Best Dog Training in Paoli, PA

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Dog Training Experts in Paoli, PA

Sit Means Sit Philadelphia is a training center for more than just basic obedience. We use methods your dog understands to create bonds that last a lifetime.

Anyone who has seen the difference can tell you that a well-mannered dog is a happy dog. This is due to having open lines of communication, and it’s partially due to having set maintainable expectations and boundaries. When your dog knows exactly what is expected of them, they can live their happiest life inside those comfortable walls.

We’ve curated a list of customizable and versatile programs so that as many dogs as are within our reach can receive training that will allow them to live to their fullest. Trust us when we say that you will see a difference after just one training session.

Regardless of your dog’s age, size, breed, temperament, or behavior problem, you are welcome to join us at Sit Means Sit for top-tier training. Contact us today to get a free consultation on the calendar!

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About Sit Means Sit Dog Training

Dog Training Classes

Any Dog Any Age Any Problem

Puppy Training

Learn More About Puppy Training

Puppy training is incredibly important to have done within the first stages of your dog’s life. In the first 16 weeks, especially, your dog is constantly developing, learning, and building behavior patterns that are either good or bad. We want to make sure everything that develops is positive so that your daily life goes as smoothly as possible.

Puppy training classes teach things such as potty training, lure training, mark training, recall, and overall confidence, but they also bring owners and pets together in a unique and powerful way. Make sure you start your relationship off right by contacting us today for a free consultation.

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Day Care Training

Learn More About Day Care Training

The Day Care Training program is the perfect strike of balance between efficiency and no overnight stays for your pup. The program blends perfectly with a work schedule or busy life without causing much, if any disruption.

At the start of the day, drop your dog off at our training facility for 6-8 hours of fun, engaging learning. You go about your day as normal. At the end of the day, there is a 1-hour session with your dog’s trainer before you head home with a little bit of homework. The session will serve to equip you with all the training tools you need to maintain and affirm everything your dog learned during their time with us.

These sessions happen once a week for one, three, five, or eight weeks depending on your specific needs.

Skills: Place, sit, come, quiet, off, heel, and wait

Corrected behaviors: House breaking, anxiety management, digging, aggression control, destructive chewing, car manners, and jumping.

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Board & Train

Learn More About Board & Train Programs

Board and Train is our most efficient dog training program whether you’re leaving town or not. Going on vacation means you will need to find boarding for your dog, which means that this program is a great way to accomplish two difficult things at once, but for those who aren’t leaving town, this program is just as amazing.

Whether you’re taking a trip or you just find yourself too busy to train, we’re here to help by providing training that allows for leaps and bounds of growth. Drop them off for up to 20 days and pick up a dog that has undergone a complete. positive transformation.

Skills: Off, sit, place, wait, quiet, come, heel

Potential problems corrected: housebreaking, mounting, aggression, play biting, destructive chewing, anxiety, car manners, digging, nuisance barking, jumping, furniture manners, excessive licking

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Group Class

**Existing Clients Only

Group Classes are available to all of our clients. They’re a great place for your dog to get real-world experience and for you to reconnect with knowledgeable trainers who can offer you support in your pursuit of a thriving relationship. Group Classes happen twice a week at local parks so step out and connect today!

Current Clients:

View our upcoming Group Class Schedule here

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Private Lessons

Learn More About Our Private Lessons

**Existing Clients Only

One-on-one training is a specialized approach that greatly improves the lives of dogs and their owners alike. By choosing a setting where you can connect with one of our professional trainers in a setting where it’s all about your needs, you are setting yourself up for success. Your dog will excel quickly because of the personalized approach and, because of your direct involvement, the connection between you and your canine companion will strengthen and deepen to a new and profound level.

Contact our team to schedule a free consultation and learn more about how private lessons can help you.

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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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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…