Best Dog Trainers in Irvine, CA

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Dog Training
Experts In Irvine

Sit Means Sit has a team of certified trainers providing pet training for all dogs in the surrounding areas of Orange County, California.

Every certified dog trainer working at Sit Means Sit is dedicated to providing more than just advanced obedience training programs. We are about cultivating relationships between pets and their owners that will last an entire lifetime. Our sessions are always fun, beneficial, and engaging.

Our Better, Faster, Smarter training system always accomplishes goals quickly and efficiently. This training won’t go away as soon as you and your pup are home. In fact, the behaviors instilled – when properly maintained – will last a lifetime. The relationship between you and your dog will be better than you ever could have imagined. Contact us today for a free consultation!

AKC Canine Good citizen Logo

We are a certified Canine Good Citizen® (CGC) test evaluator.

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Sharpei

Dog Training Classes

Any Dog Any Age Any Problem

Puppy Management

Puppy Management

Our puppy training is meant for training dogs who are 8-20 weeks old and it comes free with every package. We know that puppy parents have a lot of questions and concerns, which is why we offer training that will not only answer your questions but we use positive reinforcement to build lasting behaviors in your furry friend.

By the end of these sessions, you will understand the importance and management of your dog’s training, and you will know fundamental methods for using food, leashes, praise, and toys to improve your relationship with your new canine companion.

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Obedience Training

Obedience Training

Obedience is about off-leash training, such as correcting aggression, separation anxiety, or a lack of recall. By the end of this training, you can expect to meet with a happy, obedient dog who doesn’t require a leash, even in the presence of severe distractions. Ultimately, an obedient dog is a much happier, healthier dog than one who is allowed to do whatever they want.

Your dog will learn the following commands and skills: Come, sit, place, down, waiting at doors and crosswalks, potty training, car manners, leash training, off-leash walking, boundaries, and more. You can expect the following behaviors to be corrected: Jumping, play biting, chewing, digging, excessive barking/other vocalizations, and more.

We offer free consultations, so call today and begin the journey toward a better life!

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Private Lessons

Private Lessons Program

Private lessons are very customizable and are for dog owners who want to be very hands-on with their dog’s training. Our trainers work one-on-one with you and your pet in the place of your choosing at whatever time works best for you. These lessons are a great way to achieve obedience without having to do it on someone else’s schedule.

If you want to learn from one of our certified trainers how to maintain good behaviors, contact us today to schedule a free consultation.

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Board and Train

Board and Train Program

The Board and Train Program is our most efficient program by far. Your dog stays with us at our top-of-the-line training facility and receives, not only premier boarding services that keep your dog happy and healthy, but training that will improve their quality of life.

  • The understanding our trainers have of the Sit Means Sit training system makes progress with your very fast and very effective.
  • We’ll show you what your dog has learned and what you need to do to keep your dog’s obedience at tip-top shape.
  • We do the heavy lifting! At the end of your dog’s stay with us, we bring your dog home to you and provide you with private lessons.
  • We continue private training with you until you and your dog have reached a level of proficiency required to enter the stage of our Group Training Program.

During your Free Consultation, we’ll work with you to determine the best length of stay for you and your dog’s needs.

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Group Training

Group Training Program

Group training is real-world experience that is safe, controlled, and monitored by a professional. Once your dog has completed one of our training programs such as the Board and Train program or Private Lessons, you will both have access to group classes, which happen once a month. Your pup will be exposed to a variety of distractions, including other dogs and unfamiliar people, which will prepare them for having good behavior, regardless of what’s going on around them.

On top of being very beneficial, group classes provide community and ongoing support. If you feel like you’re missing something in terms of training, or you just want to connect with other dog owners, get in touch about our Group Class program.

You And Your Dog Will Be Presented With The Opportunity To:

  • Socialize with other dogs and people in the manner of a ”Good Citizen”
  • Meet and socialize with other dog owners
  • Learn drills that help clients increase their dog’s level of attention and performance, build confidence, reform aggressive dogs
  • Have trainers point out common failing points while offering tips for success
  • Learn the skills that could enable clients to prepare for the Canine Good Citizen test and move into therapy work

Want more information? Contact Us Today For Your Free Consultation!

