Dog Training in Philadelphia

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Dog Training
Experts In Montgomery County

Sit Means Sit provides professional canine training and puppy obedience lessons in Montgomery County, Bucks County, Chester County, and all surrounding areas in Pennsylvania.

Here at Sit Means Sit, our mission focuses on humane practices using the latest scientific knowledge related to canine instruction and training methods.

That is why we custom-fit each program to your specific situation and your pet’s needs. Our professional trainers are equipped with the necessary experience and skills to help your pup become its best self, resulting in a happier, stress-free life for you both.

Whether you are struggling with leash pulling, chewing, jumping up on people or counter surfing, we can take any dog and turn them into a happy, confident obedient pup who obeys you instantly, in off-leash situations. We also work with a lot of reactive dogs and dogs that folks might call aggressive. Our team is the best at delivering effective outcomes that last.

Let us provide more information on our services! LET’S GET STARTED!

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dog training philadelphia

Classes

Any Dog Any Age Any Problem

puppy training philadelphia

Puppy Training

Learn More About Puppy Training

The first 16 weeks of your puppy’s life are crucial in establishing structure, rules, boundaries, and social skills to last a lifetime. If you teach your pup to behave early on, then you won’t have to break bad habits later. Those first few months are the most important when it comes to tuff pup training and could be the difference between a confident and well-behaved dog versus one that is fearful or disobedient. We can help to ensure your pup is on the path to a happy and healthy lifestyle. Schedule your free evaluation by contacting us today!

If you are seeing troubling signs of reactivity or extreme disobedience in the first 16 weeks contact us right away for assistance.

 

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day care training

Day Care Training

Learn More About Day Care Training

We offer customized training packages, with Day Care Training being the most popular. This hands-on approach allows owners to be involved in the training process without overnight separation.

Pets are dropped off at our state-of-the-art facility in the morning and picked up in the afternoon. Owners meet with a professional staff member to review the day’s progress and receive homework assignments.

Upon program completion, clients can access thrice-weekly group training classes for ongoing support. Our effective method fosters clear communication, trust, and confidence, resulting in a happy and obedient pet for the entire family to enjoy.

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
    • Car Manners
    • Destructive Chewing
    • Digging
    • Jumping
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Board and Train At Sit Means Sit Philadelphia

Board & Train

Learn More About Board & Train Programs

Our intensive Board & Train Program provides immersive tuff pup training for dogs requiring focused attention. Trainers work intensively with the animal day and night. Owners receive training to reinforce skills, with access to group classes. This program is ideal for accelerated results through concentrated training and should be booked in advance due to limited availability. If you want your pet to learn new skills while in excellent care, contact us today!

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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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Group Class At Sit Means Sit Philly

Group Class

Learn More About Our Group Class

**Existing Clients Only

Once your furry friend has completed one of our individual training programs, they can join us in Group Class!

Group Class is designed to fine-tune your pet’s obedience training and keep them engaged. Group Classes are held in public parks around the city and are a great way to continue training around distractions. Maybe they will even make some friends along the way!

Current Clients:

View our upcoming Group Class Schedule here

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Private Lessons At Sit Means Sit Philadelphia

Private Lessons

Learn More About Our Private Lessons

**Existing Clients Only

If your pup has gone through one of our Day Train or Board & Train programs but you want a little more one-on-one help from our training team, we are here to help! Our private lessons are designed to incorporate owners into the training experience, allowing you to work with your pet with the help of our professional training team. Private lessons are great for learning skills and techniques to reinforce at home, allowing your fur baby to get the most out of their training. You’ll be working alongside one of our professional canine instructors while you are guided on reinforcing your pet’s obedience, socialization, and confidence!

 

Contact the team to learn more about private lessons.

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Trainers

Professional trainers. Attentive friendly staff.

Salvatore DevivoOwner

Meet the owner, a passionate trainer who has dedicated his life to helping pets and their owners. With a personal story of overcoming challenges with his own aggressive canine, he found his calling in the canine instruction industry.

Over the past 8 years, he has attended numerous seminars, worked with renowned trainers, and earned multiple certifications. His pack of five well-trained dogs showcases his expertise in advanced obedience, agility, dock diving, and protection sports.

