Here at Sit Means Sit – Apex we very much value the feedback and success of all of our dog training and boarding clients. We focus on providing excellent service and a variety of resources – such as our dog training blog – so if you are looking for puppy training, dog training or boarding and related services in the Raleigh, Cary, Apex or Durham areas we can help!
“We cannot say enough good things about Ben, Michael, and Sit Means Sit!! This wonderful group of people really know what they’re doing. Ben was our trainer with a high-energy Pitbull/Whippet mix and he worked wonders even in the short time we’ve known him. The collar really helped the training progress faster than we ever imagined, and has really helped with our puppy’s obedience! You cannot go wrong with taking your dog here, they really teach you as an owner as well”
-Dana Lynn R. 4/10/17
“Ben trained our aggressive German Shepherd Fred. Fred was extremely dog reactive and leash reactive, making it impossible to take him on walks. The vet recommended putting him down but Ben turned this dog around almost instantly. After Ben’s training we are able to take Fred out whenever. He doesn’t try to attack every dog that comes his way anymore. We are so happy, and more importantly, Fred is so much happier!! THANK YOU!”
-Katy S. 4/9/17
“The trainers are always so nice, had the pleasure of Ben working my dog. Great guy and very helpful.”
-Dylan R. 4/1/17
“Sit Means Sit Southern Raleigh saved me from re-homing my dog Charlotte. I got Charlotte at 6 weeks old and took her to puppy lessons through a pet store. I also did 6 one on one lessons with them and while she would do somethings, I couldn’t hold her attention and could barely control her as she grew. I did the 10 day board and train, and the results have been wonderful. She has a long way to go but instead of a dog I was frustrated with and ready to re-home, I have a dog who’s confidence is growing every day. She is happier, more affectionate and calmer with each day. Thank you to Michael and the other trainers!”
-Melissa P. 4/2017
“Our dog just completed the amazing 3 week Day Training at Sit Means Sit Southern Raleigh. We could not be happier with the staff, facilities and the amount of progress our dog made starting on the very 1st day of training! The staff was accessible day and night for the questions that we had. They got back to us very quickly and had easy to implement solutions to the challenges that we were facing. It was really US that needed the training! We are very much looking forward to expanding our dog’s training (and ours) with the weekly classes. THANK YOU Sit Means Sit Southern Raleigh! Our dog is relaxed, confident and free to just be a dog!”
-Kelly N. 3/2017
“These guys are top notch! They helped take our dog, Sydney who suffered from severe separation anxiety to a well-adjusted, playful, happy dog! People routinely stop us on the street asking who worked with her because she is so well-adjusted now. She even was able to transition off medication after only a few lessons with Michael! When it comes to training your dog, look nowhere else than Michael!”
-Alyssa H. 2/2017
“Gibbs was a one year old rescue who was not by any means a bad dog, but did not have manners and did not listen. Gibbs did the five day board and train, where he worked with Mike and the crew at Sit Means Sit. After taking what Mike taught and working with Gibbs myself, the transformation was unbelievable. In just a couple of months, he is incredibly well behaved, great with kids and other dogs, and I am able to have him off leash at any time. I would highly recommend and endorse Sit Means Sit.”
-Michael S. 1/30/17
“Our dog Jeff is a rescue. He came to us as a very nervous and anxious dog and did not like being on a leash. It was a struggle to get him back in the house after taking him out. He even pulled out of his harness and ran away twice. Since the training with Sit Means Sit, Jeff is a new dog. He walks on a leash and listens to commands. He has become more social and confident and does not retreat to his crate whenever a visitor enters the house. He is continuing to make progress every day. We can’t wait to see how much more he improves with the group classes. Thank you Michael and staff for all of your help with Jeff!”
-Tara G. 1/5/17
“Michael, I just wanted to let you know that Piper is going great! I was able to take her to my parents house and do several off leash walks around the neighborhood. My mom was able to take her on a walk through the woods off leash by herself! Thanks so much for everything you have done! Happy New Year!”
-Jennifer A. 1/2/17
“Looking for looking for off leash obedience, Sit Means Sit is the place to go!”
-Scott S. 1/2/17
“Deacon doing cool things (like holding an extended place on some random sculptures) in Richmond, Va thanks to Michael at Sit Means Sit!”
Cassie P. 12/30/16
“Day 2 home and Finn is placed, watching dogs walk by without any aggression!!!! 
