Testimonials

My Kooper will be 2 years old next month, so he’s a pandemic puppy/dog. He desperately needed training. He’s a Goldendoodle and his energy is through the roof. He’s not aggressive but he jumps because he wants to engage and play. Walking him is a workout because he pulls and hops, and in general he does his own thing.

Last year I searched, reviewed, and contacted several training programs. I was specifically looking for a board and train program. I visited SMS and saw the work they were doing with other dogs – I was amazed. I knew they were the right fit for me and Kooper. Unfortunately, there were a bunch of life circumstances that prevented me from moving forward.

Fast forward to May 2022, summer is here and it was the best time to access the training due to school being out. Kooper is not a changed or new dog, but HE IS SO MUCH BETTER! He’s consistently responding to commands and cues. In fact, I am so much better. Tony and Mikey have taught me skills to help me continue the work they have done over the last two weeks (Kooper graduated on June 15). Because of their teachings I’m more aware of what to do and how to respond. I am not getting it perfect, but the great thing is Kooper and I can take classes for life!

At SMS, just as others have said, they really do care. They call and email with updates. They are dog people. You can tell they love what they do. In one video, Mikey hugged Kooper to celebrate him completing the exercise. In another video, I heard Tony call Kooper big guy, lol. With each visit they were gracious and patient with me. They constantly asked did I understand and was I comfortable with techniques, and they didn’t mind me asking to repeat them so I did feel like I had truly gotten them. When I say they deeply care and are in tune with dogs, it is the truth. On day one, July 4, Tony called to tell me he suspected Kooper had an ear infection. They knew and noticed the signs within hours. Turns out he did have not an infection in one ear but in both ears.

My dentist has a saying, “Good work ain’t cheap and cheap work ain’t good!”, well Sit Means Sit is a great exemplar of that saying. I appreciate the team at Sit Means Sit, and I look forward to mine and Kooper’s increased learning and growth.

Highly recommend this organization. Very honest, professional and caring. Tony and Mikey are all about you and your dog’s success in class and IRL. ADDED BONUS, I lost 4% body fat training with Mikey. Started classes 4 weeks ago when my 85 lb rottie performed swan lake on my window sills trying to get at a dog walking outside. I worked with Mikey Thomas primarily. Both Mikey and Tony are very patient with pet parents. They go over the process or desired goal as often as needed for you and your fur baby to be successful. At lesson 2 Mikey wanted us to walk the dog walk. I told him he was mad. He talked and walked me through the process multiple times, taking time to explain dog thinking. Low and behold, my puppy walked the dog walk several times after he made sure I was confident with the process. Sit Means Sit offers a variety of packages. I went with the Ultimate Private Training Package. I plan on continuing with additional types of training with Sit Means Sit Chicago and looking forward to joining them for group classes in the coming weeks.

The Trainers are great, very nice, and knowledgable. They explain things so clearly. Also one of my dogs was struggling with a rash and the moment they saw him they said “that’s a food allergy” and I changed his food and he hasn’t had the rash since. They have been so helpful in helping fine tune my service dogs behavior and to help me be a better owner.

I have taken two courses with Mike and he is fantastic! I was nervous taking the class due to I had the smallest dog in the class. Mike gave me the confidence and encouragement to take on my dog’s anxiety issues. The class is fun and creative. Read his book!!!! I am looking forward to level 3.

Mikey and Tony are incredible instructors! Ernie’s improvement in just the first two sessions is remarkable.

From the initial consultation with Tony to Jasper graduating with Mikey, the training provided was outstanding. We went in with an anxious one year old golden doodle and came out with a very confident, attentive and happy Jasper. As well as two happy and confident dog parents! Jasper rarely listened to Mom & Dad whilst there were distractions about and would get very anxious when in unfamiliar places and around unfamiliar dogs and we can honestly say after 4 full days with Mikey & Tony, Jasper is a new boy. Tony & Mikey are extremely professional and are able to identify and adapt to the dogs needs. I can’t thank them both enough for really helping us concur Jasper’s anxiety and listening skills. We can’t wait to join the group classes with Jasp. He truly loves them both! We would highly recommend this training for dogs of all ages and abilities, you won’t regret it!

Sit Means Sit gave me hope again. I was at the point where taking my puppy to see the world was anxiety-inducing instead of invigorating. For the first year of my male Australian shepherd’s life, I was trying everything I could get my hands on via youtube and positive reinforcement training (I was literally taking notes from trainers on the internet and watching a lot of NatGeo on wolves aka desperation) SMS created a new means of communication between me and my beloved pup, and it’s changed the way we understand each other.

I’ve never owned a dog in my life, and somehow I ended up rescuing a cattle dog mix. Needless to say she is a handful and I was really struggling with finding a balance in life because she thought she ruled the world and wouldn’t listen. I had problems with her barking and growling at men, barking at loud noises, pulling on leash – you name it, I had a problem. I was very nervous about investing in training since it’s a big investment, and I was worried the training wouldn’t transfer to me.

Investing in Tony at Sit Means Sit was the best money I have ever spent in my entire life. Not only did my dog come back a completely different dog, but I also have an ongoing support system. It’s been over 5 months since I picked her up from her 2 week board and train and Tony is still extremely responsive and helpful with all of my questions…and I have a lot of them!

I don’t know what I’d do without Tony. My life is so different now that I have a well-behaved dog that listens! I have never seen anybody understand dogs the way he does. You will not regret your investment into this team. Trust me.

Wonder if this is how parents feel when kids graduate from College. Thanks for doing so much to help make Buddy a good citizen. We couldn’t have done it without you.

SinceI’m going to be 72 in July another Airedale was probably not the best choice in dogs at this point in my life tho he is my fourth. Fortunately you guys have shown me how living with him at my age was doable.

That would not have been possible without Sit Means Sit.