“We are more than pleased with Sit Means Sit, Harley has learned a lot since beginning training and is doing very well.  We couldn’t be happier! It was especially important because Harley is such a large dog. Shawn was awesome with his training and made sure that we did our homework too!”

Scott & Andrea M

Stow, Ohio

Fritz is a two year old shepherd. Before Mike he would not listen to my husband or myself. He would jump on people, run around the neighborhood and in kind words be a bad dog. Since training he is the dog we always dreamed of. He listens, doesn’t jump on people and will do anything we ask. Stay, no problem, sit, anywhere we point. It is amazing. My husband and I were almost at witz end with fritz. But now he is by far our dream dog. Mike was fantastic really understood what we wanted from fritz and helped us achieve our goals. My neighbors stopped by only after the first training to tell us how wonderful he was and to make sure it was the same dog. THAT WAS SO WORTH IT. Sit means sit really changed our dog and our lives.

Tim & Andrea

Eastlake, Ohio

“I would like to thank Mike for a wonderful job on training with Bella.  I went out for a walk last night with her and she was so good and following all commands.  I know it only gets better from here! ”

Gikima R., Parma, Ohio

“Tonka is such an active and curious dog.  With the training we received from Sit Means Sit, I can finally take him out for a walk and feel less worried that he will get excited and hard to handle.  Thanks again!”

Gikima R, Parma, OH

Mike has done an exceptional job training our 5 month old chocolate lab, Buster, or should I say training us on how to train and communicate with our dog.  When Mike showed up on our doorstep we were more than ready to have Buster trained to do just the basics.  Mike went above and beyond the basics.  He taught our kids how to safely approach dogs.  He really honed in on specific areas that we were lacking in.  We saw results immediately!  Now, we actually enjoy taking Buster for walks in the park.  It is very obvious that Mike has a love for training dogs.   I recommended Mike from Sit Means Sit to everyone I know with a dog after the first day of training.

Thanks Mike for all that you have done!!

Jayne Sholtz

Painesville, Ohio

Ripley has been doing very well and I have been pleased with the group classes.  However, his real transformation showed up for our first run at Lake Medina on Monday.  I ran the 2 miles with him off leash the whole time, releasing to run and recalling instantly with the first command from hundreds of yards away.  He PLAYED, yes PLAYED, with a Weimeraner, 2 Boxers and a little mutt along the way with no hair raised along scruff and maybe even a little glee.  THIS was my goal with the training and now I cannot wait to test him further with more dogs and people along the way.  He is better off leash than on leash now.

Thank you thank you thank you!

Kim Davey

Medina, Ohio

We have a lovable 128lb Black Lab “pound puppy” named Charlie. He loved to lick and jump on us, as well as all of our visitors! We can know control that urge, allow it when we want, and keep him from jumping on visitors. We have been very well satisfied with our experience with Sit Means Sit! We did the Jumpstart program, which included a full week of boarding at the Medina facility. With the package, we have access to the weekly group training sessions on Wednesday evenings and Saturday mornings, and if needed, you are available to us by phone and in private sessions. In the 3 months since Charlie’s week of training, we have attended nearly every training session you offer in Medina. The continued training has definitely reinforced the commands, as well as keeping us “trained” to handle Charlie appropriately. With the large number of dogs (and owners) that attend all of your group training sessions every week, we have observed how well the dogs that have been in your program for 6 months to a year or more have progressed. If only all dog owners would avail themselves of your terrific program and services!! Jane and I are looking forward to the additional classes you are providing in the training program for Charlie and us! We will definitely be regular attendees at these classes. We cannot thank Jody and Sit Means Sit enough for your program and your availability to help us through this training process!

Sincerely,

Bob & Jane Webb
Norton, Ohio

“Wow Just finished my three hours with three dogs and I can’t believe the transformation. I now can have company without barking or any annoying jumping. I have a 2 year old doberman, a 5 year old border collie mix and a 9 month old airedale. I would recommend this program for all dog owners. Program gives you the tools for a perfect companion.”

Tina Burdick of Stow, OH

We had Belle for 15 months. As any puppy, she had her time being house broken,she was not that difficult. Barking at strangers outside and especially inside the house when we had people come over she would not stop. We saw an add in the newspaper for dog training in Mentor we signed up. She was doing sit,stay, and down well. Then one evening we met Mike and his dog. His dogs attention was on him even with other dog’s in his area. He gave us his card and we signed up to have Mike assist us in training Belle. My wife and I are very happy Belle is a changed dog. When I we start our morning she is excited. Belle is saying, “take me for a walk or train me”. We completed our training last night and we are very satisfied.

