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Richmond Dog Training Experts

Sit Means Sit Dog Training provides Professional Dog/Puppy Obedience Training in Richmond, Henrico, Chesterfield, Goochland, Powhatan Counties and surrounding areas.

Sit Means Sit Dog Training Richmond gives your dog the personalized attention and positive encouragement they need for success.

We know your dog is a member of the family. Our goal is to create the behavior that allows your dog to share in all life’s adventures.

Our experienced trainers will bring your dog’s training to the next level! From minor behavioral issues to aggression, we work with dogs of all different temperaments, ages, sizes and breeds.

OUR GOAL IS HELPING OUR CLIENTS HAVE FUN WITH THEIR DOGS.

WHAT SETS US APART ?

Sit Means Sit RVA is committed to the success of our clients. We offer training, but additionally our team provides Group Training and Follow Up Lessons. The philosophy of Sit Means Sit is training with distractions, in a safe environment, provides the opportunity for our clients to “proof ” the behaviors they are taught. 

Talk is cheap, let us show you! 

Contact us today to learn more about Sit Means Sit Dog Training Richmond and to schedule your free consultation!

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About Sit Means Sit Dog Training

Dog Training Programs

Any Dog Any Age Any Problem

15 Day Board & Train

Why Choose Our 15 Day Board and Train Program?

  • If your busy schedule gets in the way of training
  • If your Dog is having Aggression/Reactivity Issues
  • If Therapy Dog/Service Dog Etiquette is a goal

Your dog will spend 15 days with us, having extended time with our trainers. This program is ideal for anyone short on time or struggling with the patience of training your dog. Our trainers complete 80% of the work, implementing obedience training. They will learn various skills while going on public outings during their time with our team of professionals. This program will allow your dog to have the freedom of living a happy, confident & obedient lifestyle. After completion of the private lessons, you and your dog can participate in 2 years of follow up lessons & 1 year of group training.

What you can expect from this program:

  • Come on Command
  • Wait by the Door
  • Car Manners
  • No Chewing, Digging, Jumping, or Play Biting
  • Boundaries
  • Sit next to you & at a distance
  • Down next to you & at a distance
  • Off the furniture
  • Quiet on command
  • Off Leash
  • Place
  • Heel

Our Trainers are Certified Canine Good Citizen Evaluators- the first step to Therapy Dog/Service Dog Certification.

Contact us today to get started.

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10 Day Board & Train

10 Day Board and Train is perfect of you if:

  • Have a busy schedule
  • Hands on with the professionals
  • Want an immersive training experience for your dog

Your dog will spend 10 Days with us, spending extensive time with our trainers. This program is ideal for anyone who might need some extra support to perfect their dog’s skillset. The 10 Day Program is results based to provide your dog a strong understanding of commands and repetitions for success. Our team of professionals will immerse your dog in learning the skill necessary to live their life! This program will incorporate our professionals, but include your participation. After completion of the private sessions, you and your dog can participate in 1 year of follow up & 1 year of group training.

Canine Good Citizen Evaluation included.

What you can expect from this program:

  • Come on command
  • Wait by the door
  • Car Manners
  • No chewing, digging, jumping, or play biting
  • Boundaries
  • Sit next to you
  • Down next to you
  • Off the furniture
  • Quiet on command
  • Intro to Off Leash
  • Place
  • Heel

Contact us today to get started.

Contact Us 

5 Day Board & Train

5 Day Board & Train will meet your needs if:

  • Your Dog has basic skills, just needs some tune up
  • Your Dog only has a short list of challenges they need to improve upon
  • Your Dog is not aggressive or reactive
  • Your Dog is over 1 year old

Our Trainers will spend 5 days with your dog, working on your list of desired skills. These 5 days are Monday-Friday with one lesson on Pick Up and a Follow up Lesson. We will focus on “polishing” existing skills and adding a few new ones. This program includes 6 Months of Group Training.

Canine Good Citizen Evaluation included upon request.

5 skills of your choice, including(not limited to):

  • Come on Command
  • Loose leash Walking
  • Heel
  • Door Manners
  • Sit
  • Place
  • Down

Contact us today to Get Started.

 

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Day Train Plus

Day Train Plus this program is for you if:

  • Working with your dog one on one is important
  • You have time in your day to spend with your dog
  • Leaving the dog only for the day is the best option

Your dog will receive 3 days of training a week, Mon-Fri options. You will participate in 3 evening lessons, the 1st, 3rd, & 6th, day of training. This program allows you to participate in your dog’s success, with extra support from the trainers. We will coach you and your dog together as a team. Our staff will include outings to perfect your dog’s social skills. After the program completion you will receive 6 months of follow up lessons & 1 year of group training.

Canine Good Citizen Evaluation included.

