Best Dog Training In St. Petersburg

Get a Free Evaluation

As Seen Training On

CNN USA Today NHL Animal Planet Outdoor Channel ESPN NBC Sports Sports Illustrated The Weather Channel MSN Mashable Barstool Sports Fox News Discovery Channel MLB Washington Post The Today Show People ABC Sporting News
    

St. Petersburg Dog Training Experts

Sit Means Sit Dog Training St. Petersburg provides professional dog obedience training in St. Petersburg, Seminole, Largo, and surrounding Florida areas.

At Sit Means Sit St. Petersburg, we strongly believe in the incredible bond created between an owner and their dog. And through our obedience training, we hope to strengthen that relationship by helping your canine become the most confident, well-behaved, and social version of themselves.

Our professional dog trainers know that no two dogs are the same, which is exactly why they customize their training plans based on Fido’s needs and your concerns. Plus, our St. Petersburg dog trainers are equipped with the latest training strategies that are the most comprehensive and successful long-term. We provide training to dogs of all breeds, skill levels, and temperaments. Whether you’re trying to freshen up some of your pup’s obedience skills or need help with hostile behaviors from an aggressive dog, we’re here to help.

For more information on our training programs, check out our descriptions below or contact us today to learn more!

Get Started

About Sit Means Sit Dog Training

Dog Training Programs

Any Dog Any Age Any Problem

Puppy Training

Puppy Management

The first 20 weeks of your puppy’s life are the most crucial when it comes to training and will set the tone for their future success. During this training program, your furry friend will learn the basic rules and boundaries that will help them successfully integrate into your household. Teaching them the correct ways to act early on can help prevent serious behavioral issues from arising later on down the road.

Why Choose Our Puppy Management Training:

  • Our trainers are AKC Puppy Star certified
  • Obedience learned at the beginning of your pup’s life will help them get off on the right paw and avoid aggressive dog tendencies later in life.
  • Training a puppy can be stressful and exhausting, so let us do the work for you.

Jumpstart your canine companion’s progress by contacting us today for your pup’s free evaluation!

Get Started 
Private Dog Training Lessons

Private Training

Our Private Training program will walk you through each and every step of your canine companion’s journey. This program not only lets you get more personal with your pup’s progress but also allows it to be more customized to your concerns as well as Fido’s needs.

We offer a whole year of group classes when you enroll in Private Training. The group classes are a great addition in that they teach your furry friend how to properly behave around everyday distractions while also helping you learn to problem solve in real-world situations.

Benefits of Our Private Lessons:

  • You get to be actively involved in your pup’s progress.
  • You’ll get to take pride in your canine’s success, knowing you helped them get there.
  • It’ll just be you, your dog, and the trainer, so you’ll have 100% of their attention with no other clients or dogs around.

Start your journey to creating a better life for both you and your pup by contacting us today for your free consultation!

Get Started 
Day and Train

Day & Train

Our Day & Train program takes the stress of training your canine off your shoulders. At the end of each day, our trainers will give you an update on your pup’s progress as well as how you can continue encouraging positive obedience behavior at home.

Why Our Day & Train Program Might be Right For You:

  • If you work a busy schedule, our Day & Train program gives you one less thing to worry about or make time for
  • You’ve found training your dog yourself to be too difficult in the past or hasn’t stayed consistent.

Want to learn more about bettering your furry friend’s behavior? Contact us today for a free consultation! 

Get Started 

FAQs

Get answers to some of our most commonly asked questions:

Each of our training programs is custom tailored to the specific situation. There are a number of factors that we evaluate prior to building a training package for you such as your dog’s age, temperament, previous training, as well as the desired goals of the owner. What will work for one dog and owner, won’t necessarily fit well with another. Because of these factors, we offer a free demonstration & consultation as an opportunity to meet with your family as well as your dog to gain insight into the unique circumstances that affect your dog’s training. During the demonstration we will evaluate the factors and develop a training plan for your dog and family. From the training plan we will be able to give you an accurate idea of cost to accomplish your goals. There is no cost or obligation associated with the free demonstration.

Sit Means Sit uses a variety of training methods and tools to achieve the goals of the customer and their dog.

The Sit Means Sit mission:

Revolutionizing the quality of life with happy, obedient, and confident dogs.

With this mission in-mind, we customize our training approach to meet with our customer's personality as well as what will result in the best possible training experience for both dog and owner. As you view our portfolio of dog training videos, we hope that you will pay close attention to the attitude of all the dogs trained by Sit Means Sit. We pride ourselves on being able to maintain a happy and relaxed attitude in our dogs.

Sit Means Sit specializes in a diversified approach to dog training. We use an attention-based dog training system developed by Founder and CEO, Fred Hassen. This approach utilizes a variety of training tools to enable our trainers to gain the dog’s attention even in distracting situations. One of the tools that we use often in our training program is our customized Sit Means Sit Collar (remote electronic dog training collar). The reason we choose to utilize technology in our training is obvious when you understand the advantages that technology allows us.

