Syracuse's Best Dog Training

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Syracuse Dog Training Experts

Sit Means Sit Syracuse specializes in providing off-leash obedience training to the Syracuse and greater Central New York area. We offer a wide variety of training programs that aim to correct behavioral issues and encourage good behavior in puppies and dogs of all ages. Our popular training programs include private lessons, day training programs, and board and train programs. We also offer group classes and agility classes. 

Are you looking to build a happier, healthier relationship between yourself and the troublesome dog in your life? Are you struggling to connect with your pup due to ongoing behavioral issues? If so, Sit Means Sit Syracuse is here to help! 

We will take on any dog of any age with any problem or behavioral issue. Whether you’re looking to get your new puppy started off on the right paw with top-rated training services or want to correct lifelong behavioral issues in an older dog, our expert trainers have the knowledge and skills to help. To learn more about our training programs or to get started today, call our Syracuse dog training experts to schedule a FREE consultation.

Whether you’ve just welcomed a new puppy into your home or need help correcting your dog’s longstanding behavioral issues, Sit Means Sit Syracuse has a training program that can help. Keep reading to learn more about some of our most popular training programs and to find the one that is right for you and your pup.

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About Sit Means Sit Dog Training

Dog Training Programs

Any Dog Any Age Any Problem

Day and train program.

Day Training

Our most popular training option is our Day Training program. Do you like the idea of having someone initially train your dog but worry about leaving your dog overnight for a Board and Train? If so, our Day Training program is the perfect option for you!

Day Training is a once-a-week, all-day training program where a professional trainer will train your dog throughout the day at our training center and local parks, pet stores, and more! Simply drop your dog off in the morning and pick him/her up the same day.

During a Day Train, you can rest assured that your dog is in good hands with our expert trainers and will get videos updating you on your pet’s progress throughout the day. When you pick your dog up, your trainer will instruct you on how to work with your dog for the next week. Spend the week reinforcing what you and your dog learned. Then, drop him/her off again the following two weeks. This is the perfect option for owners who combine at-home training with Sit Means Sit’s top-rated training center services.

Our Day Training package also includes lifetime training; get as many private lessons and group classes as you need for the remainder of your dog’s lifetime!

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Private Lessons

Want to play a more hands-on role in your dog’s training? Looking for a training program that will allow your dog to work with a trainer without the distraction of other dogs? If so, private training lessons from Sit Means Sit Syracuse are perfect for you!

Our top-rated private lesson programs are designed for the family or individual who wants to be directly involved and personally responsible for the success of the dog’s training. This option allows you to meet with your trainer for an hour-long weekly one-on-one session. These sessions can be held in various locations, such as our training center, your home, a park, and almost any other location where you want to correct your dog’s behavior.

A Syracuse dog training expert will teach you how to train your dog and address the things that are most important to you when it comes to your pet’s behavior. Our private training lessons are customized to help you meet your specific and unique goals with your dog. We call this “lifestyle training,” where we help you incorporate the training for your dog into your day-to-day life. If you’re looking for the most efficient way to correct your dog’s unique behavioral issues, private lessons are a great option.

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Group dog training program.

Group Classes

Want to set your pet up for success when out and about in the world? Looking for the best way to immerse your dog in professional training that can help them adapt to a variety of environments? Try out one of our group training classes!

Our group classes are designed to practice the skills you and your dog learned in individual settings with more distractions, ensuring that your pet will be able to utilize the skills they’ve learned from Sit Means Sit Syracuse in any environment, including at the park, in the pet store, and more! We keep our group classes upbeat and fun for both you and your dog so you can take the opportunity to have fun and bond with your pet while he or she learns critical obedience skills and more.

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Board and train program.

Board and Train Programs

With this program, your dog is immersed in training with a Syracuse dog training professional.

He/she will spend the day learning from a professional while they also visit parks, the training center, pet stores, etc.

Board & Train programs are available on an approval basis as not all dogs are eligible for this program.  If this is a program you are interested in, please contact our office.

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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.

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Trainers & Staff

Professional trainers. Attentive friendly staff.

David Wilbert

David WilbertOwner/Head Trainer

Dave is the owner and head trainer at Sit Means Sit in Syracuse, NY. Dave has had a passion for his entire life and has turned that passion into a career by bringing Sit Means Sit to Syracuse. Although Dave is originally from the Central New York area, he has been training with the Sit Means Sit dog training system since 2009 with Anthony Bracciante in Denver.

While living in Denver, Dave rescued his chocolate lab Maddi. After obtaining mediocre results with other dog training systems and frustrated that Maddi could not be trusted off leash or around other dogs, he knew there must be an answer to his “problems.” Although Maddi had been labeled by other dog trainers as “unsociable” and was told she should be kept away from other dogs, Dave’s answer came with a FREE demonstration with Anthony and the Sit Means Sit dog training system.

Within minutes, Maddi was off leash and under control around multiple dogs and other distractions. Not only was Maddi under control around severe distractions, but her confidence went through the roof. Maddi went from a timid, and at times, fear aggressive dog, to a happy, confident, and trustworthy dog. “After training with Sit Means Sit, I was able to realize Maddi’s as well as my full potential. She was able to go hiking, snowshoeing, boating, and much more with me! The only frustration I have with the Sit Means Sit dog training system is that I didn’t start earlier.”

