I’d like to thank the following Sit Means Sit dog trainers for making the 2008 Colorado Pet Expo a success:

Lianne and Fred Hassen
Toni Drugmand
Dana Thelander
Anthony Bracciante
Cindy Aeberli
Allen Stevens.

We performed on Saturday and Sunday, and both shows went great. Here is a video of some highlights from the weekend.

Here is a video of the students currently attending the Denver school: Allen Stephens (Frisco, TX), Romeo Giovani (Austin, TX) and Cindy Aeverli (Colorado Springs, CO). You will also see the Sit Means Sit staff of John Langdon, David Smith, Anthony Bracciante, and Dave Skoletsky.

Please enjoy this video of recent Sit Means Sit graduate, Donna Kosc. Izzy was an owner relinquished dog that Donna found on Craigs List. Congratulations to Donna for her dedication in giving Izzy a great home with phenomenal Sit Means Sit Training.

A perspective client came to us last week and the first words out of their mouth was, “we are not sold on shock collar training.” They were skeptical. They came to “Sit Means Sit” as a last ditch effort to control their dog. They have attended dog training courses prior to our visit to fulfill a court-order, and had trouble maintaining the training.

As with all of our perspective clients, we performed a demonstration with our dogs to show them we are qualified to train dogs. More importantly, we did a demonstration with their dog to show them we can make a difference, and for that matter very quickly. Now we had their attention and I explained to them that I do not view remote collar training as a last option.

Dog training is a choice. You can choose to use food, leashes, collars, head halters, choke chains, pinch collars, can of pennies, throw-chains, clickers, remote collars….. All the training aids listed are tools to get your dogs attention. In my eyes, they are not positive or negative, they are neutral. I do not view food training for good dogs and pinch collar training for bad dogs. You do what works to get your dog to focus on you.

The reason I choose remote collars is because I can get my dog to focus on me even at distances. Before I learned the “Sit Means Sit” remote training approach, I was a food and leash trainer. I was very good, but I still had problems with some dogs when they were at a distance and they chose not to listen to a command. Just because a dog knows a command does not mean they will perform it. If a distraction, like a rabbit, is more interesting than our command, your dog will be disobedient. Remote collar training gives me the advantage to control my dog’s impulses and natural instincts even from 50 yards away.

For me, the bottom line is I love my dogs and I want to give them as much freedom as possible. The “Sit Means Sit” remote dog training method gives me the ability to take my dog’s off leash in any situation, and I believe my dog’s live a more fulfilling life because of that.

The video below will show you the demonstration performed with our new client. They were so impressed, they also signed up their “good” dog!

I’d like to congratulate Donna Kosc, Sit Means Sit - Jersey Shores, NJ and Ryan Grayce, Charlotte, NC. They are our newest Sit Means Sit locations. Below you will see a video of their dogs. Donna has been working with Izzy for only 1 week and Ryan’s dog, Blue has been training for 2 weeks. Also, you will see a video of Brandon Littrell, Sit Means Sit - Nashville, TN. He is currently attending our Sit Means Sit, Denver School.

I’d like to wish everyone a happy and safe holiday season. Remember, as we enjoy the holidays, there are people and dogs alike that are not as fortunate.

I was sent an email that really grabbed my attention.

Tis the night before Christmas and all through the town,
every shelter is full - we are lost, but not found,
Our numbers are hung on our kennels so bare,
we hope every minute that someone will care,
They’ll come to adopt us and give us the call,
“Come here, Zoe and Jazzy - come fetch your new ball!!
But now we sit here and think of the days…
we were treated so fondly - we had cute, baby ways,
Once we were little, then we grew and we grew
now we’re no longer young and we’re no longer new.
So out the back door we were thrown like the trash,
they reacted so quickly - why were they so rash?
We “jump on the children:, “don’t come when they call”,
we “bark when they leave us”, climb over the wall.
We should have been neutered, we should have been spayed,
now we suffer the consequence of the errors THEY made.
If only they’d trained us, if only we knew…
we’d have done what they asked us and worshiped them, too.
We were left in the backyard, or worse -let to roam-
now we’re tired and lonely and out of a home.
They dropped us off here and they kissed us good-bye…
“Maybe someone else will give you a try.”
So now here we are, all confused and alone…
in a shelter with others who long for a home.
The kind workers come through with a meal and a pat,
with so many to care for, they can’t stay to chat,
They move to the next kennel, giving each of us cheer…
we know that they wonder how long we’ll be here.
We lay down to sleep and sweet dreams fill our heads…
of a home filled with love and our own cozy beds.
Then we wake to see sad eyes, brimming with tears -
our friends filled with emptiness, worry, and fear.
If you can’t adopt us and there’s no room at the Inn -
could you help with the bills and fill our food bin?
We count on your kindness each day of the year -
can you give more than hope to everyone here?
Please make a donation to pay for the heat…
and help get us something special to eat.
The shelter that cares for us wants us to live,
and more of us will, if more people will give.

–Author Unknown

Here you will see a “before and after” video of a fear aggressive chihuahua

A friend sent me some pictures of the Red Sox players that made it to the 2007 All Star Game. Pretty cool pics of Beckett, Manny, Lowell, Papi, Johnathan, and Okajima. I also went to game 3 and 4 of the world series. I’m still pinching myself just thinking about seeing the Red Sox win a world series in person.