Firstly, Sit Means Sit firmly believes in safe dog training. The technology we employ is 100% safe for dogs and humans. The Sit Means Sit Collar uses state of the art digital technology to control the output from the collar to prevent it from harming your dog. The technology that is utilized in the construction of our collar is similar technology to “electronic muscle stimulators” and “TENS” units. You may be familiar with the use of these devices in the medical field (they are very common in the Chiropractic and Physical Therapy fields) or perhaps you’ve seen devices advertised on TV as “electronic muscle massagers”. These devices essentially use low-level, adjustable electronic stimulation to creating muscle contractions. In the medical field, they are used as tools to help alleviate pain, promote blood circulation and encourage healing.

In the dog training field, specifically Sit Means Sit, remote dog training collars are used as a tool to provide a remote controlled cue. The cue is designed to neither cause pain nor to disrupt the dog’s emotional state, but rather to function as an adjustable “tap”. The approach used by Sit Means Sit trainers is to treat the “tap” from the collar as a cue for the dog to pay attention. This is no different than tapping a person on the shoulder to gain their attention. The goal of tapping them on the shoulder is not to hurt them or cause emotional distress, but rather to let them know that you want to communicate something to them.

The “tap” delivered from the Sit Means Sit Collar is a highly adjustable sensation that can be set to levels that are often imperceptible to people. Obviously this adjustability is necessary because some dogs are sensitive, while others are quite tough. There is no way to determine what levels your dog will respond to until you begin to train them with a collar. Another reason why the collars are so adjustable is because distractions from the environment are never consistent. Relate this to training with a treat. How many times will that treat work perfectly indoors, but fails to maintain your dog’s attention when a cat is running by. Sit Means Sit has found that dogs can be taught to pay attention around extreme distractions very effectively.

During the fundamental Sit Means Sit training, the dogs and handlers are taught how to condition their dog to the collar in a constructive and positive manner. By adjusting the level of the collar appropriately for the dog and the situation, as well as linking the tap from the collar with an item of high value, we can effectively teach the dog that the “tap” from the collar is related to something of value. This approach to fundamentals allows for a smooth transition into distraction training and off leash control through attention to command.

You can relate the advantages that a Sit Means Sit Collar can provide you in dog training with the advantages that a state-of-the-art smartphone provides you. Cell phones these days are no longer just phones, but mini-computers with built-in cameras, internet access and applications. These tools enhance our communication with others, allow for a diversified means of gathering and sharing information as well it’s just flat out cool what can be done with them, provided you have the knowledge. You can still choose to use you old-fashioned wall-mount telephone in your kitchen if you like, but now you’re restricted to the the length of the cord, and it’s not exactly easy to send photos to your in-laws using that wall-mount phone. Effectively limiting what you can do while you’re talking on the phone. There’s nothing wrong with doing things that way, it’s just limiting. This same relationship can also be said of using a leash to train your dog. It’s just limiting. With a smartphone you can do it all from the convenience of wherever you want.

Building on the premise of safety, the use of a remote controlled cue allows for greater freedom of communication, and in turn more efficient training through the enhancement of near-instantaneous timing. Being able to re-direct your dog’s energy or attention while he is at a distance from you greatly enhances the reliability you can achieve in a short period of time. It's also allows for you to communicate with your dog without confrontation from yelling. Also, the uniqueness of the Sit Means Sit approach stands head and shoulders above other technology-based dog training systems because of our ability to establish a neutral communication system allowing for unprecedented problem solving abilities, and through our enhanced communication skills a truly politically correct training approach. We invite you to view our training first-hand by contacting us for a free demonstration with a local trainer.

Training with a remote dog training collar like the Sit Means Sit dog training collar is really no different than training your dog with a leash or with treats. Reinforcement in any form is a required and necessary part of your dog’s life. Even after they are trained, it will still be necessary to maintain your rules and boundaries. This is really no different than we encounter with people learning to drive a car. Obtaining your driver’s license only shows that you understand the rules of the road, and have demonstrated your ability to operate a car safely. It does not guarantee that you will stop at every stop sign, and drive the speed limit all the time. Obviously there are a lot of factors that change as you drive, and some drivers are more honest than others. The bottom line however is that there are police officers responsible for maintaining the law and enforcing the rules that we have agreed to.

When looking at dog training from this standpoint, it easy to see how reinforcement of rules will be inevitable at some point. Every dog is different though, and some dogs require more or less reinforcement than others.

The good news is that proper and thorough training will result in your dog being more reliable even without training equipment or training ‘aids’ as we call them. Training your dog to be reliable without a Sit Means Sit dog training collar on is a matter of transferring attention through conditioning. There are three broad phases of training that you will encounter as you train your dog. Sticking with the your training and reinforcing your rules consistently over a long enough period of time will get your dog as reliable as they can be. The phases of training are as follows:

Phase 1: The Teaching/Control Phase ~ 6-12+ weeks

During phase one, the goal is to achieve control over your dog, teach them the rules, boundaries and desired behaviors you want. It also the time to teach the dog to pay attention and perform these commands around distractions. This phase lasts between 6-12 weeks on average, however in certain situations it may take longer to gain the reliability needed before moving on to phase two. Once your dog is capable of performing commands quickly and reliably around a variety of distractions with minimal problem solving required, then your dog and you are ready to move on to phase two.

