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Dog Training
Experts In Harford County

We offer professional dog and puppy obedience training for Bel Air, Abingdon, Forest Hill, Fallston, Aberdeen, and the surrounding areas of Harford County, Maryland.

Sit Means Sit Dog Training Bel Air is part of the largest dog training franchise in the United States with over 140 locations. Our trainers understand that every dog is different and unique in their personality and behaviors, so we work together to form a customized training program that will fit your goals. Our programs range from basic puppy training to extended-stay board and training. We also specialize in behavioral issues such as separation anxiety, aggression, and fear/reactivity.

We are located in Bel Air, MD and serve customers North of the Baltimore beltway, including the I-83 and I-95 corridor, and all areas in between. Let our professional dog trainers help your four-legged friend become their best self! Contact us today for a FREE Training Demonstration and Consultation!

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About Sit Means Sit Dog Training

Dog Training Classes

Any Dog Any Age Any Problem

Day Training

Day Training

Drop your dog off in the morning and pick them up after work in the evening. You’ll be amazed with how much of a difference a day makes! During Day Training we will teach your dog structure that will enhance your relationship with your pup and you’re included every step of the way! After each session, you will meet with a trainer and go over what was covered that day!

We can also focus on specific behavioral issues such as separation anxiety, fear, or aggression. The results will be a happy, confident, and well-behaved companion!

Group classes are also included with our Day Training programs in order to provide further support and practice for the dog and owner.

Ready to get started? Fill out our free consultation form today!

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Private Lessons

Private Lessons

Private lessons are designed to incorporate the owner into the training experience. You will be paired with your own personal dog trainer who will be dedicated to you and your dog’s satisfaction! Private lessons allow you to work side by side with your dog throughout their training and are great for learning skills and techniques to reinforce at home.

Private lessons are also a great option for those looking to solve specific behavioral issues such as aggression, fearfulness, or separation anxiety.

Group classes are also included with our private lessons in order to provide further support and practice for dog and owner.

Private lessons are conducted at our facility, but we also offer in-home dog training lessons! Contact us today to learn more!

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Puppy Training

Puppy Program

The first 20 weeks of your puppy’s life are crucial in establishing strong obedience and social skills to last a lifetime. Our Puppy program is specially designed for puppies 8 weeks to 15 weeks old. This program lays the foundation for our attention based training and helps puppies learn to overcome fears and learn fundamental basics. Our puppy trainers make this FUN and educational for puppies and their owners!

The Puppy Training program will focus on:

  • House-Breaking
  • Kennel Training
  • Socializing your Puppy
  • Basic Commands
  • Leash Walking
  • And so much more!

Start your new pup off on the right paw! Contact us for a free consultation.

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Group Class

Group Class

Once your dog has completed one of our individual training programs (day train program or private lessons) they can join us in group class! 

Group classes are a great way to keep your dog socialized and allow your dog to continue their training around other dogs, owners, and a variety of distractions.

We offer a variety of dates and time to accommodate the busiest schedules! Our current classes are held on the following dates and times:

  • Tuesday’s @ 9:30am
  • Thursday’s @ 7:30pm
  • Friday’s @ 9:30am
  • Saturday’s @ 9am
  • Saturday’s @10:30am
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FAQs

Get answers to some of our most commonly asked questions:

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.

Yes! At Sit Means Sit, we send our trainers to school regularly, putting them through extensive training classes and certification programs. Investing heavily in training allows our trainers to work more effectively with your dog, and to better-tailor our approach. From basic training methods using the Sit Means Sit Collar to more advanced techniques and tools, each of our certified trainers is equipped with the practical, applied know-how necessary for helping you and your dog achieve your training goals. At Sit Means Sit, we have trained and are trusted by over 35,000 dogs nationwide.

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.

Can't Find Your Question?

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(410) 420-2273 Contact Us

Dog Trainers & Staff

Professional trainers. Attentive friendly staff.

Matt StrongHead Trainer / Owner

As far back as I can remember I was helping my Dad train his German Short Haired Pointers in Ft. Lauderdale Florida. We raised quail to assist with training of the dogs. I have fond memories of my Dad letting me show our dog Buddy during a competition in the Smoky Mountains. Since that time I’ve owned numerous dogs and breeds. My wife and I love dogs so much we hobby breed German Shepherds.

My wife Tracey and I bought a dog kennel in Bel Air, MD where we offer overnight boarding. We see so many dogs with behavioral issues come to our kennel and we really wanted to help owners and dogs live their best life with each other.