What you can expect from this program:

  • Come on command
  • Wait by the door
  • Car Manners
  • No chewing, digging, jumping, or play biting
  • Boundaries
  • Sit next to you
  • Down next to you
  • Off the furniture
  • Quiet on command
  • Intro to Off Leash
  • Place
  • Heel

Contact us today to get started.

 

 

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Day Train

Day Train is the Program you need if:

  • You are committed to participating in your dogs training
  • You are have time to do some homework
  • You are committed to group training

Your dog will receive 3 Days of training, once a week for 3 weeks. You and your Dog will receive 3 sessions with our trainers at the completion of each training day. The Day Train promotes teamwork with your “dog partner” This program offers 3 months of follow up lessons & 6 months of group training.

What you can expect from this program:

  • Come on command
  • Wait by the door
  • Car manners
  • No chewing, digging, jumping, or play biting
  • Boundries
  • Sit next to you
  • Down next to you
  • Off the furniture
  • Place
  • Heel
  • Quiet on Command

Contact us today to get started.

 

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You & Your Dog

You & Your Dog Training Program is a great option if:

  • Being involved with your dog’s training is important.
  • Continuing your dog’s education at home is your goal

Want to be involved in all aspects your dog’s training? You will work one on one with our trainers. They will coach you to learn the skills necessary to move your dog forward. Clients will receive activities/home work lessons that allow you to build and grow your dog’s training. You will receive 9 months of follow up, along with 6 months of Group Training.

Our clients will have the opportunity to work in safe distracting environments to “proof” the dog’a attention.

What you can expect from this program:

  • Come on command
  • Wait by the door
  • No chewing, digging, jumping or play biting
  • Sit next to you
  • Off the furniture
  • Quiet on command
  • Place
  • Heel

 

Contact us to schedule your free consultation.

Contact Us 

Jump Start

This Program is for You and Your Dog if:

  • You want to be involved in all aspects of the training
  • Your Dog has just a few challenges
  • You are budget conscious

Our Certified Trainers will work One on One with the client and dog during hourly lessons. Homework will be shared to improve skills. This program includes the option of 3 Lessons with No Group Training or 2 Lessons with 2 Group Training Classes.

  • Come on Command
  • No Chewing, Digging, Jumping or Play Biting
  • Loose Leash Walking
  • Sit
  • Off the furniture
  • Quiet on Command

Contact us today to get started.

 

 

Contact Us 

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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(804)-762-0398 Contact Us

Trainers & Staff

Professional trainers. Attentive friendly staff.

Jori Pollard CarnsOwner

Jori Pollard Carns has been training dogs with Sit Means Sit Dog Training since 2008. She is a Canine Good Citizen Evaluator. She loves the sport of Dock Dogs and enjoys spending time with her six Dogs. She and her husband Sam are spending time between 3 different areas, Pueblo CO, Albuquerque NM, and Richmond VA.

We have recently added to Frenchie puppies to the family: Ricky and Lucy! They are tons of fun and snorts!

One of her greatest pleasures at work is enhancing the lives of the dogs in the program. It is so much fun when a dog realizes the confidence and the freedom they have with our training program.

Jed was her business partner since the beginning of Sit Means Sit in 2008-2020. He passed away in 2022. He will always be the “founder” of the company. He was a Black Lab who loves the tennis ball and fetch is his favorite game. He loved his job and enjoyed the spotlight. You might call him a “show off”. He was retired, enjoying just hanging out resting and enjoying the sun!

Scarlett was the strong independent female of the group. She was passionate about the sport of dock diving. She also passed away in 2022.

Shadow is the young man of the group. He is a Dutch Shepard who is full of energy and lots of hops! Shadow is the main man, these days. He loves to swim and play fetch.

JonPaul FrinkOwner/Head Trainer

JonPaul hails from Ft. Lauderdale, FL, but is loving life in Richmond.  JP has an extensive background in the customer service/hospitality industry, he knows how to treat his clients!

He and his wife Kelly have lived in Richmond since 2017.  They moved north to be closer to family, which was the right choice, since adding son Jack to round out the threesome. Sit Means Sit is truly a family business for this clan, as we have franchises in Pueblo Colorado, Albuquerque New Mexico and Richmond Virginia. The “Cousins” have franchises in Orlando Fl.

JonPaul (aka JP) graduated from the St Means Sit training school in Las Vegas, Nevada in 2017.

He is a Canine Good Citizen Evaluator and Certified in Canine CPR and First Aid.

His business partner “Remy”, is a Dutch Shepard Labrador mix, with incredible drive and a great temperament to match. They have a loving bond and work in sync daily, since the start.

Our goal in Richmond is to help our clients have fun with their dogs, by enhancing the relationship you share with your pup. We provide our clients the opportunity to spend quality, enjoyable time together in public or at home, with a well-mannered dog.

