Best Dog Training in Johns Island, SC

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 Sporting News
    

Dog Training Experts
In Johns Island, SC

At Sit Means Sit every professional dog trainer has the mission to connect dogs and owners in a way that builds trust and lasts a lifetime.

Every dog is unique in their needs. This is why we’ve done our best to create a list of programs that are able to be custom-fitted to your dog’s personality, breed, habits, behavioral history, age, and anything else that makes them who they are. We don’t turn away dogs at Sit Means Sit, because we know that every dog is able to become content and obedient, sometimes they just need a little help.

Dogs are their happiest selves when they have clear boundaries and communication. This is achieved through obedience training and trustworthy consistency. Our professional dog trainers would love to connect with you and your canine companion. Call today to schedule your free consultation and evaluation!

Get Started

About Sit Means Sit Dog Training

Dog Training Classes

Any Dog Any Age Any Problem

Board and Train

Click HERE to get started!

If you’re headed out of town for a wedding, vacation, business trip, or for any other reason, the Board and Train programs at Sit Means Sit are just what you need. This program is designed to work perfectly with your upcoming trip by combining the need for a boarder with the need for some efficient, professional training.

No preparation is needed for this program. Drop your dog off and enjoy the peace of mind that comes with knowing your dog is being loved and cared for with gentle, experienced hands.

When you return, there’s some homework to take home along with your dog. The homework will connect you with the training your dog went through and equip you to maintain and nourish their new behaviors until your follow-up session.

If you’re in need of boarding, don’t wait to sign up for this program!

Skills: 

  • Advanced Knowledge Of:
    • Come
    • Sit
    • Place
    • Heel
    • Wait
    • Quiet
    • Off
  • Management Of Unwanted Behaviors (including but not limited to):
    • House Breaking Issues
    • Aggression Control
    • Anxiety Management
    • Off Furniture
    • Car Manners
    • Destructive Chewing
    • Digging
    • Jumping
    • Play Biting
    • Nuisance Barking
    • Mounting
    • Excessive Licking
Contact Us

Puppy Training

Click HERE to get started!

Puppy classes are for any dog that’s already enrolled in one of our advanced training programs. You can also purchase a puppy package for a little bit of an easier approach! These classes are for dogs of a young age (8-16 weeks) who need to learn basic skills like potty training, social skills, and leash training.

The first 16 weeks of a dog’s life are what determine lifelong patterns. They’re constantly learning and developing habits. Bad habits and behaviors can be undone later in life, but it’s much harder than catching these things when your pup is still young. Additionally, building relationships with a dog who is more advanced in life can be more difficult for a number of reasons.

If you’re able, bring your dog in for puppy classes and give them the best shot at a fulfilled life. Call us today to reserve your spot.

Contact Us

Day Care Training

Click HERE to get started!

Day Care Training blends into a busy schedule or a work life with little to no adjustment, which is why it’s our most popular program.

For one, three, five, or eight weeks (depending on your preferences and needs), drop your dog off for six to eight hours of engaging training and mental stimulation. Because we have such a large chunk of time with your dog, you will see improvement happen rapidly and you won’t have to sacrifice your evenings at home. It’s a win on every side!

Your part in this training process is small, but you still get to stay involved. At the end of each session, there’s a 1-hour session with one of our trainers that will cover everything your dog learned that day and you will receive some homework to help you learn the best ways to maintain and reinforce what your dog worked so hard to achieve.

The Day Care Training program allows you to be involved with minimal disruption to your life.

Skills: 

  • Advanced Knowledge Of:
    • Come
    • Sit
    • Place
    • Heel
    • Wait
    • Quiet
    • Off
  • Management Of Unwanted Behaviors (including but not limited to…):
    • Potty Issues
    • Aggression Control
    • Anxiety Management
    • Car Manners
    • Destructive Chewing
    • Digging
    • Jumping
Contact Us

Private Lessons

Learn More About Our Private Dog Training Lessons

**Existing Clients Only

Private Lessons are the best option for one-on-one interactions with a professional dog trainer. You could want private lessons for a number of reasons. Maybe you want to become better at helping your dog obey. Maybe your dog still needs some help after taking part in one of our programs. Maybe you just want that peace of mind that comes with building a deep, meaningful connection with your dog.

These lessons are also customizable in terms of time and place. If you don’t want to leave the comfort of your home for these lessons, that’s fine! If you notice your dog has trouble listening on a walk around your neighborhood, you might want to spend some time out and about. Whatever your needs, you can rest assured that your concerns will be addressed.