 I was working a corporate job in the energy/technology sector. I was going through security at the Atlanta airport and literally ran into Fred Hassen and Alfredo Rivera, the Founders of Sit Means Sit. After doing some research I realized these guys were the best of the best. My boss called and said they were eliminating my position. That day we decided to jump in with both feet and open our Sit Means Sit dog training franchise. I completed training and certification through Sit Means Sit with Fred Hassen the CEO and Founder.

Melissa MortonManaging Director

Interesting fact: My family and I were once featured on the Today Show after a snorkeling trip that led to a series of extraordinary events.

Favorite part about working at SMS: The ability to have real impact– on the relationships between owner/dog, on our team members careers and the direction of the business overall.

Favorite core value: Pound the stone because consistency and disciplined small efforts ultimately lead to significant success over time.

Tori Gorham 2022

Tori GorhamOperations Manager

Interesting fact: One of my favorite things is the circus. I have a circus themed tattoos and have even done a trapeze class!

Favorite part about working at SMS: Working in the background to help ensure that the training journey is smooth from start to finish! 

Favorite core value: Pound the stone. Progress is made in all the little moments and I thrive in routine and consistency. 

Grace WilliamsLead Trainer

Interesting fact: I like to sing to my dogs.

Favorite part about working at SMS: Creating an environment for learning and growth for every client and dog that fosters strong relationships.

Favorite core value: Silver lining! It is easy to get stuck in all of the negative thought and feelings that pop up day to day. Silver lining helps me turn challenges into opportunities.

Stephanie PerrigoTrainer

Interesting fact: I have a twin sister and my dog Kiba is also a twin!

Favorite part about working at SMS: Seeing owners be successful with their dogs and watching their relationships grow.

Favorite core value: Be a dog! Always reminds me to have fun and put out love to the world!

Tyler ArmstrongTrainer

Interesting fact: I’ve ridden horses since I was 6 years old.

Favorite part about working at SMS: Learning new ways to communicate with dogs. Every dog is different.

Favorite core value: Second mile. It’s important to me to make every interaction as great as possible. Putting in that extra effort is something I apply to not only work, but my friendships and family.

Service Areas

We proudly serve the following areas in Harford County.

Counties

  • Baltimore County
  • Harford County

Cities

  • Abingdon
  • Fallston
  • Bel Air
  • Forest Hill
  • Bel Air North
  • Bel Air South
  • Belcamp
  • Churchville
  • Wilson Mill
  • Darlington
  • Berkley
  • Pleasant Hill
  • Benson
  • Jarrettsville
  • Fork
  • Havre De Grace
  • Hydes
  • Hereford
  • Monkton
  • Phoenix
  • Cockeysville
  • Pylesville
  • Whiteford
  • Street
  • Dublin
  • White Hall
  • Norrisville

Zip Codes

  • 21009
  • 21013
  • 21014
  • 21015
  • 21017
  • 21028
  • 21034
  • 21040
  • 21047
  • 21050
  • 21051
  • 21078
  • 21082
  • 21084
  • 21111
  • 21131
  • 21132
  • 21154
  • 21160
  • 21161

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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!

Protection Training

Heel Up and Down The Stairs

Gambit – One Year Old Havanese

Sit Means Sit Commercial

Dog Owners Reviews

We love customers and their dogs. They love us.

Sara H.

Literally can’t say enough about how wonderful this place is! I’ve never met a more dedicated company, even outside of dog trainers. The SMS family is willing to do whatever it takes to get their clients a balanced dog. They don’t just take your dog, train them, hand your dog back, and walk away. SMS…

Shannon H.

We took our two pitbulls to Sit Means Sit for training. Sit Means Sit did a wonderful job training our dogs. Kileaux was always easily distracted and Nikita was a rambunctious puppy. The staff was very knowledgeable and helpful in teaching us how to work with our dogs on continued training. It is hard to…

Marie B.

I am so pleased and impressed with Sit Means Sit in general. My Aussie puppy did a three week board-and-train since my work schedule limited my ability to go to group classes. They were very understanding and did an excellent job of explaining every aspect of their training methods, their e-collar, and were very open…

Ryan G.

The Sit Means Sit program enabled me to take my two dogs Gaea and Dayzee on mountain hikes without worrying about them chasing wildlife. It’s great to hike with my dogs and not worry about spooking the wildlife, thank you!