Best Dog Training in Pittsburgh

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Pittsburgh Dog Training Experts

Whether you just brought home a puppy, adopted a dog from a local rescue or have an older dog we will have a training program that fits your needs. Sit Means Sit Pittsburgh provides training programs for puppies and adults of all breeds and sizes. We serve the greater South Hills areas. We want to help you do more with your dog. Training will be the best thing in your dog’s life, since you; and the best thing in your life since your dog. We bring dogs into our lives to enrich our family and social activities. We want them to be part of your family.

Schedule your free consultation if you’re seeking training. We will show you just how quickly we can solve your problem and let you start doing more with your dog.
We look forward to helping you soon.

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About Sit Means Sit Dog Training

Dog Training Programs

Any Dog Any Age Any Problem

Day Training

Day Training

Our day training programs are a perfect balance of professional one-on-one instruction and private lessons. These programs are great for busy individuals or families who don’t want to leave their dog overnight for training but still want us to lay the training foundation. Drop your dog off in the morning and let us do our job (train your dog) while you are at work.

Pick your dog up after your workday and head off to your normal evening routine. You will get updates and training videos and will be able to polish your own training techniques during our follow-up private lessons and open adult group classes.

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Frequent Fido

Training is a continuous effort, and requires lots of practice for both you and your dog. Frequent Fido will help fine-tune all of your dog’s newly acquired skills!

After completing his/her initial Day Train program your dog will continue to come for one full day of training a month for one year. You can choose this program from the start of your training, or add it at any time!

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Tune-Ups

Sometimes life can get busy. Maybe you didn’t have the chance to practice as much as you should have. Maybe a recent life event has caused a new behavior in your dog, or an old one to resurface. Despite your best efforts, you need a little help!

Our tune-up is designed as a typical Day Train day where your dog can come back to us for 3 days to work on one-two behaviors that need some fine-tuning. Tune-ups are available to past or current clients!

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Private Training

Private Lessons

If you have time to “do your homework” and only have only a few training goals, or most of your needs are in-home behaviors, private lessons could be a good fit. We will coach and educate you on tools and techniques needed to address your training goals in one-on-one sessions.

Your trainer will recommend how many lessons are appropriate for your dog during your consultation and we will schedule private lessons at your home, in our facility, or elsewhere, based on your needs. Private lesson programs are available for puppies and adult dogs *DUE TO COVID-19 THESE PROGRAMS MAY BE LIMITED OR UNAVAILABLE AT THIS TIME

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Puppy Training

Puppy Training

We love puppies! Really, who doesn’t? Of course, we aim to help owners address those short-term puppy behaviors, but it’s also equally as important to help owners plan for and achieve their long-term lifestyle goals with their puppy as well! Therefore, we start with a complimentary consultation to put together the best plan of action for life with your new family member.

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FAQs

Get answers to some of our most commonly asked questions:

Each of our training programs is custom tailored to the specific situation. There are a number of factors that we evaluate prior to building a training package for you such as your dog’s age, temperament, previous training, as well as the desired goals of the owner. What will work for one dog and owner, won’t necessarily fit well with another. Because of these factors, we offer a free demonstration & consultation as an opportunity to meet with your family as well as your dog to gain insight into the unique circumstances that affect your dog’s training. During the demonstration we will evaluate the factors and develop a training plan for your dog and family. From the training plan we will be able to give you an accurate idea of cost to accomplish your goals. There is no cost or obligation associated with the free demonstration.

Sit Means Sit uses a variety of training methods and tools to achieve the goals of the customer and their dog.

The Sit Means Sit mission:

Revolutionizing the quality of life with happy, obedient, and confident dogs.

With this mission in-mind, we customize our training approach to meet with our customer's personality as well as what will result in the best possible training experience for both dog and owner. As you view our portfolio of dog training videos, we hope that you will pay close attention to the attitude of all the dogs trained by Sit Means Sit. We pride ourselves on being able to maintain a happy and relaxed attitude in our dogs.

Sit Means Sit specializes in a diversified approach to dog training. We use an attention-based dog training system developed by Founder and CEO, Fred Hassen. This approach utilizes a variety of training tools to enable our trainers to gain the dog’s attention even in distracting situations. One of the tools that we use often in our training program is our customized Sit Means Sit Collar (remote electronic dog training collar). The reason we choose to utilize technology in our training is obvious when you understand the advantages that technology allows us.

