year; reflecting the skills, talents and professional reputation Laura has and continues to build in her growing business.

Laura has volunteered as a Service Dog trainer, taught puppy development through Franklin County’s prison program and Tricks for Treats at Bark Til Dark Dog Park, child/dog safety at Powell’s safety town, dog care workshops at Delaware County preservation parks, local libraries and schools. In addition Laura and her team of Acme Reading Dogs have worked with children to improve their reading comprehension.

An animal lover at heart, Laura lives with Autumn (a rescued Boxer/Labrador mix) and her new dog, Miss Moneypenny (a Bluetick Coon Hound). Laura also has two goldfish, Flipper and Lassie, who she has trained to go through a hoop in their tank.

  • Certified

How do you serve precious pets?

  • Dog Trainer

Which training type do you employ to encourage paw-sitive behaviors?

  • Dog Obedience Training
  • Pet Behavior Modification

On a scale of snail to elephant, what size animals do you work with?

  • 20-39 lbs
  • 40-79 lbs
  • 80+ lbs
  • under 20 lbs

Pet Certifications

  • American Red Cross Pet First Aid and CPR Certified
  • Association of Animal Behavior Professionals (AABP)
  • International Association of Animal Behavior Consultants (IAABC)
  • International Boarding and Pet Services Association (IBPSA)

Proud member of...

  • Association for Pet Loss and Bereavement (APLB)

Do you offer mobile services?

  • Yes

Which part of the country do you serve pets?

Columbus and Central Ohio, including Columbus, Newark, Lancaster, Delaware, Pickerington, Westerville, Grove City, Hilliard, Gahanna, Reynoldsburg

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laura pakis

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BASED IN: Columbus, OH
SERVICE AREA: Within 100 miles, including Columbus and Central Ohio, including Columbus, Newark, Lancaster, Delaware, Pickerington, Westerville, Grove City, Hilliard, Gahanna, Reynoldsburg

Distinction

American Red Cross Pet First Aid and CPR Certified International Association of Animal Behavior Consultants (IAABC)

How do you serve precious pets?

  • Dog Trainer

Which training type do you employ to encourage paw-sitive behaviors?

  • Dog Obedience Training
  • Pet Behavior Modification

On a scale of snail to elephant, what size animals do you work with?

  • 20-39 lbs
  • 40-79 lbs
  • 80+ lbs
  • under 20 lbs

Pet Certifications

  • American Red Cross Pet First Aid and CPR Certified
  • Association of Animal Behavior Professionals (AABP)
  • International Association of Animal Behavior Consultants (IAABC)
  • International Boarding and Pet Services Association (IBPSA)

Proud member of...

  • Association for Pet Loss and Bereavement (APLB)

Do you offer mobile services?

  • Yes

Which part of the country do you serve pets?

Columbus and Central Ohio, including Columbus, Newark, Lancaster, Delaware, Pickerington, Westerville, Grove City, Hilliard, Gahanna, Reynoldsburg

🐶 About Laura Pakis — Certified Dog Trainer in Columbus, Ohio


Laura Pakis is a certified dog trainer serving Columbus and the surrounding Franklin County area, including nearby communities such as Dublin, Westerville, Grove City, Reynoldsburg, Hilliard, Gahanna, Upper Arlington, Pickerington, Delaware, Lancaster. They specialize in helping dogs and their people build calm, trusting, and lasting relationships through positive, science-based training. Whether you're working through leash pulling, anxiety, reactivity, or simply want a well-mannered companion, Laura tailors each session to your dog’s personality, history, and learning style—so progress feels natural and sustainable, not forced.


❤️ Great dog training isn’t just about commands — it’s about connection.


Laura works closely with you as the owner, helping you understand your dog’s behavior, build clear communication, and create routines that lead to real-world success at home and in public.