Contact Us

Group Class

**Existing Clients Only

Group Classes are wonderful for providing your dog with exposure to the real world while still staying inside a safe, controlled environment. Group classes are held in public parks that abound with distractions. This is a positive factor because it means that your pet’s training will be standing on an unshakable foundation. We know that distractions are never an excuse for disobedience.

At the end of any of our group classes, you will be able to confidently take your dog anywhere you need to go. You will find support, continued training, community, and a lot of fun, so call us today!

Current Clients:

View our upcoming Group Class Schedule here

Contact Us

Dog Trainers & Staff

Professional trainers. Attentive friendly staff.

Salvatore DevivoOwner & Head Trainer

I’ve always had a passion for animals of all kinds. My first dog was a pit mix that was extremely aggressive towards other dogs. When I moved to Florida from Philadelphia “normal” life became very difficult. I was declined on several apartments, walks became impossible, he destroyed everything in sight, and even turned on my fiance and I. We felt very lost. I didn’t know how to help him and I also wanted to live the life that I had set out to live. I became determined to find a job training dogs.

I was declined on several apartments, walks became impossible due to his dog’s bad behavior like leash pulling, he destroyed everything in sight, and even turned on my fiancé and I. We felt very lost. I didn’t know how to help him and I also wanted to live the life that I had set out to live. I became determined to find a job as a dog trainer.

Working for Sit Means Sit Tampa in 2015, I found my passion for the dog training industry. My mission is to help dogs become their best selves and give owners peace of mind. Over 7.5 years, I attended regional training seminars, the Sit Means Sit Main Event, and trainers school for official certification.

I have attended a number of different classes over the years including but not limited to:

  • Behavioral modification for dog aggression
  • Behavioral modification for human aggression
  • Confidence building for fearful, nervous and anxious dogs
  • Basic & advanced obedience training
  • Puppy socialization, exposure and desensitization
  • Puppy luring & Confidence building

Since opening my business, I have completed many training certifications including but not limited too:

  • Dog first aid & CPR
  • Certified evaluator for AKC CGC (Canine Good Citizen)
  • Certified evaluator AKC STAR PUPPY
  • Certified evaluator AKC URBAN CGC (Canine Good Citizen)
  • NePoPo Silver Graduate
  • NePoPo Gold Graduate

I have had the opportunity to work with trainers from across the county to broaden my overall knowledge and training ability. One of my most influential classes included a presentation by Bart Bellon, one of the worlds top dog training competitors where I learned new techniques and a deeper understanding of a dogs perspective. After hearing Bart’s presentation at a Sit Means Sit training seminar, I decided to continue my education and enroll myself into his training school. After an intensive course including classroom theory and hands on application I have earned my NePoPo training certification’s.

Currently, my pack consists of five dogs, who are my two labs, Stella and Elle, Romeo my pit mix, Lex my Dutch Shepherd and Mako my Belgian Malinois. They all have a full set of advanced off leash obedience commands and have also worked in agility, dock diving, and protection sports. They are constantly learning new tricks and improving their overall level of advance obedience.

I have found a new love for protection training throughout my training career and have opened and currently run, Cerberus Working Dog Club. CWDC is an organization that is registered with the Protections Sports Association helping people build and train their canine’s at an extremely high level to compete in worldwide competitions. I have just recently trailed and certified Lex in PSA for her first title of a PSA-PDC. I have plans to continually train Lex and Mako to the highest possible levels of PSA.

I have attended many seminars and classes over the years to ensure proper and safe handling of protection canines. I work with client’s of all background’s including but not limited to law enforcement, military, professional trainers and the average dog owner interested in the sport!

Since opening my first Sit Mean Sit franchise in Philadelphia, I have opened multiple other location’s allowing me to service more family’s in need of dog training service.

It gives me great satisfaction to know I’m changing not only my client’s life, but giving them back a happy, confident and obedient dog, in turn making happy, confident and satisfied owners. I know I’m exactly where I am supposed to be with my family at Sit Means Sit Dog Training, and I am blessed with the opportunity to run my own franchise.

Nia StevensOwner & VP Of Operations

I’ve been an animal lover all of life. I’ve had birds, snakes, hamsters, cats, dogs, and even flying squirrels. One of my first jobs was working at a pet store. Animals have always been a source of therapy for me. I started as a client with Sit Means Sit for my aggressive pit bull. At that time I was certain he would never be trusted near another dog. He would stand on his hind legs, snarl, and his hackles would go up. He presented destructive behaviors and had absolutely no manners.

