Thank you for your interest in Sit Means Sit dog training! We specialize in off-leash obedience, especially around distractions, which means many different things for every dog and its family. Read below for answers to our most frequently answered questions!
WHAT IS YOUR METHOD FOR TRAINING?
Sit Means Sit is an attention-based training program that uses a balanced approach to training. We utilize a variety of training tools depending on the unique circumstances presented by our clients and their dogs including leashes, collars, food, toys, and most notably, our Sit Means Sit remote Training Collar to achieve the goal of focus around distractions. Remote collar training has come a long way in the past few decades. We firmly believe in humane dog training and only employ technology that is safe for dogs and humans (download our free report on the facts about modern electronic dog training devices.) The technology our training collar utilizes is similar to a TENS unit, found at a chiropractor or physical therapist’s office. The collar operates on the lowest level of stimulation required to maintain focus, almost like a tap on the shoulder. It has a broad range of modes, is easily adjustable, and can cover a quarter-mile range. Once you have the ability to maintain focus and communicate expectations with your dog, training may be applied in a number of ways, including general obedience, correcting problem behaviors, as well as managing serious behavior issues such as anxiety, aggression, and reactivity.
HOW MUCH DOES YOUR TRAINING COST?
Training cost is dependent not just on your dog’s behavior and temperament, but your goals and expectations, which means each program will vary greatly from the next in terms of intensity and duration, training support, and follow up care. Some of our clients and their dogs require a low level of training support to reach their goals, while others require more in-depth training. For this reason, we encourage you to contact our office to discuss your unique circumstances in more detail or schedule a free consultation to recommend a program that is best suited for your needs.
IS MY DOG TOO OLD FOR TRAINING?
No dog is too old to learn new tricks! Whether it comes to a reliable off leash recall or getting control of excess barking, we can customize any of our training programs to suit your dog and your family. Sit Means Sit has worked with dogs from puppyhood well into their teens!
DO YOU WORK WITH SMALL DOGS?
Absolutely! Sit Means Sit works with all breeds and all sizes! Some small dogs tend to get away with behaviors that larger breeds would not and may have obedience goals overlooked due to their size. A certain behavior exhibited by a small dog gets a pass when the same behavior requires an immediate fix for a larger dog, for instance. Over time these behaviors will add up to create an unruly dog and a frustrated owner. Our customized approach to training dogs of all sizes and temperaments allows us to fine-tune our training system to suit even the smallest dogs. Check out Wolfgang’s transformation, see Demi find the best place to travel with her mom, or watch Gambit show the bigs how it’s done!
DO YOU WORK WITH AGGRESSIVE DOGS?
Yes! The same customized training foundation that allows us to get results for obedience around severe distractions can also be applied to managing aggressive and reactive behaviors by providing a high level of impulse control. Owning an aggressive dog means that it is critical that you work with a trainer who is familiar with aggressive behavior. Our trainers have experience working with all breeds and all types of aggression, including aggression toward people, dogs, and other animals, as well as food or other resources. You can see this type of training in action with this dog’s initial intro to our company founder.
DO YOU WORK WITH ANXIOUS OR FEARFUL DOGS?
We do! Many dogs are anxious or fearful and their behavior may or may not manifest in submissive behavior or fear-based aggression, so training must be addressed in a consistent and structured manner that builds confidence through obedience exercises, repetition, and exposure. The Sit Means Sit method works for anxious or fearful dogs by building trust through communication and utilizing that foundation to help focus their energy to avoid reacting to the things in their environments that may cause them to feel anxious or fearful. Check out this great dog training video with a fearful Australian Shepherd.
WILL THE DOG LISTEN TO THE WHOLE FAMILY, INCLUDING KIDS?
Absolutely! Training goals are best met when the entire family is involved to provide your dog with a consistent routine to help reinforce the foundation that the Sit Means Sit method builds. We encourage all members of the family to attend training sessions and group classes, as you see in Wolfgang’s before mentioned return lesson and this family of three huskies.
Does this help you understand more about Sit Means Sit? If not, check out more training videos, client testimonials, and our social media platforms like Facebook and Instagram, or call the office today to set up your FREE consultation!