Paul, I have done a lot of research on different companies, read numerous books, watched numerous videos and even went to different businesses for information. I was referred to Sit Means Sit by a friend who talked very highly of them and their methods. I located Paul Pollock who is about 2 hours away from me and was a little hesitant to drive two hours for a demo. After watching some of the videos on sitmeanssit.com and reading more about the company I decided that it would definitely be worth the drive to check him out. After meeting with Paul I immediately signed up and got my dog trained. I was so impressed and pleased with the outcome of the training and how quickly those results came that I then checked into opening a Sit Means Sit location in my area.

I am now pleased and proud to say Sit Means Sit of Northwest Ohio will be opening in May of 2009. I definitely recommend everyone that owns a dog and is thinking about training to check out the videos and contact Paul for a free demo.

Orlando Cuevas Sr.

Paul, just wanted to send you a quick note of thanks. As you know, I was somewhat skeptical about the Sit Means Sit training method, but after doing my homework and viewing the web site I decided that this might be just the type of training Voxx and I needed. I was correct. My main objective with the remote collar was to make sure I used it correctly from the start. Having trained dogs in the past I know it doesn’t take much to take the drive out of a dog if the training is done incorrectly.
Having had two of our three individual lessons, I am very pleased with the results we have had so far. As you know I am showing Voxx in AKC obedience trials. In his first trial Voxx was High Scoring Dog in Trial with a score of 189 out of 200. To say the least we were very pleased. Our second trial we did well also and now only need one more qualifying trial to get Voxx’s CD title, (Companion Dog).

I was very impressed with your training methods. In my opinion, having worked with several different trainers, you have the right personality for training dogs, the first of which is patience. You did a great job of demonstrating your techniques with Jammer and your soft tone of voice was appreciated as it seems that many trainers think that dogs only understand when you yell.

I look forward to our third individual lesson and to the group lessons as we move forward. Thanks again for your help and good luck to you in the future.

Don LaFond & Voxx

Dear Paul–I am so pleased we decided to go with Sit Means Sit to train our new standard Poodle. I have trained other dogs but used mainly my voice for communication, since I am having trouble with my voice this has proved a wonderful way to train. Molly has progressed faster than any other dog I’ve had and is eager to have her collar put on in the morning. She has only been in training for about six weeks but I took her to a soccer game last weekend and she was beautifully behaved and loved all the hugs and kisses from the adults and children. Any future dogs I have will definitely be trained with Sit Means Sit.

Marty and Molly (dog)

“Harley is a 100lb, 3 year old black lab with an endless supply of energy. No matter how many times I played fetch or how many miles I would walk him a day, Harley would always be ready for trouble. He would tear open the trash and play so rough it would actually hurt sometimes. Being such a big dog, he had a lot of dominance issues and would never listen to any command we gave him. My wife and I actually contemplated giving him up simply because he was too much for us to deal with. Just three classes with Paul and everything had changed! We worked with Harely and now he is the perfect dog! We take him to all of our family functions and he is so well behaved. Sit Means Sit is simply amazing! It is by far the best decsion we could have made!”

Kurt and Megan Olesen

Paul, I rarely will write to comment on a product or service, but I wanted to express my thanks for your help with training Cady the past 3 weeks. I’m sorry to make this a long story, but I wanted to explain how I came to my careful decision about Sit Means Sit.

Cady is 1-1/2 years old and, as you know a Chow adopted from the Cuyahoga County Animal Shelter in Independence. The first day as I was bringing her home I stopped to walk her. She wiggled her head and shoulders and slipped the harness. She took off running north and I didn’t see her for 3 weeks. There is much more to this story, but the primary point is that Cady would not “come”. She didn’t know me, but she REALLY wasn’t going to come. After much, much police, animal warden and local business help, she finally ended up going into a Havahart humane trap. Since I got her back, I haven’t let her outdoors without a very secure leash.

I looked and researched dog training, read the Idiots Guide to Dog Training (appropriate, I must say), dog obedience classes and collars, leashes, crates, food and so on. Cady is my very first dog. She is shy and worried and I am very inexperienced in the world of dogs.

I saw you and Roxy in the Fairlawn Fourth of July Parade, and Roxy was sitting on top of the car!! It was very impressive. I started reading about SMS, other E-collars and training. Because of the shelter and who knows what kind of previous life for Cady, I wanted to train her, mostly to “come”, but all the other basic things that well trained dogs can do. I met with you, and was impressed at the amount of time you spent explaining the program and I met Roxy and Jammer. Even then, I wanted to learn more before committing to any kind of program. I had already put down a deposit on Canine University for Dog Obedience I, and was pretty sure that I was going to stick with my decision. The very, very last thing I wanted was any kind of trauma to Cady. She already ducks her head when petted, and is fearful. I didn’t want to do anything that might make her life worse or traumatic.