Working with Sit Means Sit changed my life. I was able to introduce him to my black lab Elle who is the sweetest girl I have ever known. I am 100% sure it would not have been possible without this training. We now live peacefully in our home and I can leave them together unsupervised without any fear. Sit Means Sit restored my faith and trust in his ability to be an incredible dog. My dogs are my world (I now have 5) and I am now able to live a stress free life with them and give them the life they all deserve. I feel proud to work for and stand behind a company that provides a life changing service, and to work with a staff that truly wants to make a difference in the lives of others. Their dedication and hard work is admired and I am lucky to be apart of the team. I love my dogs unconditionally and I could not imagine my life without them, and because of Sit Means Sit we are all living our best lives!

Cassie TessierFacility Manager / Sales

 

Alexis LucciOffice Manager

Prior to coming to Sit Means Sit I was in the field of Cosmetology and other customer service positions for about a decade. Within the last year I felt as though I needed a change of scenery. I wanted to find a life-long career that I could dedicate myself to; something that challenged me and something that offered opportunity and growth. That is exactly what I have found with Sit Means Sit. My first week there I fell in love with the people, the training, and the values of the business. It is clear that Sal, Nia, and every trainer at Sit Means Sit loves what they do and truly wants to make a difference.

They care about their clients and their families, and treat every dog as their own. The environment here is nothing like I’ve experienced before. It is just an enjoyable, inviting, and overall positive place to be. I never knew much about dog training until I came to work here. Since beginning this position, I have found myself wanting to better understand the ins and outs of the dog training world and I am excited to see where my Sit Means Sit journey leads me.

Haven Reger

I have always loved all animals and grew up around horses, goats, sheep, chickens, dogs and cats. I was always trusted with taking care of family members animals while they were away. I always knew my purpose in life is helping animals. I wouldn’t be able to handle being a veterinarian and felt lost trying to find my fit in this world.

After moving to the area in 2022 I found a position for a trainer. I had minimal experience training dogs, but I have a pitbull mix that was reactive to people and dogs, along with a Klee Kai/Shiba Inu, so I applied in hopes I would be able to help my own dog. Now, I finally feel my passion isn’t being wasted. I love what I do. Seeing the transformations I can make in just a few weeks on the dogs that come in is truly amazing, I couldn’t imagine doing anything else. Everyone here is so kind, inviting, and helpful with any questions I’ve had along the way. They truly made me feel as if I was part of the family from day one. I would recommend anyone and everyone who has any interest in furthering their dog’s obedience.

Service Areas

We proudly serve the following areas in Charleston.

Cities

Zip Codes

  • 29401
  • 29403
  • 29407
  • 29409
  • 29412
  • 29439
  • 29451
  • 29455
  • 29464
  • 29466
  • 29482
  • 29404
  • 29405
  • 29414
  • 29418
  • 29420
  • 29483
  • 29485
  • 29472
  • 29426
  • 29470
  • 29486
  • 29456
  • 29446
  • 29438
  • 29449
  • 29487
  • 29492
  • 29406
  • 29410
  • 29445
  • 29492
  • 29434
  • 29450
  • 29429
  • 29459
  • 29437
  • 29435
  • 29474
  • 29452
  • 29469
  • 29461
  • 29431

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!

 

CHECK OUT SCOTTY, TANGO & SEAN

CHECK OUT SCOUT AND MORGAN

Check out Winnifred & Cassie

Check out Ryder & Dominic

Dog Owners Reviews

We love customers and their dogs. They love us.

Megan H.

We took our rescue to Sit-Means-Sit because of being between a rock and a hard place. His reactivity while on walks was making it VERY STRESSFUL to take him out. We tried two other training facilities before Sit-Means-Sit, yet no success. With the help of the INCREDIBLE trainers Dominic, Morgan, Katie, and Cassie – Obi…

Alex S.

I can’t recommend these guys enough. Salvatore, Alexa and the whole crew are just absolutely awesome. Our dog Peach is a brand new dog when it comes to commands and walks and everything. It’s completely worth every penny and I’d be more than happy to vouch for them to anybody who is unsure.

Alexandra P.

I don’t have enough words to say how thankful I am that I found Sit Means Sit and the help they have given to me and my dog. Prior to beginning training I was feeling completely lost with how to handle my anxious and fearful boy. The entire Sit Means Sit team has provided so…

Ali W.

Great training facility and service. The staff are knowledgeable, personable, and patient (with furry friends and owners alike). They provide hands on training with great tips and clearly have a lot of experience and success with all kinds of dogs.