Firstly, Sit Means Sit firmly believes in safe dog training. The technology we employ is 100% safe for dogs and humans. The Sit Means Sit Collar uses state of the art digital technology to control the output from the collar to prevent it from harming your dog. The technology that is utilized in the construction of our collar is similar technology to “electronic muscle stimulators” and “TENS” units. You may be familiar with the use of these devices in the medical field (they are very common in the Chiropractic and Physical Therapy fields) or perhaps you’ve seen devices advertised on TV as “electronic muscle massagers”. These devices essentially use low-level, adjustable electronic stimulation to creating muscle contractions. In the medical field, they are used as tools to help alleviate pain, promote blood circulation and encourage healing.

In the dog training field, specifically Sit Means Sit, remote dog training collars are used as a tool to provide a remote controlled cue. The cue is designed to neither cause pain nor to disrupt the dog’s emotional state, but rather to function as an adjustable “tap”. The approach used by Sit Means Sit trainers is to treat the “tap” from the collar as a cue for the dog to pay attention. This is no different than tapping a person on the shoulder to gain their attention. The goal of tapping them on the shoulder is not to hurt them or cause emotional distress, but rather to let them know that you want to communicate something to them.

The “tap” delivered from the Sit Means Sit Collar is a highly adjustable sensation that can be set to levels that are often imperceptible to people. Obviously this adjustability is necessary because some dogs are sensitive, while others are quite tough. There is no way to determine what levels your dog will respond to until you begin to train them with a collar. Another reason why the collars are so adjustable is because distractions from the environment are never consistent. Relate this to training with a treat. How many times will that treat work perfectly indoors, but fails to maintain your dog’s attention when a cat is running by. Sit Means Sit has found that dogs can be taught to pay attention around extreme distractions very effectively.

During the fundamental Sit Means Sit training, the dogs and handlers are taught how to condition their dog to the collar in a constructive and positive manner. By adjusting the level of the collar appropriately for the dog and the situation, as well as linking the tap from the collar with an item of high value, we can effectively teach the dog that the “tap” from the collar is related to something of value. This approach to fundamentals allows for a smooth transition into distraction training and off leash control through attention to command.

You can relate the advantages that a Sit Means Sit Collar can provide you in dog training with the advantages that a state-of-the-art smartphone provides you. Cell phones these days are no longer just phones, but mini-computers with built-in cameras, internet access and applications. These tools enhance our communication with others, allow for a diversified means of gathering and sharing information as well it’s just flat out cool what can be done with them, provided you have the knowledge. You can still choose to use you old-fashioned wall-mount telephone in your kitchen if you like, but now you’re restricted to the the length of the cord, and it’s not exactly easy to send photos to your in-laws using that wall-mount phone. Effectively limiting what you can do while you’re talking on the phone. There’s nothing wrong with doing things that way, it’s just limiting. This same relationship can also be said of using a leash to train your dog. It’s just limiting. With a smartphone you can do it all from the convenience of wherever you want.

Building on the premise of safety, the use of a remote controlled cue allows for greater freedom of communication, and in turn more efficient training through the enhancement of near-instantaneous timing. Being able to re-direct your dog’s energy or attention while he is at a distance from you greatly enhances the reliability you can achieve in a short period of time. It's also allows for you to communicate with your dog without confrontation from yelling. Also, the uniqueness of the Sit Means Sit approach stands head and shoulders above other technology-based dog training systems because of our ability to establish a neutral communication system allowing for unprecedented problem solving abilities, and through our enhanced communication skills a truly politically correct training approach. We invite you to view our training first-hand by contacting us for a free demonstration with a local trainer.

Training with a remote dog training collar like the Sit Means Sit dog training collar is really no different than training your dog with a leash or with treats. Reinforcement in any form is a required and necessary part of your dog’s life. Even after they are trained, it will still be necessary to maintain your rules and boundaries. This is really no different than we encounter with people learning to drive a car. Obtaining your driver’s license only shows that you understand the rules of the road, and have demonstrated your ability to operate a car safely. It does not guarantee that you will stop at every stop sign, and drive the speed limit all the time. Obviously there are a lot of factors that change as you drive, and some drivers are more honest than others. The bottom line however is that there are police officers responsible for maintaining the law and enforcing the rules that we have agreed to.

When looking at dog training from this standpoint, it easy to see how reinforcement of rules will be inevitable at some point. Every dog is different though, and some dogs require more or less reinforcement than others.