At least the Yankee fans can celebrate winning the bidding war for Roger Clemens!!!!

Here are ten ways to leash up and head out in a canine-friendly Colorado.

DENVER METRO:
Walk and Shop Littleton’s Aspen Grove:
Aspen Grove provides an extraordinary array of dog-friendly shopping options. With 46 stores inviting dogs and their owners to shop together, you’ll hardly ever have to leave your best friend behind. Look for the dog-friendly storefront signs and walk right in! A day of walking and shopping this open-air mall is sure to leave a lasting impression on the both of you.
Paws in the Park With the Colorado Rockies at Coors Field:
Once a year, the Rockies invite dogs and their owners to a summer game. Catch America’s pastime with your best friend. Though be sure to keep Sparky from chasing after a base hit. Contact the Colorado Rockies for exact game times.
FRONT RANGE:
Hike the Boulder Flatirons:
Explore the foothills of the famed Rockies and set out on any marked trail cutting through the gullies and ravines, and along this area’s pristine evergreen ridges. You and your companion will experience panoramic vistas overlooking the city of Boulder and the grandeur of the Indian Peaks to the west.
SOUTH CENTRAL:
Great Sand Dunes National Park:
Hike, camp and explore one of the most unique national parks in North America. Seemingly endless dunes roll over the horizon like a great ocean of sand. Be sure to keep your dog leashed, but definitely unleash your desire to summit the tallest sand dunes in the United States.
GOOD TO KNOW BEFORE YOU GO:
Dogs must be leashed at all times in the park. Please pick up after your animals so others can enjoy the unblemished serenity as well.
Rent a Raft and Shoot the Rapids:
Who says humans are the only daredevils? With a dog life-vest firmly strapped on, a rafting trip is a novel and exciting way to experience Colorado with man’s best friend. Buena Vista provides great put-in spots for the famous Brown’s Canyon and the rapids known as “The Numbers.”
GOOD TO KNOW BEFORE YOU GO:
While dog’s are naturally good swimmers, they may have a hard time keeping afloat without a life-vest. It’s highly recommended that one be purchased or rented before your trip.
NORTHWEST:
Snowshoeing in Frisco:
Take your dog for a hike along the extensive trail network on Mt. Royal, an abandoned mining site in one of Colorado’s favorite towns. Perfect Colorado snow entrances snowshoers and will elate all the senses of your furry snowshoeing companion.
GOOD TO KNOW BEFORE YOU GO:
A dog’s coat doesn’t necessarily mean they can effectively cope with cold weather. Be sure to bring plenty of water for your dog during the hike. As with humans, drinking lots of water helps stave off hypothermia. A warm towel to dry off your dog after the hike is also highly recommended. For extended outings, pick up two pairs of dog booties at your local pet supplier or outdoor store.
Traveling Through Aspen on all Fours:
Outdoor activities abound in Aspen. In winter, you and your dog can amble through a snow-laden town or snowshoe a backcountry trail. But after the snow melts, the town really heats up. With ski runs transformed into hiking trails, you and your dog will have an entire mountain range to explore. Hike among aspen trees and up to the tip of the Rockies. Aspen is sure to incite tail wagging, slobber and a wet nose from an ecstatic little buddy. If you’d prefer to skip the trail and stay in town, Aspen offers plenty of pet-friendly shopping, accommodation and dining options.
NORTHEAST:
Waterfowl Hunting on the Eastern Plains:
It’s a waterfowl hunters delight outside the town of Orchard, located near Fort Morgan. Take your trained retriever out for an extended weekend hunting trip and bag a variety of ducks and geese. With an incredibly picturesque backdrop for hunting you’ll have enough stories and fun to last you throughout the year.
GOOD TO KNOW BEFORE YOU GO:
Many hunting outfitters offer hunting packages and will help you set up licensing and other necessities for your hunt. Call ahead to reserve your place.
SOUTHEAST:
A Pioneer Dog at Bent’s Old Fort:
Integral to the state’s history, Bent’s Old Fort — located between La Junta and Las Animas — is ideal for experiencing Colorado’s Western past without having to leave your best friend behind. Used as a trading post and a staging area for the “Army of the West” during the U.S.-Mexican War of 1846, the fort was eventually abandoned, then reconstructed to the elation of history buffs worldwide. You and your leashed dog can walk the grounds of the fort and the surrounding area, but please enjoy the internal rooms of the fort without your pet.
SOUTHWEST:
North Fork Valley Bluegrass Festival:
From June 9-11, Hotchkiss erupts with a mandolin-strumming, banjo-picking bluegrass festival that vibrates from the top of the Rockies. Bring your dog and dance along to the non-stop energy of bluegrass music.

Find what you’re searching for.

In this video you will see Luke Kindall (SMS Fort Worth, TX), John Langdon (SMS Denver, CO) and myself. Luke’s dog Abby is an american bulldog that is 15 months old, and John’s belgian malinois puppy, Remy, is 4 months old. The puppy was bred by Waleed Maalouf and Barriques Malinois . My dogs Sonic is also a Barriques Malinois dog.