As the founder of Cerberus Working Dog Club, he helps clients train their canines for worldwide competitions. With multiple Sit Means Sit locations, he takes pride in transforming the lives of both pets and their owners, providing them with the tools for a happy, confident, and obedient relationship. His commitment to excellence has earned this Sit Means Sit Franchise the #4 ranking out of 170+ locations nationwide.

I began working for Sit Means Sit Tampa in 2015 and I was so thankful to be given the opportunity. As I began my training journey with seasoned professionals, I found that I had a passion and appreciation for the industry. My life’s mission has been to help dogs become their best selves and to give owners like myself peace of mind so that they may live their desired lifestyle.

Over the past 8 years, I have attended multiple Sit Means Sit regional training seminars around the country, as well as the Sit Means Sit Main Event hosted in Las Vegas. I have worked with world-renowned trainers such as Fred Hassen, Alfredo Rivera, Bart Bellon, Jonathan Katz, and many more. 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 world’s top dog training competitors, where I learned new techniques and a deeper understanding of a dog’s 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 certifications.

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 canines 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 plan to train Lex and Mako continually to the highest possible PSA levels.

I have attended many seminars and classes over the years to ensure proper and safe handling of protection canines. I work with clients of all backgrounds, 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, I have opened multiple other location, allowing me to service more families in need of assistance.

It gives me great satisfaction to know I’m changing not only my clients’ lives but also giving them back a happy, confident, and obedient dog, which in turn makes happy, confident, and satisfied owners. I know I’m exactly where I am supposed to be with my family at Sit Means Sit, and I am blessed with the opportunity to run my own franchise.

MEET THE TEAM!"It's a Philly Thing"

I can’t speak highly enough of my staff. Each and every one of them has a deep passion for what they do, and there isn’t anything this team wouldn’t do for each dog and client who comes through our doors. They are patient, kind, educated, and, overall, all incredible human beings.

LOOK NO FURTHER THAN SIT MEANS SIT! Our mission is to revolutionize the quality of life with happy, healthy, confident, and obedient dogs. With this style of humane training practices, there is NOTHING you can’t do with your furry best friend. We cannot wait to work with you and your family. Schedule your free tuff pup training evaluation today to see how this incredible team of professional trainers can help!

Nia StevensOwner & VP Of Operations

As a lifelong animal lover, I’ve had the privilege of caring for various pets, from birds to dogs. Working at a pet store was one of my first jobs, and animals have always been a source of therapy for me. When I sought help from Sit Means Sit for my aggressive pit bull, I was skeptical about his ability to socialize with other canines.

However, their balanced training approach transformed his life and mine, enabling us to travel together with confidence. My black lab, Elle, and I have flown across the United States, enjoying the freedom that comes with effective communication and trust through training. I am proud to work for a company that provides life-changing services alongside a dedicated team of professional trainers that I consider family. Thanks to Sit Means Sit, we are all living our best lives, and I am grateful for the opportunity to make a difference in the lives of others through my work in the industry.

The rules, structure, and leadership incorporated into the training have, in turn, given us the freedom to go wherever we want and do as we please. We can communicate effectively and trust each other regardless of the surrounding environment. My pets are my world, and 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 are admired, and I am lucky to have them not only as my team but as my family. I could not imagine my life without them, and because of Sit Means Sit, we are all living our best lives! 

Alexis LucciOffice Manager

Prior to joining Sit Means Sit, I worked in the cosmetology and customer service industries for a decade. Seeking a challenging and growth-oriented career, I found Sit Means Sit the perfect fit. From the first week, I fell in love with the business’s people, animals, and values.

The trainers genuinely care about their clients and families and treat every dog as their own. The positive and inviting environment at Sit Means Sit is unparalleled. Although new to the industry, I am eager to deepen my understanding and excited about my journey with Sit Means Sit.

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 wanted to understand better the ins and outs of the canine instruction world and am excited to see where my Sit Means Sit journey leads me.