👍🏼👍🏼 Huge improvements and couldn’t thank Michael enough for his work with Finn!! Playing in the yard is now fun & stress free!”
-Stevie K. 11/21/16
“Ben is fantastic! My pit-mix is dog reactive and lacked basic obedience. Positive reinforcement alone was not working, so Ben used the E-collar to help guide her during training. My pup responded incredibly well and within a week I could see a difference in her behavior. She seemed more confident in herself and her obedience improved over time. Ben is patient, kind and hardworking. He truly cares about my dog’s well being and wants to set her up for success. I cannot recommend him enough!! My fur-baby and I are both happy with the results.”
-Gwendolyn E. 11/21/16
“Michael was our Sit-Means-Sit trainer. We have a Sheepdog (which comes in at 114th in breed intelligence) and he did great with him. It took a lot of work on our part in following Michael’s training (he had to train us as much as the dog), but we now regularly walk off leash with our dog; and spite being only 11 months old we often get comments on how disciplined he is during our walks. Sit-Means-Sit has a great follow up training program with weekly group classes at no additional charge to help reinforce all you and your dog have learned together. The overall program works really well and were really happy that Michael was our trainer.”
Pamela S. 11/10/16
“I was having lots of behavior problems with my dog so my vet told me to call Michael. How glad I did. Michael has a way with dogs, he is not just a regular trainer he can read them. Within the first lesson he saw more into my dog then I did. He adds a personal touch to his training that is outstanding. I had been to another trainer but he could not get my dog to calm down when I was in the room but Michael had no problem. I give Michael the highest recommendation.”
-Pennie C. 11/2/16
“We are so thankful for Michael, Ashley, and the rest of the staff at Sit Means Sit! Our two year old yellow lab, Drake, was a sweet boy that just needed a little structure when he was around distractions. When he saw other dogs or people, his excitement was overwhelming. He would pull, bark, cry, etc. After Michael’s five day board and train program, plus a few in home lessons, Drake is a new man. The difference in behavior is remarkable! Family walks are now an enjoyable experience for all of us. The lifetime group classes are a nice perk, as well! Thank you, Michael!”
Jason, Erin & Drake M. 11/2/16
“We love Michael and Sit Means Sit! Harpsy’s prey drive and patrolling behavior had been escalating for several years with our 2 cats. After a particularly nasty (and expensive) incident, we had to resolve the issue once and for all. Our vet recommended Michael/SMS and we haven’t looked back! We boarded her for a week’s “boot camp” and it was a great decision. We have had no further incidents and the training works to set boundaries and keep her prey drive in check. We can even walk around other dogs on a leash without growling, barking, and pulling!”
-Christina C. 10/12/16
“Michael has done WONDERs with Cooper. Cooper is now a pleasure to be around walks awesome on the leash and comes when we call him. He is so much more calmer and we can actually answer the door without him trying to take off. I have to honestly admit that we didn’t think Cooper could be trained but he did it. My friends are astounded by the results. Cooper gave Michael a run for his money and would not listen, but Michael figured out a new way to get thru to him and it worked. Michael thinks outside of the box when it comes to dog training. I highly recommend Sit Means Sit in Southern Raleigh to everyone. If Cooper can be trained any dog can be trained.”
Nancy D. 7/29/16
“I can’t even put into words how great Michael was when he was training my Fitzy. Fitz was a rescue dog that is completely deaf, which was a 
challenge in itself. On top of him being deaf, he had extreme separation anxiety. He absolutely hated his cage to the point where he would escape in a matter of seconds, and wouldn’t care about the damage that he would do to himself. If we left him out of the cage, even for a little while, he did things like eat our entire couch, rip up our carpet to the point of no repair.
We sent Fitz to Michael & Sit Means Sit for a month long training (we missed him like crazy) but it was well, well worth it. Let me tell you, my husband was no believer, and didn’t think it would be worth the money, but boy was he wrong! Fitz came back an entirely different dog. Still to this day (over a year later) he doesn’t escape his cage, he doesn’t have as much separation anxiety and is just an all around happier dog. I will take the blame for any back steps he has taken, because we might not have followed the follow up training as well as we would have liked, but that is to no fault to Fitz, he still is just as well trained as before! Thank you so much to Sit Means Sit & Michael!!!!”
