Best Dog Training In The Triangle!

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The Triangle's Dog Training Experts

Home of Ripken the Bat Dog

Sit Means Sit Apex is the Home of Ripken, Official Bat Dog for the MiLB Durham Bulls  and Official Kicking Tee Retriever for N.C. State Football!

Click Here To Learn More About Ripken!  

 

 

 

Award Winning Training

WRAL Voter’s Choice Winner “Best Pet Training Service”:

2017, 2018,  2019, 2020, 2021, 2022, 2023

WRAL Voter’s Choice Winner “Best Social Media Influencer”:

Ripken the Bat Dog – 2023

Indy Week Best of the Triangle – Wake County Winner “Best Dog Training”: 2023

Cary Magazine “Movers and Shakers”: 2019

WRAL Voter's Choice Award Winner of Best Dog Training Service

Indy Week Winner Best Dog Training

 

“Tell me more!”

Sit Means Sit Apex are your local experts for basic obedience, off-leash control, anxiety, and focus. No matter the age, the breed, or the problem we are here to help! Training your dog or puppy can be a challenge, and we are here to help.

With Sit Means Sit Apex, you have a dog trainer in your corner for life! Our professional dog trainers are all caring, compassionate and experienced individuals with a true love of dogs and helping owners and pets enjoy life to the fullest. Whether you have a new puppy in need of training, or want to learn more about how your dog can better cope with aggression or anxiety, Sit Means Sit Apex can help. We offer group training classes, video training, private dog training, as well as extended board and train programs. We are also experts in trick training, as well as therapy and service dog training in the Raleigh area.

Sit Means Sit Apex is the leader for dog training in Raleigh and Durham NC. We help with board and train, obedience classes, and off-leash dog training among other services. We serve clients in the Triangle from towns like Apex, Holly Springs, Cary, Morrisville, Fuquay Varina, Raleigh and beyond.

For the best in dog training services in the Triangle choose Sit Means Sit Apex and schedule a meeting today!

 

What Our Clients Are Saying

“I can’t say enough good things about everyone at Sit Means Sit! From the office staff to the trainers and the owner, everyone treats your dog and you like their own. We did the day train program with our 9 month old plott hound/boxer mix. The trainers gave us so much insight into our puppy and her behaviors as well as our own. There was a lot of information given at each session at the end of the day, but now that we’ve had a couple of months to sit on it and work through the foundations they provided we are doing so well. Sit Means Sit trained both my husband and I to be partners with our puppy, and we are so grateful. We can’t wait to go back for more classes! The program is well worth the money as we all have a little peace of mind back and our happy girl is happy and safe. That is priceless.”

-Lisa

“We are so pleased with Sit Means Sit. Our sweet 6 month old puppy really excelled with his training thanks to Kate and all of the amazing trainers who worked with him. He not only learned better manners, he is enjoying the extra freedom he has earned by being a better listener. His focus when given a command is night and day from before training and after. We cannot wait to see how he continues to gain confidence and continue to grow as we continue training with him. Thank you Sit Means Sit Apex! We appreciate you!!”

-Ashley

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About Sit Means Sit Dog Training

Dog Training Programs

Any Dog Any Age Any Problem

AKC “Canine Good Citizen” Testing

American Kennel Club Evaluator

If you are a dog owner in Raleigh, you might be wondering how to properly train your pooch and make sure that you can take them all around the Triangle to enjoy the good life here. One way to do that is to train with a professional dog trainer like us! If you want to make it even more official, you can receive your AKC Good citizen certificate in basic obedience. Your dog will be tested on several obedience skills such as loose leash walking, greeting others, and no jumping. This certificate is great to have if living in an apartment complex or if your neighborhood has an HOA. Serving pet owners in the Raleigh, Cary, and Apex region.

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NO BITE HISTORY

NO DOG AGGRESSION

Testing will be held at the Sit Means Sit Apex Training Facility on the first Thursday of every month. Please call to reserve your spot as space is limited.

** Please note, starting 4/1/2020 we will only allow two dogs per class due to COVID-19

 

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K-9 Caring Angels Therapy Dog Certifications

Therapy Dog Classes

 

K-9 Caring Angels have made it our focus to become the best of the best when it comes to serving the Raleigh-Durham-Apex community. We specialize in bringing companionship and joy to local communities and were originally created to focus more on local opportunities such as assisted living, children’s programs, hospitals, and much more.

