Best Dog Training in Summerville, SC

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Dog Training Experts
In Summerville, SC

Our mission at Sit Means Sit is to provide dog training services with the end goal of a happy, healthy relationship between each dog and their owner.

All dogs are different, and so are their needs and situations. For this reason, our list of training programs is versatile and adjustable. We believe that every dog is deserving of their fullest life, regardless of age, breed, size, temperament, or behavioral problems. Whether you’re seeking private training sessions, dog agility, aggression management, or anything else, we’re here for you.

Dogs who know their limitations are more content than dogs who are out of control. This is because dogs thrive on clear lines of communication. Training helps open those lines and lead you and your dog to a life that’s as full as you want it to be. If you want to have your dog sitting quietly with you while you work at your favorite cafe, they’ll be able to do that! If you’re planning a hiking trip, you won’t have to find a border for your dog! All these dreams, and more, are possible through professional training at Sit Means Sit.

You are one phone call away from a transformed life. Call today to begin with a free evaluation!

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About Sit Means Sit Dog Training

Dog Training Classes

Any Dog Any Age Any Problem

Board and Train

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If your dog isn’t quite ready for the traveling lifestyle and you have a trip upcoming, you will need somewhere safe to leave your companion. At Sit Means Sit, we’ve combined your need for a border with your dog’s need for training. You can leave your pup at our facility for up to 20 days for them to receive exceptional training, positive reinforcement, and lots of love.

We’re all about the relationship that a dog’s education can bring, which is why we are always certain to fully equip owners on their return home. You will have homework and guidance to nourish and continue your dog’s training in a beneficial way while you enjoy a bond that’s stronger and deeper than it’s ever been.

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
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Puppy Training

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Adding a puppy to your life is an amazing decision that will bring a lot of love, laughter, and light into your home. It also brings a lot of responsibility. The first 16 weeks of a dog’s life are the most crucial for training because your dog is constantly developing. What you don’t want is for your dog to develop bad habits and unwelcome behaviors that have to be undone later on in life.

Instead of waiting until everyone’s life is full of stress and confusion, enroll your pup into puppy classes so that good behaviors become second nature and last a lifetime.

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Day Care Training

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Day Care Training is a convenient blend of one-on-one training and boarding services. It works perfectly with busy lives and work schedules without having to sacrifice evenings at home with your pet.

Once a week for as many weeks as you choose, your dog will be dropped off in the morning for 6-8 hours of intensive training. The staff will ensure they’re well-cared for, mentally stimulated, and exercised so that their training is one of the happiest times of your dog’s life.

At the end of the day when you swing by to pick your dog up, there’s also some homework. A trainer will walk you through what your dog learned that day and give you all the necessary training tools to ensure your dog’s education will not go to waste between sessions.

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
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Private Lessons

Learn More About Our Private Dog Training Lessons

**Existing Clients Only

Private lessons are the perfect one-on-one approach for owners who are seeking personalized help. The versatility of the lessons allows you to choose a time and place that works best for your specific needs. It means you’re working with a personal trainer who is in tune with you and your dog.

You can find continued support with your dog’s training and a deeper understanding of how to best maintain that training. It’s a win on all sides!

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Group Class

**Existing Clients Only

The outside world is big and full of distractions. If your dog’s training is undermined every time they see or smell something new, you won’t ever be able to leave the house. Group classes are the perfect way to get real-world experience while staying within a controlled environment. These classes are held in public parks with people and dogs your pet has never seen before.

Group classes strengthen the foundation of your dog’s training, provide a community for you, the owner, and they’re a lot of fun. Sign up today to connect with other dog lovers!

Current Clients:

View our upcoming Group Class Schedule here

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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

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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!

 

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.