Training Support for Real-Life Challenges


From everyday manners to more complex behavioral concerns, Laura provides practical, results-driven support with:


  • Obedience and focus for home and public settings

  • Leash training and more relaxed, enjoyable walks

  • Reducing anxiety, fear, and reactivity

  • Puppy and new dog foundations for long-term success

Each session is designed to be encouraging, easy to apply, and tailored to your daily routine.


Recommended Certifications for Dog Trainers


When choosing a dog trainer, professional certifications are a strong indicator of expertise, experience, and commitment to ethical, science-based methods. Widely recognized credentials include the CPDT-KA or CPDT-KSA from the Certification Council for Professional Dog Trainers, which demonstrate mastery of modern training techniques, canine behavior, and learning theory. The KPA-CTP (Karen Pryor Academy Certified Training Partner) highlights trainers skilled in positive reinforcement and clicker training, while the IAABC Certified Dog Trainer credential, recognized internationally, signals advanced knowledge in behavior modification and problem-solving. Membership or certification through the Association of Professional Dog Trainers (APDT) further reflects ongoing education and adherence to ethical standards. Many trainers also pursue specialty certifications in areas such as aggression management, behavior modification, or puppy development to address specific challenges.


For pet parents, choosing a certified trainer like Laura Pakis, ensures that your dog’s training is grounded in science, safety, and compassion. Asking about a trainer’s credentials is one of the best ways to make a confident, informed choice.


Why Pet Parents Book Through PetWorks


Booking through PetWorks gives you more than access to a qualified trainer — it gives you confidence in your choice.


Laura is a verified professional who uses force-free, positive reinforcement methods grounded in modern behavioral science. Pet parents value the supportive, judgment-free approach, along with the ability to read verified reviews and book securely through a trusted platform.


🦔 How Booking Dog Training in Columbus, OH on PetWorks Works


Finding the right dog trainer starts with trust and fit. On PetWorks, you can explore Laura ’s profile, read real feedback from pet parents across Franklin County, and either initiate a booking offer by clicking the "Book Now" button, or start with a conversation by clicking 'Get Custom Quote' or 'Send Message'.


Training works best when you begin at the right time. For puppies and newly adopted dogs, early training builds strong habits from the start. For older dogs, challenges like leash pulling, anxiety, or reactivity can absolutely improve with consistent, professional guidance — with many pet parents noticing meaningful progress within just a few sessions.


In Columbus and throughout Ohio, demand for experienced, force-free dog trainers can increase during the spring and early fall, when routines shift and outdoor activity picks up. Booking a bit in advance can help you secure the schedule that works best for you.


Most dog training sessions across the U.S. typically range from $75–$150 per hour, depending on experience, location, and training type. On PetWorks, you can review available services and choose the option that aligns with your goals.


All payments are processed securely through PetWorks. Every booking also includes PetWorks Care Coverage, giving you access to a dedicated concierge team, added protection, and support throughout your experience. Once you connect, you’ll coordinate scheduling, location, and training goals directly with Laura to get the most out of your sessions.


Dog Training FAQs


How many dog training sessions will I need? Every dog is different, but many pet parents begin to see progress within 2–4 sessions. More complex behavior issues like reactivity or anxiety may require ongoing training and consistency at home.


Do you offer in-home dog training in Columbus, OH? Many trainers on PetWorks, including Laura , offer flexible options such as in-home sessions, local meetups, or virtual coaching. Check the services listed above or use Request Quote to confirm what works best for your situation.


Can dog training help with aggressive or reactive behavior? Yes. Positive, science-based training can be very effective in addressing reactivity, fear, and certain forms of aggression. Early guidance from a certified professional helps ensure safe, lasting progress.


🐾 Start Building a Better Relationship With Your Dog


Training is an investment in your dog’s happiness — and your peace of mind.


Explore Laura ’s profile, read verified reviews from local pet parents across Franklin County, and take the first step toward a calmer, more confident dog today. Availability can vary week to week, so booking ahead is recommended.