The good news is that proper and thorough training will result in your dog being more reliable even without training equipment or training ‘aids’ as we call them. Training your dog to be reliable without a Sit Means Sit dog training collar on is a matter of transferring attention through conditioning. There are three broad phases of training that you will encounter as you train your dog. Sticking with the your training and reinforcing your rules consistently over a long enough period of time will get your dog as reliable as they can be. The phases of training are as follows:

Phase 1: The Teaching/Control Phase ~ 6-12+ weeks

During phase one, the goal is to achieve control over your dog, teach them the rules, boundaries and desired behaviors you want. It also the time to teach the dog to pay attention and perform these commands around distractions. This phase lasts between 6-12 weeks on average, however in certain situations it may take longer to gain the reliability needed before moving on to phase two. Once your dog is capable of performing commands quickly and reliably around a variety of distractions with minimal problem solving required, then your dog and you are ready to move on to phase two.

Phase 2: The Reinforcement Phase ~ 6-12+ weeks

During phase two, the goal is to begin phasing out your training aid (remote dog training collar). In phase one, we use the dog training collar on a regular basis to regain attention and maintain our rules. Now in phase two we begin to reduce our dependence on the dog training collar and introduce consistency via variable reinforcement. You may or may not need your dog training collar, but we want to teach the dog that you are still in control even if the perception of the dog is that you are not. This phase will last between 6 – 12 weeks on average, and will require you to stick with phase two for longer than average. It’s also not uncommon as dogs mature and age to have to revert back into phase one training again for several weeks depending on how your dog’s performance and behavior is. When your dog is capable of performing commands without the need for reinforcement for approximately 6 weeks, then your dog is very likely to be reliable without their training aid present. We are ultimately looking to have your dog learn how to filter our distractions entirely. When this is achieved, your dog is much less likely to act out in an unwanted manner because of distractions.

Phase 3: The Maintenance Phase ~ Ongoing

The third and final phase of training a dog is the maintenance phase. During this phase, you will likely be using your dog training collar or other dog training aid very little as your dog is capable of ignoring distraction. The catch however is that they are still capable of distraction (they are not robots). A smart trainer recognizes this and is ready to maintain their rules, commands and boundaries at anytime. It is not uncommon to have a dog who sense the lack of maintenance and begins to revert back in their behavior. The benefit of having done your dog training properly to begin with is that regression is easily minimized and dealt with by simply jumping back into training for a short time to remind the dog of the expectations.

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Trainers & Staff

Professional trainers. Attentive friendly staff.

Alicia S.

Before joining the team as our Office Coordinator, Alicia has been active in the local performing arts as an actress, vocalist, and entertainer for over 10 years. She’s excited to bring her entrepreneurial spirit, creativity, and love of animals to Sit Means Sit Pittsburgh.  The opportunity to help dogs and families with our personalized training drew her in. The way SMS partners with owners to create individualized lesson plans based on each dog instead of taking a unilateral approach spoke to her.

 Since joining the team in May of 2022, Alicia has been able to adopt her own dog whom she met through SMSPGH.  She picked up a little hound mix pup named Cooper who has graduated from SMSPGH’s Growing Up Puppy Program. They now enjoy adventures together going off-leash wherever available!

When she’s not in the office, Alicia can be found strumming her ukulele or rehearsing dance steps between true crime podcasts.  She looks forward to good books, getting lost in the woods with her family (and Cooper!), and getting on the back of a horse as much as possible.

Christina H.

Holding multiple degrees in the natural sciences (geology, horticulture, and biology, to name a few), Christina comes to us with an analytical mind, a passion for animals, and a love of helping people that make her an asset as a trainer.  

Christina was originally working in her chosen field of geology.  Hired quickly out of college, she later found the field to be unstable and unfulfilling.  With an ongoing (and successful) career in the service industry, the complications of 2020 had an impact on her outlook and long-term goals. She couldn’t help but notice the uptick in pet ownership – namely, dogs, and realized many people were going to need help training them. That keen observation led her on a hunt that brought her to SMSPGH, and we’re so glad to have her!

Outside of work, Christina is often outside! She tends to find her way to water (rivers are her favorite).  Dogs have always been in her family, and she hopes this change in path will open the door to finding her canine kayak buddy who will also keep her company in the kitchen while she’s cooking or when out in her garden.

Lisa Pierce

Lisa PierceOwner/Head Trainer

Lisa opened the Pittsburgh franchise in January, 2013 and has helped thousands of dogs in Pittsburgh since then. Her collegiate background focused on learning theory and memory; she continues to study canine learning theory, training tools, techniques and balanced training approaches today. What she loves best about her job is sharing her knowledge of dog behaviors and teaching clients how to live happier lives with their dogs. She believes in rewards and boundaries and finding the right balance for the dog and the owner. 