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Dog Trainers & Staff

Professional trainers. Attentive friendly staff.

Cindy Hunt
Cindy HuntOwner/Trainer

Cindy has been working with dogs for over 20 years and is dedicated to helping you achieve your goals with your dog. Cindy has achieved AKC Champion Titles on 9 dogs and qualified for the AKC National Eukanuba Invitational two years in a row. She enjoys many dog sports including DockDogs, AKC Conformation and most recently Mondioring. She has achieved multiple level 3 titles in Mondioring and won 4 place cat.1 at the 2023 FMBB World Championship in Romania.

 

Clay Hunt
Clay HuntOwner/Trainer

Clay joined Cindy in training at Sit Means Sit in 2009. Having watched Cindy perform miracle after miracle transforming the lives of people and their dogs, it was an easy decision. Clay especially enjoys working with the troubled dogs.

There is no greater feeling than changing lives for the better. The satisfaction that comes from seeing an aggressive or fearful dog becoming an upstanding confident member of society is difficult to describe.

His own dog, Watson, is a rescue that had behavioral problems – you’d never know it now! Clay loves living, training and working with his dogs, Watson and Scooby – they’re great partners in the training other people’s dogs.

Michael
MichaelHead Trainer

Michael grew up in Minnesota and moved to California in 2008.  He has a Marketing Degree from California State University, San Marcos.  After a few years in the marketing field, he decided that it just wasn’t for him.  Michael got his first dog, Tyson, in 2018 and happily fell into dog training thereafter.  Tyson is a Pitbull x German Shepherd mix.  When Michael is not training dogs, he likes to spend his time at the beach, camping, skateboarding, playing golf or exploring California.

Chris Tran
Chris TranTrainer

Chris grew up in Texas and eventually moved to California in 1987.  He is well-traveled, living in Asia for 4 years and another 3 years in Central America.  Chris has owned several businesses, including textile and photo booth, but decided he needed a change. 

He grew up with dogs and knew he wanted to work with them and once he discovered dog training, he was hooked.  His passion was evident from the start and in 2 short years, Chris became Sit Means Sit Orange County’s manager and lead trainer.  He has 3 amazing Boston Terriers, who he also considers his business partners, Harrington, Joseph and Maisie Williams.

Bryden
BrydenTrainer

Bryden was born in Canada and spent his early childhood years there.  His family decided to acquire a second foundry which led them to Vermont, where he would live until completing high school.  It was here he would fall in love with soccer, motorcycles and snowboarding. 

He would return to Canada to pursue a business degree before moving on to taking over operations of his family’s metal casting company.  He ran this for fourteen years before making the decision to move west in search of greater adventure in his life.  Always having a dog, naturally becoming a trainer was inevitable.  Currently, he has several amazing dogs including Rollo, a chocolate lab and Scooby, a black field lab.

Bryan
BryanTrainer

Bryan was born and raised in Orange County California.  He realized he had a passion for training canines, while attempting to train his own pet, Scratch.  He started his career as a professional trainer with Sit Means Sit in June of 2019.  Determined to succeed, he’s eager and passionate to learn which carries through to today.  His true passion is helping people better communicate with their dogs.

Scratch is a 4 year old 85lb Alaskan Malamute rescue.  His hobbies include playing football and pulling Bryan on a skateboard.

Service Areas

We proudly serve the following areas in Irvine.

Cities

Zip Codes

  • 92625
  • 92629
  • 92651
  • 92656
  • 92657
  • 92660
  • 92661
  • 92662
  • 92602
  • 92603
  • 92604
  • 92606
  • 92612
  • 92614
  • 92618
  • 92620

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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!

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SMS Dog Training Overview

We Train ANY Dog in California!

Before and After Dog Training with Sit Means Sit Coastal

Dog Owners Reviews

We love customers and their dogs. They love us.

Nikki E.

Sit Means Sit’s training program has seriously been one of the best investments I have ever made. I picked my dog, Biggie, up last week and the changes in her behavior and previous aggression have been unbelievable! She’s a better listener, less territorial, and just an all around better behaved and happier dog! My dog…

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!