I asked you for references, and you supplied me with 5 names. I called 4 of them and what struck me most was when I said “hello” and explained who I was, they sounded suspicious. But when I said that Paul Pollock from Sit Means Sit had given me their name as a reference, I could hear them brighten up immediately! It was really quite something! I realize that you could have given me a list of “ringers”, but these were genuinely happy people. An older woman, a couple, an older man, a woman – and the story was the same with everyone! After one lesson, they couldn’t believe the difference, how good their dogs were, how impressed they were with your peaceful personality and your patience. The hardest thing about the phone calls were getting the people to end the conversations!

I did the math – the cost of the SMS program, vs the cost of each 6 week class for Household Obedience I, followed by Household Obedience II, followed by Leash Walking, Good Citizen Training, etc., the 50 mile round trip to the school (gas was over $4 a gallon at this time) and the driving time alone for each 6 week class made it also financially a better idea to stay put in Fairlawn.

I thought, “yeah, yeah… 3 weeks… I’ll believe it when I see it…” So I signed up and asked for a refund from the other class.
The first class, I explained that my two biggest concerns were “come” for obvious reasons, and to get Cady to stop pulling me down the stairs (40 of them!) because it was dangerous for both of us. He met me at my home, showed me how to fit the collar, and Cady responded so well! The first week, she understood “come” and “wait” as we went down the stairs. I’m lucky because she doesn’t bark a lot, or eat poop or other really undesirable acts, but she really, really was in need of the basics. You followed along a normal course of training, and the second week I was just amazed that Cady was so willing to follow. You were so willing to sit and answer questions that I had through the week, which I appreciated very much. The training of each week is to much even for my long story, but I am a believer. Three weeks later, you actually dropped her leash on purpose OUTSIDE and she stayed put. I on the other hand, almost had a heart attack!

I guess that the difference in the training besides the collar is the one-one-one, personalized training at my house and office, teaching the basics and learning the program. I equated it to when I learned to type. I learned the basic keystrokes in about a month, and the rest of keyboarding was repetition and practice.

The biggest problem Cady had with the program … was ME. MY inconsistency and MY stumbling for the right word at the right time. MY learning how to have Cady on a leash, have my keys out, give a command, use the remote, carry my tote bag and get down the stairs is taking some coordination on my part too. I think once I have the confidence to say what I mean, Cady will be a huge success!

In closing, I think that I made an informed and thorough decision in choosing the program, checking references and doing the math – all culminating in a successful, positive outcome with YOU, Paul, and the Sit Means Sit training program. Thank you so much! I am now looking forward to the Saturday group class experiences to help socializing Cady further and meet other dog owners.

Sincerely,
Jeni Cox

Paul, I want to thank you over and over for making Ben the dog we wanted. Ben is a Lhasa Apso weighting about 18 lbs. In just the 3 lessons, I can’t believe the difference. We can even take him in the front yard without a leash. (My husband was very sceptical about that) Tonight he took Ben out front with no leash and he did what he was suppose to. I wish I would have known about Sit Means Sit before instead of wasting money on other classes that did no good. This was well worth the money!

P.S. Ben has even turned into a lap dog!

Arlene Rusk (Akron, OH)

Paul, wow…I can’t believe it myself. We had Gina’s 50th birthday party last night…and the girls were INCREDIBLE!!!! There were about 35 people here, and there was NO barking, jumping, annoying, or overly enthusiastic antics from Addi or Tempe. EVERYONE commented on how well behaved they were…and those who knew them prior to Sit Means Sit training, were absolutely AMAZED at the incredible transformation!!! We gave out 2 of your cards…and I’m sure there will be more requests for you contact information. We could not be happier with the results of training with you and Roxie (who is seriously welcome any time for a play date). Thank you so much !!! On a rating scale of 1 to 10….you and Roxie get a million!!! You are welcome to use us as examples of VERY SATISFIED customers. Take care and thanx a million!!!

Janna (& Gina) – Akron OH

I just wanted to shoot you a quick note to tell you how Rosie’s collar and training may have saved her life. Of course, the inevitable happened. As I feared, someone (my husband) left the back door open while he was carrying boxes in and out. No one knew Rosie went out the door, so we don’t know how long or how far she went, but I happened to look out the front window and caught a glance of her tail go past the bush. Now, the old Rosie would have “high tailed” it out of here as soon as she got out the door. Not knowing if or when she would have come back, especially with the speed limit out here at 55 mph. I quick grabbed the remote and opened the front door. I only had to call her once and she came right in like nothing ever happened. Little did she know, we were all freakin’ out on the inside!

Thanks again for everything,
Nancy & Rosie Pfaff

Mike and Paul,First and foremost – thank you for the training you provided Reese….and me! I must admit, I certainly had my doubts going into this whole thing, but I also knew that I was at my wits end and something had to give. I contacted several different trainers, all with varying programs and methodologies. I wanted a trainer and program that would love and care for my puppy Reese as much as I do. Additionally, I wanted a trainer that was reputable, safe, responsive, and that matched our energy – but one that understood my challenges and listened to my “goals”. After talking to several different trainers and what they had to offer, I made my decision – Sit Means Sit all the way!