She was an active field member of the Air Search Rescue Canine Team and trained two of her own dogs for SAR (search and rescue). Copper, her Bloodhound, was trained for tracking in the event of a missing person, he passed away in June, 2022. Bentley, her Shepherd-mix is trained in human remains (cadaver) detection.

Lisa and Copper were members of the Go Team Therapy Dog Team. Copper was in a live stage play in 2014 and was in the pilot episode of the ABC sitcom, Downward Dog, in 2017. All three dogs were hired to be in a Chewy commercial in 2020. Copper and Chase, her German Shorthair Pointer, were selected for a NatGeo Wild short. Chase was selected in 2022 to be the subject of a movie to help local kids learn about movie production and editing.

When she’s not training dogs or doing “businessy things”, she and her family enjoy time in the mountains, playing in streams, hiking, camping and outer “outdoorsy” activities.

Kelli B.Trainer

Coming from a previous background in dog training, we’re excited to have Kelli as a member of our team! Joining Sit Means Sit Pittsburgh in May of 2023, Kelli has brought her passion and love of dogs to work every day with a kind of patient, calm, can-do attitude we value as an asset!

Having grown up with and loving dogs, Kelli’s career started off in doggie day care. Next, she spent time in a vet clinic where her experiences would lead her to a specific interest in dog training. While working with her German Shepherd, Odin (photographed above), she found how much stronger their bond got through training. Honing her skills and closeness with Odin sparked the fire in her to help others get that same connection with their dogs – there’s nothing like it!

Kelli enjoys working with a team, sharing ideas, and learning together.  When she isn’t living her passion for dog training at work, she’s out on the trails hiking with Odin and Cobra. You might also catch her caring for one of her many reptiles at home! She’s a true animal lover we’re excited to have on our team!

Service Areas

We proudly serve the following areas in Pittsburgh.

Cities

SOUTH HILLS, including
  • Upper St. Clair
  • Mt. Lebanon
  • Dormont
  • Mt. Washington
  • Castle Shannon
  • Bethel Park
  • Brentwood
  • Carrick
  • Brookline
  • Beechview
  • Jefferson Hills
  • West Mifflin
  • Munhall
  • Waterfont
DOWNTOWN and surrounding neighborhoods, including:
  • Strip District
  • Hill District
  • Oakland
  • Shadyside
  • North Shore
  • Lawrenceville
  • Bloomfield
  • Squirrel Hill
  • Greenfield
  • South Side
WEST, including:
  • Moon
  • Robinson
  • Coraopolis
  • Oakdale
  • Crafton
  • Rosslyn Farms
  • Greentree
  • McKees Rocks
  • Carnegie
SOUTH along 19/79 including:
  • Bridgeville
  • Presto
  • McDonald
  • McMurray
  • Cannonsburg
  • Houston
  • Washington

Zip Codes

  • 15227
  • 15236
  • 15102
  • 15017
  • 15201
  • 15203
  • 15211
  • 15216
  • 15217
  • 15222
  • 15226
  • 15227
  • 15228
  • 15232
  • 15241
  • 15243
  • 15025
  • 15071
  • 15106
  • 15018
  • 115122
  • 15129
  • 15136
  • 15142
  • 15204
  • 15205
  • 15220
  • 15367

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Sit Means Sit has 157 locations across the US and Canada.

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Dog Training Videos

Check out a few videos to see our dog trainers at work!

What Does Training Look Like?

Two Lesson Transformation

First Day Before & After

Puppy Follow-Up Lesson

5 Star Reviews

We love customers and their dogs. They love us.

More Reviews from Across the Web

Jerry and Luci P.

We started with Sit Means Sit when Gunner was just a puppy. He learned basic commands in the 4-6 month old class, but was still a handful. His energy, general stubborn attitude and exuberance for life made him very difficult to live with as he matured. We arranged for Gunner to do a 10-day boot…

Louann P.

I first met Lisa because of SAR training. To be honest, I was not a fan of e-collars and was not shy about it. But I started seeing Lisa and her dogs regularly at training and her Bloodhound was off-leash – and happy! It made me think. I started to change my mind when I…

Maureen M.

I first met Lisa in 2016 when I started puppy classes with my black Lab, Rocky. Rocky, like most labs, was very friendly and loved people – until he reached about 8 months. I took him to my parents house for Christmas and he reacted very aggressively towards a family member and bit one of…