When we adopted Lahna, a Belgian Shepherd mix, from the Lawrence Humane Shelter, I intended on training her myself, but I was looking for alternate methods other than the usual “choke chain” and “leash jerk” approach.  I did begin training her with the “clicker” and treat method, and was beginning to have some success.  But, I could foresee hours and hours turning into months and months of work.  Lahna has such a sweet and submissive personality, and is very eager to please.  She loves other dogs, people and kids, and we wanted to make sure she stays social and grows to be a good citizen.   

I was researching some different training videos on You Tube when I came across some from Sit Means Sit.  The things the trainers were able to do with their dogs is absolutely amazing!  And I was so glad to find out that there is a Sit Means Sit in Kansas City, and that Tom would come to

I finally decided to send Tom an email to set up a home demonstration.  He responded the next day!  Tom and his wife Carrie came out to our house with their dogs, Tundra and Shadow.  Both my wife and I were amazed!  Tom and Carrie had plenty of distractions that evening, with neighborhood kids and other dogs, that they could really show their “stuff” with Tundra and Shadow.  Tom worked a little with Lahna, and I could see a response from her right away in the way she was walking on the leash with him. 

We started our official training with Tom on September 18^th, and finished our private lessons with him on October 2^nd.  We have been to one of the weekly group classes so far, and look forward to every Saturday, to have the opportunity to work more with Tom on our continual training – dog and owner!! 

During this brief three week period, Lahna has learned to walk on a loose leash – all the time, come when called without any hesitation, and without any coaxing or yelling, I might add.  She has learned “place” – go to a spot and hang out until told to do something else.  And she really seems to enjoy the challenge of “placing” on boulders, tree stumps and picnic tables.  She has learned to be a lot calmer around other people, and responds very well to the “off” command when she starts to jump up or act crazy.  We can take her out in the front yard now, off-leash, knowing that she will not run down the street to see a neighbor’s dog or child, or chase a cat, and feel confident that we will have control over her actions until we tell her to “take a break”.      

We really wanted to be able to take Lahna to a dog park and let her run and play with the other dogs, and we are now able to do that with the utmost confidence that she will respond no matter what the situation.  Just this last weekend, we were at the Mutt Run when a dog fight broke out.  Naturally, all of the dogs in the area, about 6 or 7 of them, including Lahna, started running toward the action.  She was off-leash and I calmly called for her to come, which she did, and sat next to me and watched as the other owners were breaking up the fight.  I walked over to talk with one of the owners, and had Lahna “place” on a bench and sit while we were talking.  Naturally, he asked how I got her to do that.  Well, let me tell you about SMS!! 

The Sit Means Sit training methods along with Tom’s insight and expertise are an unbeatable combination!  I would highly recommend this positive and gentle training to anyone with any breed or size of dog.   We’re so glad we made the decision to call Tom, and look forward to many years of being happy dog owners with a happy dog.  

Greg and Wanda