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K-9 Caring Angels Mission Statement

K-9 Caring Angels is a registered 501(c) (3) non-profit organization whose mission is to provide service, therapy, and comfort to the community through our well trained and rigorously tested Service, Therapy, and Comfort Canines. Our organization includes dedicated Therapy Teams, Trainers, Fosters, and Volunteers who are integral in taking a canine with great potential and molding that potential into a happy, focused and obedient dog, ready to serve groups and individuals within the community. Once their potential is realized, our canines are ready to serve in a broad spectrum of roles with children, senior citizens, victims, soldiers, those with special needs, or anywhere else we are called to serve.

 

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AKC “Trick Dog” Evaluations

American Kennel Club Evaluators

Is your dog AKC “Canine Good Citizen” certified? Looking to have some fun with your dog and learn some impressive tricks? Why not try to earn an AKC Trick Dog Title?! Teaching your dog tricks is a great way to build trust, improve behavior and have a little fun!

There are five AKC Trick Titles you and your dog can earn:

  • AKC Novice Trick Dog (TKN)- Your dog performs 10 skills from the Novice list. (see link to “Application” below for lists of skills). If a dog has a Canine Good Citizen (CGC) certificate or title on record at AKC, it can do 5 Novice tricks (CGC + 5) to earn the Novice title. See the list of tricks here.
  • AKC Intermediate Trick Dog (TKI) – Your dog must have the Novice title, plus perform 10 Intermediate tricks. See the list of tricks here.
  • AKC Advanced Trick Dog (TKA) – Your dog must have the Intermediate title, plus perform 10 tricks from the Advanced list. See the list of tricks here.
  • AKC Trick Dog Performer (TKP) – In this title, handlers perform a short routine with at least 10 tricks with at least 3 tricks using props. See the requirements here.
  • AKC Trick Dog Elite Performer (TKE) – In the highest level of Trick Dog, the Elite Performers perform a routine that has a story/script. At least 5 props are used. See the requirements here.

The three week AKC Trick Dog program is held monthly at the Sit Means Sit Apex Training Facility with Titles awarded at the completion of each program. Sit Means Sit Apex serves dog owners all over the Raleigh-Durham region and provides a wide variety of professional dog training services.

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Puppy Training in Durham

Puppy Group Classes

Congratulations on your new bundle of puppy fur! Before those moments of joy and excitement turn into frustration and anxiety, enroll your pup into our Puppy Group Class program, and get them started on the right paw!

Our Puppy Group Class program is held at our Apex Training Facility at 6:00 pm the first three Thursdays of each month and focusses on the following skills…

  • Come
  • Sit
  • Place
  • Recall
  • Loose Leash Walking
  • Down
  • Doorway Manners
  • Crate Training
  • Boundaries
  • Socialization
  • How to have a happy Vet visit

Puppy classes are open to puppies ages 8 weeks to 5 months and proof of vaccinations must be provided. Sit Means Sit Apex serves dog owners all around the Raleigh-Durham region from our base in Apex, NC. If you are looking for more puppy training resources check out our blog here.

 

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Dog Training Advice

3 Video Coaching Sessions

If you’re a DIYer looking for some quick obedience tips, we’ve got you covered! In our 3 video lessons (on your choice of several video chat apps), we will discuss the problems that you’re having with your dog and teach you some helpful techniques to train them at home!

Whether your pup is motivated by treats, affection, or their favorite toy, we will determine the approach that is best suited for you and your dog and what you’ll need to do to be successful. We will be there, just one video call away, to coach you through any issues you may be having.

Training:

  • 3 Video Chat Lessons (via WhatsApp, FaceTime, Skype, Google Duo or Facebook Messenger)
  • Treat based training

Skills:

  • Simple Basic Obedience skills determined by Owner & Trainer
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Bull Dog resting in Grass

Private Lessons

Homeschooling for your dog! If you are looking to control some unwanted behaviors, in addition to teaching your dog basic obedience, and you’re not afraid to put in some work, this program is for you!

After our initial consultation, Sit Means Sit Trainers will develop a personally tailored training plan to fit the needs, goals, and lifestyle of both you and your dog with specific motivation strategies around your dog’s individual temperament.

Lessons can be held through video chat, outside at your home, or one-on-one at our training facility in Apex, N.C.

Training:

  • 3 One-Hour Private Lessons
  • SMS Remote Training Collar
  • 15’ Training Leash
  • SMS Place Board

Skills:

  • Basic Commands
  • Address Unwanted Behaviors
  • Personal Support & Consultation via Phone, Email, or Text

If you are looking for private dog training lessons, we can help! We are the Triangle’s best dog training service and have years of experience. Learn more by contacting us today.

