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About OurBoard & TrainDog Training

Sit Means Sit’s Board & Train program is an immersive training option that combines overnight boarding with professional obedience training before beginning private lessons with you and your dog. This program is designed to build a strong foundation of obedience, focus, and attention, making the transition to owner-led training smooth and effective.

Our trainers work closely with your dog every day to create reliable behaviors in real-world situations. By the time your dog returns home, much of the foundational work is already in place — allowing future sessions to focus primarily on teaching you how to maintain and reinforce your dog’s new skills.

Benefits of Our Board & Train Program

  • Overnight boarding with immersive daily training
  • Builds advanced obedience and attention skills
  • Creates reliable behavior around distractions
  • Helps address problem behaviors and bad habits
  • Establishes strong off-leash responsiveness
  • Ideal for busy owners or dogs needing a jumpstart
  • Includes private instruction for long-term success

Whether you’re looking for a professional training kickstart or want your dog trained while you’re away, our Board & Train program is designed to help your dog achieve a high level of obedience and confidence.

Contact our pro-certified dog trainers today to get your pup started!

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Dogs

Any Age. Any Breed. Any Problem.

We train all dogs, regardless of age, breed, or behavioral issue. Whether you're looking to start your puppy on a path to lifelong success or want to teach your older dog some new tricks, we've got you covered.

Obedience & Behavior Management

We provide individualized one-on-one dog training programs tailored to meet your unique goals and specific needs.

Group Training

Our follow-up group training continues after our one-on-one training programs to ensure you and your dog continue to achieve your training goals.

Meet Our

Trainers & Staff

Our certified Sit Means Sit Dog Training staff has extensive experience in resolving dog obedience issues such as:

  • Jumping
  • Barking
  • Leash Pulling
  • Counter surfing
  • People aggression
  • Dog aggression
  • New Puppy Problems
  • Housebreaking
  • Basic Commands
  • High Energy
  • Anxiety
  • And More!

Learn more about our team or jump start your training by scheduling a free evaluation today!

Ryan Dey Owner & Head Dog Trainer at SMS Des Moines

Ryan Dey Owner & Head Trainer

Before coming to Iowa, Ryan Dey worked with over 1,000 dogs and clients as a part of the Sit Means Sit Orlando team in Florida. As the head trainer there, he worked with all ages, breeds, and temperaments. His ability to connect with clients and dogs alike is what led him to Des Moines to… Read More

Emily

Emily Trainer

Emily has been a professional dog trainer with Sit Means Sit for over 7 years, originally getting her start alongside Ryan at Sit Means Sit Dog Training Orlando, Florida. Over the years Emily has had the honor of training thousands of dogs and finding her passion in the areas of service and therapy dog training.… Read More

See What Our Customers Say

Our Reviews

Check out our reviews to hear directly from our customers and their experience!

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Ryan and Emily are there every step of the way! They help when I ask for it and I would recommend them for all types of training from the basics to the advanced.

- Linda P.
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Ryan and Emily are simply fantastic. We have two French Bulldogs — one of whom is highly reactive — and we knew we needed professional support. We chose the 10-day board and train, and I’ll admit, I was super hesitant at first. I’ve never boarded any dog I’ve owned and hated the thought of doing it. But after meeting Ryan, seeing his facility, and visiting his home where the dogs stay, I felt completely at ease.

The transformation in both our dogs and us as owners is ongoing and has allowed us so much more peace of mind. The board and train gave us a strong foundation, and the continued group classes and in-home private sessions have helped us build consistency and confidence. Ryan and Emily are not only deeply skilled trainers, they are thoughtful, attentive, and genuinely invested in the well-being of the dogs and their humans.

They’ve given us tools, practices to enhance the wellbeing of our fur-babies (and ourselves). I can’t recommend them highly enough. We are so fortunate to have them in our community.

- Danelen J.
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We'll Solve Your Dog Problems

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