Mike came to my house to do a demo and explained how your training program works, the collar, and took the time to answer any questions that I had. He was more than informed and experienced, but came with an energy and obvious love for what he does and the Sit Means Sit program. I really appreciated that! Within a few weeks, I was dropping Reese off for her one week board-and-train. I remember thinking when I was leaving that Sit Means Sit may have just met their match….until a week later when Mike brought her home and showed me just how wrong I was! She was AWESOME!!

Since it was now my turn to be trained, Mike took the time to go through everything Reese learned, her commands, and how she did at training. He walked me through using the collar and spent time in practice to help me get used to it as well. Mike returned for a second follow-up visit a week later to see how we both progressed and even had us outside in my front yard with an UNLEASHED REESE to play with the one and only super Zeus!! I still can’t believe it! Reese is doing so well on her walks – she heels like an angel!!

Reese’s puppy spunk and energy didn’t disappear with the training…they just got so much better and more enjoyable! We’re having a blast and I’m certain that my other dog Sam is just as appreciative as well. Mike – your in-home training support and patience was outstanding and so much fun!!

Thank you Mike, Paul, and everyone at Sit Means Sit – you guys rock!!

Holly
Lakewood, OH

My dog guide Edge and I were matched by one of the most respected dog guide schools for the blind. He is a wonderful guide and saved me from getting hit by a taxi while in training by responding exactly as he was taught. His off-duty behavior, however, was something else entirely. When our trainers said it was time to let the dogs off-leash in our dorm rooms, Edge ran, grabbed a braille information guide off the desk, jumped over the bed and hid underneath it, completely destroying the papers while I tried to reach him. The instructors told me I needed to be more firm with my corrections.

He went on to other misbehaviors but snatching papers was his specialty. This was a real problem since I work in an office and a copier/FAX machine was directly behind my desk. It is no longer there.

He tried to devour all kinds of paper, including paper towels and napkins. Once he even took a napkin off someone’s lap while we were following a hostess to our table in a restaurant. It was humiliating! He began taking the cookies out of the hands of small children at church and I was so afraid he’d sever a finger. Still the dog school told me that I should be able to break him of these bad habits by being stronger with my corrections. He is a very strong dog and moves so quickly. Even the sighted people at church gatherings never saw any hint that he was going for their plates until they realized he’d jumped up and taken their food.

I knew something had to be done when we were out in the backyard and he lunged toward children having a snowball fight in a nearby yard. It all happened so fast and I ended up on the ground (for the first time) with a shoulder injury.

Everyone was giving me “helpful” advice on how I should work with him but he was just too strong and fast for me to get control of. One of my co-workers brought me a brochure from Sit Means Sit. While the dog school actively discourages us from working with any trainer not their own, I was truly desperate. I decided to give Sit Means Sit a chance before bowing to what I thought was inevitable and returning Edge to the school after trying for almost nine months to get him to settle into our home.

The training demonstration was amazing! I could tell Edge was confused. It was the first time since we came home from training that he was stopped, mid-lunge, from going after something he was totally focused upon. When the trainer said he could help Edge become an obedient dog in just three lessons, I doubted his sanity but, as I stated, we were desperate.
Now, after our three lessons, Edge is a well-behaved dog. There are still occasional misbehaviors but he responds to corrections. I am no longer afraid to take him out in public and my home is much more peaceful.

Michelle Hasenstaub

Just thought I’d drop you a line and tell you how pleased I am with the training so far. I have had two other Rotts that have gone through the traditional obedience training and did very well. Toby however did not take to those methods of correction and was starting to rebel and become aggressive that’s when I called you. That was the best decision I could have made for him. Since we started our training with you I have seen a big change in his attitude and not once has he showed any signs of aggression. I know he is going to have to unlearned and then relearn using your techniques but he’s coming along, I only wish I would’ve started him off with you from the start. Watching you work with him and seeing how he responds to your calm demeanor makes me want to work with him all that more because I can see the potential he has. I am really looking forward to the group classes and taking Toby to new stages of his development.

Thank you for all your help,

Dick Sabol

Mike, Ron and I just wanted to thank you for all the time spent with Buddy and Sage.

It is such a pleasure not to have to raise our voices to get them to Listen! Ron and I are very impressed on the Sit Means Sit system. We are looking forward to group class and this summer when we take them with us camping. I love to show them off. WE would recommend Sit Means Sit to everyone. Mike, you are a great trainer and awesome with the dogs. You have the confidence in yourself and the system that is needed to prove that it works. It was a pleasure working with you!

Buddy and Sage say hi! and thanks a Bunch.

Bernie and Ron Tobul
Sage and Buddy