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Dog Training in Apex

Day Train

Can’t make up your mind between Private dog training Lessons and a Board & Train? Our Day Train program is a nice mix of both, perfect for dogs in need of basic obedience but may need a little bit of a jump start from a professional dog trainer in Raleigh, Apex, and surrounding areas.

On Tuesdays and Thursdays for two weeks in a row, you will drop your pup off at our Apex training facility for a full day of training. Then at pick up, you will get a one-hour lesson with one of our certified trainers to learn everything your pup has been working on that day!

Training:

  • 4 full days of training at our Apex training facility
  • 4 One-Hour Lessons
  • SMS Remote Training Collar
  • 15′ Training Leash

Skills: 

  • Basic Commands
  • Address Unwanted Behaviors
  • Personal Support & Consultation via Phone, Email, or Text

Looking for help with training your dog in the Raleigh, Durham, Cary or Apex area? We can help. Our professional dog trainers are experts in helping get the best behavior from your dog, learn more by contacting us today.

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Puppy Training in Raleigh

5 Day “Puppy Leadership” Board & Train

Many people call it “Basic Obedience”, however, we understand that training your new puppy can often be anything but “basic”! If your puppy is at least 16 weeks old, our 5 Day “Puppy Leadership” program will help you tremendously as we lay in the puppy training fundamentals and then teach you how to follow through with what your pup has learned!

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Training:

  • 5 Full Days Of Training
  • 2 Private Lessons
  • SMS Training Collar
  • LIFETIME Of Weekly Group Training Classes

Skills:

  • Introduction to leash walking
  • Crate Training
  • Socialization
  • Come
  • Sit
  • Place
  • House Boundaries
  • Focus around minor distraction

Interested in learning more about our Raleigh/Durham puppy training services? Visit our contact page to contact us today.

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15 day board and dog train.

10 Day Board & Train

Depending on the level of control you are looking for and the severity of your dog’s issues, our certified Trainer may recommend our 10 Day Board & Train program for you and your pup.

The 10 Day Board & Train program is the shortest duration Board & Train we offer for mature dogs. Your dog will stay in the comfort of our partner boarding facility and make the short trip over to our training facility each day to be worked around distractions, as well as other dogs, in a safe, controlled environment.

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Training:

  • 9 Night Stay With Our 5-Star Boarding Partner
  • 3 Private Lessons
  • Weekly Progress Reports
  • SMS Training Collar
  • LIFETIME Of  Weekly Group Training Classes

Skills:

  • Come
  • Sit
  • Place
  • Boundaries
  • Focus within a controlled environment
  • No Jumping
  • Greeting
  • Doorway Manners
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Dog holding leash

15 Day Board and Train

If your dog is easily distracted (SQUIRREL!!!!) and/or has some anxiety/aggression issues that require a little more attention, the 15 day Board & Train is a great fit.

15 days will give us the time that we need to lay in the basic foundation work, and then build up your dog’s focus to avoid distractions and obey your commands.

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Training:

  • 14 Night Stay With Our 5-Star Boarding Partner
  • 3 Private Lessons
  • SMS Training Collar
  • Weekly Progress Reports
  • LIFETIME Of Weekly Group Training Classes

Skills:

  • 10 Day Board & Train Program Skills

Additional Skills:

  • Come around Distractions
  • Place around Distractions
  • Sit at a Distance
  • Loose Leash Walking
  • Some Aggression Issues*
  • Some Anxiety Issues*
  • Some Off Leash Skills*

*Success dependent on severity and skills of handler

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Dog Playing Frisbee in field

21 Day Board and Train

If you are looking for the ULTIMATE dog, a dog that you can be proud to introduce to family, friends, and neighbors, this is it!

The 21 Day Program will make average dogs top-notch and will give you the control that you need for dogs with severe aggression/anxiety issues. Our dog training programs serving the greater Raleigh area are what you need to help your pooch behave properly.

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Training:

  • 20 Night Stay With Our 5-Star Boarding Partner
  • 3 Private Lessons
  • SMS Training Collar
  • Weekly Progress Reports
  • Phone, Text, Email Support for the life of your dog
  • LIFETIME Of Weekly Group Training Classes

Skills:

  • All 10 Day Board & Train Program Skills

Additional Skills:

  • Come around Distractions
  • Place around Distractions
  • Sit at a Distance
  • Loose Leash Walking
  • Any Aggression Issues*
  • Any Anxiety Issues*
  • Off-Leash Skills*

Bonus:

  • Real World Distraction Training

*Success dependent on severity and skills of handler

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Dog training on course in Raleigh

Doggie Daycare Refresher Training

**FOR EXISTING CLIENTS ONLY**

If your dog needs to brush up on their Sit Means Sit training, or you just need to get them out of the house for the day for some structured exercise, we are now offering Doggie Daycare Refresher Training Monday through Friday 9:00am-5:00pm!