-Missy J. 7/18/16
“I can’t even explain the difference in my dog after the 21 day program. He had such anxiety around people and some food aggression. I couldn’t go 
near his food without him trying to bite me. Now with Michael’s help we can pet him while eating and even get him away from food with no problems! His entire demeanor has also become a lot calmer and you can see he is much happier! Thank you so much!!!”
-Beth A. 7/15/16
“We recently added a new rescue dog to our home. Our Bichon did not take well to the addition so we called Sit Means Sit in Fuquay-Varina. We were very impressed with Michael from the moment he came into our home. The dogs responded positively to his calm commands from the beginning. We chose the 15 day program and it was the best investment. Abby and Maggie are happy dogs, listen to our commands, play well with each other and our home is calm again. We highly recommend Michael. ”
–Cheryl K. 7/6/16
“Without Michael, my rescue would have had to find a new home for the fourth time in his life. Now he’s my best friend and the life of the party everywhere he goes! He helped me gain full control over my crazy pointer and I couldn’t be more thankful. There’s still progress to be made but Michael has helped us every step of the way.” Griffin “Place” Video
-Meghan O. 6/30/16
“MO! Or Michael O, is one of the most passionate and fun dog trainers I’ve ever had the pleasure of working with! He can and will definitely change your relationship with your pup! 10 stars if I could!”
-Bill S. 6/30/16
“Michael has excellent customer service and is a fabulous dog trainer! He will change your and your dog’s life!”
-Andrea S. 6/30/16
“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 him on our own, we were left with a very sweet dog who wouldn’t walk around the block, would bark and lunge at people and cars, pee in his crate and howl when left for …even an hour, and bark for hours on end at home. We were at our wits end – and I think he was too! We had 5 private sessions, and he improved leaps and bounds with every single one. The first week or so was hard – when he didn’t understand what the taps on his collar meant, he completely shut down. But with Michael’s help, he came around quickly – and improved almost immediately!! The barking was gone, and he was walking again within only a few weeks. I can’t even say how much more peaceful our home is, and how happy all three of us are. He still has all of his personality, and (almost) none of his previous troubles!
We’re also very thankful that we have the support of the weekly group classes as often as we need. Training is a lifelong task, so we make sure to practice on our own and go to those lessons when he needs a little reinforcement. He still has some food aggression, which we’re sending him to a Board and Review for soon. I’m sure he’ll come back to us in tip top shape! Thank you, Sit Means Sit!”
-Sarah G. 5/25/16
“My husband and I were foster parents for a Ernie, a great looking dog, only once he moved in, we realized he was severely anxious and reactive to strange men and other dogs when walking. Really – a dog could be 2 blocks away and Ernie would be going ballistic on the leash. It was a major unpleasant event just to take Ernie around the block. We worked with several trainers and made a little progress but it wasn’t enough. Things were out of control, it was scary to have people come to our house and our lives were being manipulated by Ernie’s needs. We went with the board and train program for 2 weeks. What a difference!! I walk Ernie on a leash through our neighborhoods very easily now with a loose leash – no problem. We can pass other dogs on the street and it’s no longer an issue to have people to our house. Ernie understands what is expected of him and we understand how to communicate those boundaries. We can’t say enough great things about Colby, Sit Means Sit and their staff! Thanks, Colby,Andrea, Marc, Micheal, & Melissa – our family is much less stressed because of your excellent program.”
-Toni S. 3/28/16
“Absolutely have made the difference!
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 price range or ideas of what we wanted. Michael then offered to do one-on-one at the facility, and lowered the price from private at-home training.
Best decision we have ever made. We attended three sessions, and were able to set up dates as we went depending on how our puppy was doing. Michael was constantly available to us, whether through text, email, or phone calls. Melissa was at the facility and would step in and help when our little monster was being stubborn, and offer a new idea. It was a fantastic experience.
We have since finished training, and attend group classes on occasion. However, we continue the training in hopes of getting his CGC certification through Sit Means Sit. And the other day, on a walk (off leash) a stranger complimented how well behaved our little monster was! He was placing and back placing on pipes throughout the park and working on his distance listening ability. It was an amazing feeling, and I cannot thank Michael and Melissa and the whole team at Sit Means Sit for this experience.”
-Ashley S. 3/28/16
(Source: Facebook: Sit Means Sit- Southern Raleigh. Facebook- Sit Means Sit- Raleigh)