Dominic DevivoFacility Manager

As a passionate dog lover, I never knew much about training. After witnessing incredible skills, I was inspired to pursue canine instruction as a career. Over three years, I have completed seminars, worked with leaders, and accumulated over 6,500 hours of experience with more than 1,000 dogs.

As the training manager, I am dedicated to providing the best tuff pup training experience. I recently acquired my first pet, Astro, who has achieved obedience.

In the future, I plan to continue growing as an advanced professional and explore canine sports. My passion has become a fulfilling career, and I am committed to helping dogs and owners build strong relationships.

I became increasingly interested in the art of training and my passion for it grew quickly. Since joining Sit Means Sit 3 years ago, I have completed multiple educational seminars and have worked with many renowned industry leaders including Fred Hassan and Alfredo Rivera. I am the training manager here at Sit Means Sit Philadelphia and with that I have completed over 6500+ hours of training and have worked with over 1000+ dogs. Last summer, I bought my first furry friend, Astro. He has gained a high level of obedience and structure and is able to come to work with me every day and learn new commands! I plan to transition him into some canine sports, including agility and dock diving. In the future, I will continue to grow as an advanced professional and will continue to provide the best training experience possible.

Gianna MaioTrainer

I’ve been working with animals since I was 8 years old. I’ve worked with horses, mules, donkeys, penguins, marmosets, foxes, pigs, and more. My first and current pet, Tellulah, was abandoned on a rescue ranch I was working at and she has been my soul dog ever since, but her recall was terrible, she lacked confidence, and I pretty much let her get away with whatever she wanted. Since becoming a trainer, she has become a much more confident and responsive pet and I love helping other people get the same results!

I knew I wanted to learn a balanced and fair approach to humane training practices and SMS was incontestably the place I wanted to be. I am thankful to have learned from the best and honored to represent them now!

I knew I wanted to learn a balanced and fair approach to training and SMS was incontestably the place I wanted to be. I am thankful to have learned from the best and honored to represent them now!

Peter CivitellaTrainer

Growing up with German Shepherds, I developed a deep connection to the breed. In college, I got my own pet, Chance, and experienced the joys of training and companionship. After Chance’s passing, my sister gifted me a new puppy, Elvis. Training Elvis reignited my passion, leading me to pursue a career with Sit Means Sit.

Working with SMS has been life-changing. It has provided me with the tools to help Elvis and myself succeed. Previously, I had to put my dogs away when family visited, but now we can all enjoy each other’s company. SMS has allowed me to do rewarding work that produces real results, and I am excited for what the future holds.

Having a new puppy reminded me of how fulfilling training animals can be. Working with SMS has been a life-changing experience for my dogs and me. They have given me the tools I need for Elvis and me to succeed and live the best life possible. They have given me the opportunity to do rewarding work that produces real results. I am so thankful to have found SMS and can’t wait to see what the future holds.

Service Areas

We proudly serve the following areas in Montgomery County.

Counties

  • Montgomery County
  • Bucks County
  • Chester County
  • Philadelphia County

Cities

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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!

Sit Means Sit Commercial

Gambit – One Year Old Havanese

Heel Up and Down The Stairs

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Dog Owners Reviews

We love customers and their dogs. They love us.

Maura B.

“Sit Means Sit is a miracle worker. If it wasn’t for Sal and Dominic, I wouldn’t have been able to introduce my reactive Pitbull to any animals for a long, long time. With their help, I have a better understanding of how to handle his leash pulling, reactivity, and general inattentiveness. He has even met…

Linda L.

Salvatore was great! He was on time, patient and encouraging. My dog took to him right away. Brazzie listens to me now and does not show anxiety towards other animals.

Haley T.

Sal is an exceptional trainer who is truly passionate about helping you and your pet! He goes above and beyond to make sure that you gain full control and focus from your four legged friend. We are so fortunate to have had the opportunity to work with Sal and would never hesitate to call him…

Lauren K.

Sal is an amazing trainer! I have a newborn and a crazy puppy so I knew I was going to need help. Once the baby came my puppy regressed to old habits such as nipping, refusing to go in his crate & pulling on his leash. One session with Sal and he came home a…