This is not an open playroom environment. Your dog will be worked inside and outside one-on-one with our trainers with breaks in between sessions. This program is for existing clients only. All dogs must be up to date on their vaccinations with proof of vaccination sent prior to drop off.

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Trainers & Staff

Professional trainers. Attentive friendly staff.

Durham Bulls Bat Dog

Michael O’DonnellGeneral Manager

Dog training was a natural fit for Michael who grew up training his family dogs from a very young age. Even while Michael attended Radford University in Virginia where he played baseball and majored in Psychology, he continued to train dogs of his own. Now, instead of just teaching his dogs to fetch and play in the yard off leash, he was also teaching them to knock red solo cups out of the hands of uninvited party guests!

Michael graduated from college and relocated to North Carolina where he began coaching local baseball teams at both the college and high school levels while working a career in Sales. Michael, searching for a little more fulfillment, met Colby & Andrea Self, owners of Sit Means Sit- Raleigh, during their second year in business and began working for them as a part time dog trainer during his nights and weekends. Michael worked part time for Sit Means Sit- Raleigh for 3 years, loving every second of it, before deciding to officially leave his career in Sales to focus on dog training full time and open his own Sit Means Sit Dog Training franchise.

In 2015, Michael spent a full month in Las Vegas fully immersing himself at the Sit Means Sit Dog Training school under the direction of Fred Hassen, the company’s founder and renowned Dog Trainer, bringing those skills back to Raleigh to officially open Sit Means Sit Apex. With Michael’s well-rounded background in psychology, coaching, sales, and most importantly, dog training, he is able to utilize his patience and natural teaching ability to not only help dogs in the greater Raleigh area, but he is able to help their owners as well.

In recent years, Michael has been certified as a Canine Caring Angels Therapy Dog Trainer and an official AKC Evaluator. Additionally, in 2019, Cary Magazine named Michael as one of their “Movers and Shakers” which recognizes local business owners under the age of 40 who have made incredible achievements in the community! You may have seen Michael and his dog Ripken at the Durham Bulls and Holly Springs Salamanders baseball games where Ripken is their official Bat Dog and and at N.C. State football games where Ripken is their official kicking tee retriever as well! So, if you’re looking for a local Dog Trainer you can trust, and one who will patiently coach both you and your dog, look no further than Michael and his incredible team of trainers at Sit Means Sit Apex!

 

 

Melissa and Bruschi

Melissa O’DonnellDirector of Marketing

Melissa, with North Carolina roots, always dreamed of moving back to North Carolina after her family relocated to Rhode Island as a child. After attending the University of Rhode Island and having the amazing opportunity to work in Marketing for the New England Patriots, Melissa decided that she needed some sunshine and warm weather in her life and followed her family back down south.

North Carolina is where Melissa and Michael met and eventually got married in 2014. With Melissa’s most recent experience working as an Account Executive for a local television station, even developing a “Responsible Dog Ownership” PSA campaign in partnership with the American Kennel Club/AKC Reunite, she and Michael knew that their combined experience and huge love for dogs could be a great combination for Sit Means Sit Dog Training and officially opened their business in 2016.

Melissa and Michael, along with their 2 children and 3 dogs, reside in Raleigh and enjoy spending as much time with their extended family as they can.

Dog Trainer

JenTraining Manager

Jennifer’s love and respect for animals began at an early age on her grandparents farm, where she spent most of her childhood. Jennifer would try to train the animals at the farm, as well as at her friend’s homes. As she got older, Jennifer was unable to find fulfillment working retail jobs which eventually led her to pursue dog training.

In 2015, Jennifer completed her dog training certification and began volunteering to help train dogs at the local SPCA. Her love for animals also pushed her towards obtaining certifications in pet CPR, dog grooming, and training shelter dogs. Jennifer’s goal with dog training is to help strengthen the bond between pets and their owners. Jennifer enjoys spending her free time outdoors, going to the beach, and making crafts. She and her husband Alex have been married since 2013. In 2014, they rescued their pit mix Zeus.

