Now with TWO locations in Aiken!

Build a bond of communication, trust & respect

Take the Lead, Inc. helps you socialize your dog and teach the basic commands and skills you both need — through group classes, private lessons, and community pack walks.

Announcements

Upcoming Classes

We offer group classes as well as individual assistance. Here's what's coming up — see the Classes section below for full details.

Pack Walk

Next Pack Walk

Not yet scheduled

Pack Walk Details

What We Teach

Our Classes

All classes are led by head trainer Pat Czaikowski. Class dates and locations are listed in the Upcoming section above.

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AKC S.T.A.R. Puppy

An excellent first class for puppies, covering Socialization, Training, Activity, and Responsible ownership. A natural lead-in to Canine Good Citizen. Puppies earn their first official AKC title.

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Basic Good Manners

For dogs of all ages. Learn heeling, sit, down, stay, recall, and everyday good behavior so your dog is a welcome member of the family and community.

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Private & Group Lessons

1:1 training tailored to you and your dog, or training in a group setting — from puppies through already well-mannered adults. Contact Pat to find the right fit.

Community

The Pack Walk

Present and past students of Pat Czaikowski are invited to walk their dogs to exercise, socialize, and continue the training you started. We meet at the corner of Barnwell Avenue and Laurens Street and walk the town from there — easy parallel parking is available on Barnwell. The Pack Walk is cancelled if it is raining that day.

Please review our policies before joining:

About Us

Meet Pat Czaikowski

Take the Lead, Inc. was formed in 2007 by our head trainer, Patricia A. (Pat) Czaikowski. Pat has more than 20 years of experience as a canine trainer. She served as Senior Lead Instructor for a canine obedience school in West Grove, PA, working for 10 years under Virginia (Ginny) Dorsman, who was certified by the National Association of Dog Obedience Instructors (NADOI). Pat specializes in puppy behavior and is experienced in temperament testing of puppies. She has served as Training Director for a major pet-supply chain, planning and organizing canine training programs and training instructors. Pat currently works as a handler with her Therapy Dog, "Holden" (Ch Folklore's Fantasy Tour CD, BN, GN, RE, CGCA), certified with the Alliance of Therapy Dogs (ATD).

Certifications

  • American Red Cross Pet First Aid & CPR
  • AKC S.T.A.R. Puppy, Canine Good Citizen & Community Good Citizen Evaluator
  • Member, Association of Professional Dog Trainers (#69004)

Continuing Education

  • Patricia McConnell — Animal Behavior
  • Trish King — Canine Aggression
  • Denise Fenzi & Hannah Branigan — Obedience seminars
  • Mary Thompson Tracking & Clicker Training seminars

Services

  • Private (1:1) lessons
  • Group lessons
  • Puppy temperament testing for breeders

Proudly serving South Carolina's Aiken and Edgefield Counties.

Get in Touch

Contact Pat for all of your training needs

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Phone (803) 232-0337
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Email daldogk9@gmail.com
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Mailing Address 5 Normandy Way
Trenton, SC 29847-2642
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