JP and Kelly are excited and look forward to welcoming all their clients into the Sit Means Sit family.

Sam CarnsOwner/Project Manager

Sam comes to Sit Means Sit with an extensive construction background. Since joining the company in 2016, he has become a certified trainer, in 2022. Sam coordinates all of the projects for our company. He has built and expanded numerous facilities throughout the country. We currently have facilities in Pueblo, CO, Albuquerque NM, and Richmond VA.  Richmond VA. is  the focus of his attention for 2024. Sam coordinates all remodeling and improvement projects, as well as helps with training, process improvement, growth and expansion.

His partner is Bailey a 3 year old Border Collie with a passion for fetch.

 

Austin CarnsTrainer

Austin grew up in Northern Florida. He realized he wanted to join the Sit Means Sit Family the summer of 2022,  he moved to Albuquerque to establish his career. Austin has advanced through his training. He attended the Sit Means Sit Apprentice Program in Las Vegas NV and graduated top 10. He is always ready for an adventure and a challenge. He again moved across the country to join the Richmond Team in December of 2023.

He and his dog Boone are a great team, Austin excels Training dogs, Teaching Group Training, and Great Customer Service!
Austin is a Canine Good Citizen Evaluator and Certified in Canine CPR/First Aid.
He is excited to make Richmond home and looking forward to exploring the town with Boone. Look for him teaching Group Classes in the surrounding parks and on the trail.

 

Jessica HadenLead Kennel Tech

Jessica joined the Sit Means Sit family in November 2023. She came with experience in the animal world and dogs are her love. As valuable member of the team Jessica coordinates with the other Kennel Techs to provide exemplary care for the dogs training at the facility. She supervises play time, provides bathes, and feeding. Jessica is the coordinator of fun at our facility. She facilitates socialization with the dogs during their outside play time.

Jessica’s partner is Carlos, a pitbull mix. They enjoy working together.

Kelly Hayes FrinkOwner/Office Manager

Kelly has been the office manager for Sit Means Sit Richmond since 2017.  She is the voice on the phone you will hear when you call. Kelly manages the day to day operations of the entire company. She coordinates the client schedule, client relations, and marketing. You will see her out at our events sharing all of the companies accomplishments. Kelly has a background in hospitality, it shows in her willingness to go above and beyond for our clients and the staff.

Kelly has an adorable 2 yr old son, when she is not keeping the company running smoothly she spends her time with him.

Service Areas

We proudly serve the following areas in Richmond.

Counties

Henrico Richmond Chesterfield Hanover Ashland Goochland New Kent

Cities

  • Richmond
  • Bon Air
  • Chamberlayne
  • Dumbarton
  • Glen Allen
  • Hallsboro
  • Henrico
  • Highland Springs
  • Innsbrook
  • Laurel
  • Lakeside
  • Lorraine
  • Manchester
  • Manakin
  • Midlothian
  • Montrose
  • Rockwood
  • Short Pump
  • Tuckahoe
  • Woodlake
  • Oilville
  • Ashland
  • Doswell
  • Hanover
  • Montpelier
  • Varina
  • Chesterfield
  • Goochland
  • New Kent

Zip Codes

  • 23060
  • 23220
  • 23221
  • 23222
  • 23226
  • 23227
  • 23228
  • 23230
  • 23294
  • 23112
  • 23113
  • 23114
  • 23229
  • 23235
  • 23236
  • 23238
  • 23223
  • 23224
  • 23225
  • 23231
  • 23234
  • 23237
  • 23250
  • 23005
  • 23039
  • 23047
  • 23059
  • 23069
  • 23075
  • 23102
  • 23103
  • 23106
  • 23111
  • 23116
  • 23124
  • 23141
  • 23146
  • 23150
  • 23192

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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!

Dog Training Workshop

Dock Jumping Training

Training Your New Puppy

Dog Whistle Training

5 Star Reviews

We love customers and their dogs. They love us.

Running Alchemist

It is pricey, but SO worth it! Training a dog is a continuous process, but these guys will do the heavy lifting for you. I did their board and train program (2 weeks there, home on the weekend), and I take my stubborn Great Dane puppy to the Wednesday evening and Saturday morning group classes…

D. Miller

This training has made a solid citizen out of our 2-1/2 yo rescue golden retriever. He had been given up for adoption twice before we got him. The instructors were eminently patient and helpful for every issue we presented. We are so grateful for this awesome training.

E. Schach

Thanks to Sit Means Sit, my German Shepherd is a completely different girl. No longer anxious and aggressive, she’s happy and motivated and is loving life!

A. McCord

Amazing and life changing–we have learned so much about our dog and enjoy her even more! We know we can keep her safe and well trained around others. Thank you!