SebastianTraining Consultant - Trainer

Hi, my name is Sebastian. Ever since I was young, I’ve always loved working with dogs. However, I truly found my passion when I got my 3 pitties within 2 and a half months. I knew by having a breed that’s looked down upon they had to be well trained. I dove deep into training, as well as dog behavior and mindset, and when I was offered an opportunity to work at Sit Means Sit in 2021, I jumped on it and haven’t looked back since.
I now work at Sit Means Sit training both dogs and their owners, but I also meet with dog owners to help them determine the training programs that would work best for their family. I look forward to meeting you!

KateTrainer

Kate is dedicated and has a strong passion for working with animals, especially dogs! She has a dog herself, Sam, that she trains in her spare time and previously worked as a kennel tech as well as serving as a volunteer at the Raleigh SPCA regularly.

When Kate saw the opportunity to work with Sit Means Sit she jumped on it! Kate has learned so much since she started at Sit Means Sit and truly loves working with the team. She can’t wait to work with your pups and is excited to see them grow!

RebekahTrainer

Rebekah’s love and passion for animals started at a young age. She has always loved dogs and loved to read books about them as a child and would even try to teach her childhood golden retriever Tanner cool tricks. In March of 2022, Rebekah was looking for help with her boxer puppy Luke. She turned to Sit Means Sit and quickly discovered her passion for dog training.

When offered a position as a dog trainer with the team at Sit Means Sit, she happily accepted and knew she’d found what she was meant to do. When she is not working, you can usually find her at the lake with her dogs or training at various parks and public places. She cannot wait to work with you and your pup!

JosephTrainer

Growing up surrounded by family pets cultivated a strong connection to animals for Joe. He has two dogs, Oak and Ash who he loves to walk, cuddle, and train when not working or climbing at the local rock gym. When the chance to work at Sit Means Sit became available he saw it as an opportunity to strengthen his dedication to all dogs. His love for Sit Means Sit continues to grow every day. Joe can’t wait to meet your dogs and help them become their best selves!
Meghan Mini

MeghanOffice Manager

Meghan’s love for all animals began at a young age. Ironically, she was the family dog trainer growing up (we’ll get to that in a minute..), starting with their Australian Shepard/Border Collie Mix, Callie, whom she taught everything from sit to agility. A few years ago while attending The University of North Carolina at Wilmington, Meghan rescued a Pointer who gave her a run for her money; Enters Michael and Sit Means Sit! Griffin enjoyed a month long stay and Meghan finally admitted that Michael O’Donnell, her brother, was the better trainer in the family!

Meghan has always had a love for animals of all kinds and after working her way through the Corporate world, she decided it was the right time to join her brother’s quickly growing business as Office Manager. Meghan is excited about her future with Sit Means Sit. With the passion she has for the industry and working alongside her family, the sky’s the limit!

Service Areas

We proudly serve the following areas in The Triangle's.

Counties

  • Wake 
  • Durham
  • Chatham
  • Harnett
  • Johnston
  • Lee

Cities

  • Raleigh
  • Apex
  • Cary
  • Holly Springs
  • Fuquay-Varina
  • Clayton
  • Garner
  • Durham
  • Chapel Hill
  • Sanford
  • Southern Pines
  • Fayetteville
  • Charlotte

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.

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Dog Training Videos

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

N.C. State Football Official Kicking Tee Retriever “Ripken”!

   

Spectrum News Story – Ripken & The Durham Bulls 2022

Ripken The Bat Dog’s Owner – Michael O’Donnell – On WRAL News

Ripken on The Kelly Clarkson Show!

5 Star Reviews

We love customers and their dogs. They love us.

Sandra E.

Michael worked with us to calm my pit bull mix and her aggressive tendencies. At the end of 3 lessons she has gone from having to be muzzled to ignoring distractions! I cannot recommend sit means sit highly enough. Michael had so much patience (and courage) to work with us. Thanks so much!

Sarah G.

We are so eternally grateful for Michael and Sit Means Sit! We adopted Bentley at about a year and a half old. We were his third family, and he had anxiety and confidence issues from being bounced around and crated for extended periods of time. After going through another training program and trying to help…

Ashley S.

My boyfriend and I are college students, and finding the time and money to get a trainer is extremely difficult. They immediately responded and we arranged for a demo/evaluation within the week. Michael came out, was wonderful with our puppy, and talked us through a couple different plans. None of the options fit what our…

Scott D.

We just finished our 3 Private lessons with our rescue border collie mix Zoey. She is doing great and is gaining confidence each day. We worked with Annie and the staff at SMS are fantastic. I would highly recommend to anyone who is looking for a trainer in the Raleigh area. They give you all…