Phase 2: The Reinforcement Phase ~ 6-12+ weeks

During phase two, the goal is to begin phasing out your training aid (remote dog training collar). In phase one, we use the dog training collar on a regular basis to regain attention and maintain our rules. Now in phase two we begin to reduce our dependence on the dog training collar and introduce consistency via variable reinforcement. You may or may not need your dog training collar, but we want to teach the dog that you are still in control even if the perception of the dog is that you are not. This phase will last between 6 – 12 weeks on average, and will require you to stick with phase two for longer than average. It’s also not uncommon as dogs mature and age to have to revert back into phase one training again for several weeks depending on how your dog’s performance and behavior is. When your dog is capable of performing commands without the need for reinforcement for approximately 6 weeks, then your dog is very likely to be reliable without their training aid present. We are ultimately looking to have your dog learn how to filter our distractions entirely. When this is achieved, your dog is much less likely to act out in an unwanted manner because of distractions.

Phase 3: The Maintenance Phase ~ Ongoing

The third and final phase of training a dog is the maintenance phase. During this phase, you will likely be using your dog training collar or other dog training aid very little as your dog is capable of ignoring distraction. The catch however is that they are still capable of distraction (they are not robots). A smart trainer recognizes this and is ready to maintain their rules, commands and boundaries at anytime. It is not uncommon to have a dog who sense the lack of maintenance and begins to revert back in their behavior. The benefit of having done your dog training properly to begin with is that regression is easily minimized and dealt with by simply jumping back into training for a short time to remind the dog of the expectations.

Can't Find Your Question?

No problem. Contact us and we'll be happy to answer your questions.

(727)-537-9721 Contact Us

Trainers & Staff

Professional trainers. Attentive friendly staff.

Mark Nowak

Mark NowakOwner/Trainer

Mark is the new owner and head trainer of the Sit Means Sit Dog Training-Saint Petersburg. He came to Sit Means Sit after meeting the former owner of Saint Petersburg Sit Means Sit, Elena Elwart. Unlike the previous styles of training he had learned, her style was very personal, loving, and spot-on; this was the kind of trainer he wanted to be.

With the help of Sit Means Sit, Mark was able to train his own dogs to be completely off leash! He and his wife currently have 4 dogs of their own: Malinka the Maltese, Gabby the rescued Plott Hound mix, Chelsea the rescued Lab mix and Chubbs the senior Chihuahua Papillon. This past year they added a new 2 legged member to their pack, their daughter (and future dog trainer!) Teresa. While he has been training dogs his whole life, Mark started his professional journey towards becoming a dog trainer in 2017.

He worked for a dog rescue for several years that specialized in rescuing dogs that were on the euthanasia list. These dogs were going to be put down because of bad behaviors that are completely correctable. Training dogs became a life saving mission for Mark. He wants to be able to reach as many people and their dogs as possible and let them know that there is hope! Your dog can do so much more than you think and he wants to show you that!

Service Areas

We proudly serve the following areas in St. Petersburg.

Counties

  • Pinellas County

Cities

  • St. Petersburg
  • St Pete Beach
  • Tierra Verde
  • Treasure Island
  • Gulfport
  • South Pasadena
  • Madeira Beach
  • North Redington Beach
  • Redington Beach
  • Redington Shores
  • Kenneth City
  • Bay Pines
  • Clearwater
  • Clearwater Beach
  • Belleair
  • Indian Rocks Beach
  • Indian Shores
  • Seminole
  • Pinellas Park
  • Belleair Bluffs
  • Largo
  • Belleair Beach

Don't See Your Location?

Sit Means Sit has 157 locations across the US and Canada.

Find a Sit Means Sit Dog Trainer near you.

Find a Location

Dog Training Videos

Check out a few videos to see our dog trainers at work!

Finn

2016 Year In Review Sit Means Sit Dog Training St Petersburg

Long Distance Sit

Puppy Training for ALL Your Needs!

5 Star Reviews

We love customers and their dogs. They love us.

Linda H.

We are so please with the training. It has helped us enjoy every aspect of our experience with our dog and has helped our dog understand our expectations. I would recommend Sit Means Sit Dog Training to anyone!

Shannon H.

We took our two pitbulls to Sit Means Sit for training. Sit Means Sit did a wonderful job training our dogs. Kileaux was always easily distracted and Nikita was a rambunctious puppy. The staff was very knowledgeable and helpful in teaching us how to work with our dogs on continued training. It is hard to…

Marie B.

I am so pleased and impressed with Sit Means Sit in general. My Aussie puppy did a three week board-and-train since my work schedule limited my ability to go to group classes. They were very understanding and did an excellent job of explaining every aspect of their training methods, their e-collar, and were very open…

Ryan G.

The Sit Means Sit program enabled me to take my two dogs Gaea and Dayzee on mountain hikes without worrying about them chasing wildlife. It’s great to hike with my dogs and not worry about spooking the wildlife, thank you!