Since the demo in 2009, Dave and Maddi haven’t looked back.

Justin Ives

Justin IvesLead Trainer

Justin is one of our trainers. Growing up right here in Cicero, dogs have always been a huge part of his life. Justin came to Sit Means Sit initially as a client. He is a proud owner of a high energy Weimaraner named Remi.

Remi was trained in basic obedience but Justin wanted more. He was looking for training that would allow quick results with off leash reliability. That’s when he came upon Sit Means Sit.

Quickly falling in love with the Sit Means Sit training process and the fast results Justin didn’t think twice when the opportunity arose to become a part of the Sit Means Sit Syracuse family.

Amanda McCallops

Amanda McCallopsTrainer

Amanda is one of our trainers.  From a small town in Kentucky to central New York, she’s grown up with a love for animals.  Amanda started out her adventure with Sit Means Sit as a client.  Working through dog reactivity with her German Shepherd, Apollo.

It was through the sit means sit training program that Amanda found a new passion for training dogs.  Not only was she able to see and encourage growth in her own dog, her relationship with Apollo was stronger for it.  It was obvious to her that she found something she loved doing.  After several years working for her local public library, she made the decision to pursue a career with Sit Means Sit.  She loves every moment of helping owners gain the same kind of experience with their dogs.

Matt CervinoTrainer

Matt is one of our trainers. Born in Syracuse he has spent his entire life in the area. He grew up with dogs in the family. As an
adult, Matt along with his wife and daughter, have raised Zeus, a Newfoundland and Dixie, a Jack Russell Terrier.

Currently, Matt has Copper, a high energy Vizsla/Labrador mix that is a loved member of the family.  As a client of Sit Means Sit, Matt is proud that Copper was the first dog to pass the Advance Obedience Test when he was only 18 months old.  Matt was so pleased with the quick results of the Sit Means Sit training program that he decided to become a trainer himself and loves it. His daughter is now working Copper in agility and having a great time.

     In his off time, Matt enjoys spending time with his family and Copper hiking camping and fishing.
Jordan

Jordan ParksTrainer

Jordan is one of our trainers.  Growing up right here in Cicero, she’s grown up with a love of all animals. She has had dogs all her life, along with horses. Currently she owns a German shepherd, Salem.

Jordan joined our team because she wants dogs to have the best possible quality of life and enjoys giving the owners knowledge to help the challenging dogs that most people wouldn’t give the chance.

Brittany ShatrawTrainer

Brittany is one of our trainers.  Raised in a small town south of Syracuse, she found herself having a strong love for all animals from a young age.  Growing up, dogs have always been a part of the family.

It was when she trained the family companions that she discovered her passion for dog training.

Brittany pursued a career as a licensed veterinary technician.  She specialized in equine; however, as the years have gone by her passion still remained with canine training.  Brittany jumped on the opportunity to join the Sit Means Sit team, so she could turn her passion into a career.  She’s devoted to helping better the lives of both the owner and their companion.

Rachel

RachelTrainer

Rachel is one of our trainers.  Raised in a small town outside of Syracuse, dogs have always been a huge part of her life.

She has been in the animal care field for over 10 years with experience in veterinary offices, shelters, and dog daycare.

Rachel joined the Sit Means Sit team to turn that passion for dogs into a career and to help owners strengthen their bonds with their canine companions.  She strives to help owners find as much joy in training their dogs as she does!

Cameron

CameronTrainer

Cam is one of our trainers. He grew up right here in Cicero. No matter how big or small, Cam has always been fascinated by animals. He always had family pets; dogs, cats, and even a tortoise!

He would always watch dog training shows on tv and would try to train his family dog Rudie; So when he saw an opportunity to join Sit Means Sit, he didn’t look back! He quickly saw how fast and reliable the training system worked, and applied it to training Rudie. Now Cam and Rudie go on off leash hikes all over New York State!

As a trainer, Cameron enjoys being able to educate families on how to work with their dog. He loves being able to give every client fast and reliable results!

Service Areas

We proudly serve the following areas in Syracuse.

Cities

We proudly serve Syracuse and the surrounding Central New York Area.

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

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Dog Training Videos

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

Does your dog pull you down

Welcome to our day train program

Theo joins the fire hydrant club!

Excited barking getting under control

5 Star Reviews

We love customers and their dogs. They love us.

Grace Michel.

Absolutely amazing worth every penny! We have two large high energy dogs Benny &Nela who love to jump, pull on leash, Harass house guests and love to get in trouble! Just finished our second day and our dogs are angels. I have seen such confidence in them and they enjoy going to “school”! If you…

Cheryl C.

I believe you guys have helped me with Honey so much, I can’t praise you enough. Without Sit Means Sit, I’m not sure what I would have done!

Michele W.

I wanted my Pugs to be able to walk loose leash, stay in distracting situations, and come to me when called. We had tried various other training methods and were especially concerned with our dog who would chase cars. With SMS, those goals were mastered with in a couple months. The Pugs have since passed…

Bridget H.

I was at the end of my rope with our dog Rufus. I told my husband to get rid of him of course he said no let’s try some training. I agreed to try training however it was against my better judgement. Rufus would eat our furniture he put holds in not one but two…