Best Dog Training in South Orange County

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Dog Training
Experts In San Clemente & Mission Viejo

Proudly providing professional dog training in San Clemente, San Juan Capistrano, Mission Viejo, Lake Forest and surrounding cities in the Southern Orange County California areas.

At Sit Means Sit Dog Training South Orange County, our passion is to develop the relationship between dogs and their families, to allow the most freedom and safety for the dogs and the most peace of mind for the people. We specialize in behavioral challenges such as aggressive dogs, separation anxiety, fear and submission issues, leash reactivity, and high-energy puppies. Our lifetime warranty gives you the certainty that we will meet your dog training goals and our training is guaranteed for the life of your pup!

There’s no dog Sit Means Sit can’t train, from a 2-pound Chihuahua to 180-pound Mastiff. We offer dog training classes and programs that fit any and all dogs…no matter the breed, age, size or personality, we have you covered!

Through our free consultation, Sit Means Sit Dog Training South Orange County will design a program to fit each dog and owner’s goals. Our trainers will come to you so they can see the everyday behaviors and work in your dogs environment. Our programs vary both in the structure and layout as well in the cost and duration. Each of our training programs is custom tailored to your specific needs.

Contact us today at (949) 373-5357 to schedule a FREE Dog Training Evaluation!

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About Sit Means Sit Dog Training

Dog Training Classes

Any Dog Any Age Any Problem

Private Lessons

Our Private Lessons allow us to address your pup’s individual needs by learning from your own personal trainer. They can come to your home, local park, favorite trail, or even a shopping center to work around your dogs biggest distractions. These one-on-one lessons are ideal for families or individuals who want to be involved in their dog’s training process.

Why Private Lessons Would Be Best For You:

  • By providing in-home training your dog is able to learn in their most comfortable environment.
  • You’ll be able to learn how to continue training your pup on your own.
  • You can take pride in the success you promoted in your pooch.

Want to get personal with your pups progress? Contact Us Today For Your Free Consultation!

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Jump start dog training program.

JumpStart

Our JumpStart program allows you to get the best of a fully immersed training program without having to send them away. Training would be completed in and around your home for you and your dog’s comfort. And our professional trainers would come every day to teach your dog the manners they need, while you get to sit back & relax.

Benefits Of Choosing JumpStart:

  • Compared to group classes, JumpStart would be a personal experience that would allow your dog to stay focused on their specific trainer.
  • We’ll target any specific goals you want your pup to meet as well as addressing any issues the trainer might observe.
  • While your dog is learning their valuable new skill set, you’d be able to focus on other important tasks.

Ready to get your pooch in shape? Contact Us Today For Your Free Consultation!

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Day Train

Our Day Train Program is excellent for busy pet parents that want to give their dogs the best life possible but find their schedules to be too busy to dedicate hours a day to training. We work with dogs every day that are extremely hyper, struggle with attention issues due to reactive behaviors, are fearful of new people, and so much more.

The Day Train program has all the benefits of a traditional Board and Train, except Fido gets to come home with you every night! All you’ll need to do is drop your dog off at our Sit Means Sit Training Facility in the morning. During the day, your pup will not only receive one-on-one direction from our expert trainers but also receive physical and mental exercise while you continue with your busy day. At the end of this program you will receive a Transfer of Leadership Lesson where we pass on the torch of skills. You will also receive as many follow up lessons as needed and when ready, be invited into group class.

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Board and train program.

Board & Train Program

The best way to fast track your dog’s obedience training is through our Board & Train Program. It’s a full emersion training experience where your pup would be in our full care for 10-20 days. During this time they would spend 40 hours a week receiving unbeatable training from their personal full-time trainer. They would learn valuable skills such as confidence, obedience, and socialization that would transfer right to your home.

Why Choose Our Immersion Board & Trian Program?

  • We’ll conduct training at different parks, shops, and pet stores all around Orange County to simulate real-life experiences with severe distractions present.
  • Your dog needs some serious training but you just don’t have the time to drive them back and forth to multiple classes.
  • Once your pooch is ready to return home you’ll receive private in-home lessons to continue encouraging their new skill set.

Want more information on bettering your pup’s performance? Contact Us Today For A Free Consultation!

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Group dog training classes.

Group Classes

Groups classes are extremely helpful in improving your dog’s social skills! After completing one of our individual training programs you’ll be eligible to participate. Allowing them to first learn their new skill set without as much disturbance present. Once they have completed this step they will be able to partake in Group Classes where they will learn to handle severe distractions in an organized learning environment.

Advantages Of Group Class:

  • You’ll keep your dog social by being around new dogs and new people.
  • We practice with real-life distractions by holding class in local parks around Orange County.
  • You will stay fresh and sharp on all your canine training skills.
  • It’s a great opportunity to practice and strengthen your off-leash control.
  • Your dog will learn to listen to you in high distraction environments.

Boost your furry-friends social skills in an excellent learning environment by Contacting Us Today!

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Therapy Dog Program at Sit Means Sit South Orange County

Therapy Dog Program

Our dedicated team consists of Therapy Dogs, Service Dogs, and Handlers. Both canine and trainer work hard to earn each of their certifications so that they can give their best service to the community.

We offer testing and certification under our K-9 Caring Angels team. Once certified, many of our handlers and dogs enjoy working with our team giving back to the community through organized events or through their own special projects or work, or both! Contact us today to determine if your dog has what it takes.

View our videos to learn more about the K-9 Caring Angels Therapy Dog Program!

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Puppy training program.

Puppy Socialization and Development

We have programs specifically designed for puppies because their first 20 weeks are the most important when it comes to training! By teaching them the proper way to behave from the start it can prevent disobedient behaviors in the future. We help with main issues such as potty training, crate training, leash introduction, and chewing & biting issues. 

Why You Should Start Puppy Training:

  • You want to ensure your pup is on the right path to becoming a well-behaved dog.
  • You’re already seeing troubling signs of disobedience in the first 20 weeks.
  • It’s a great way to set a foundation for future training programs.

Your puppy’s ready to get off on the right foot! So what are you waiting for? Contact Us Today For Your Free Consultation!

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Dog Trainers & Staff

Professional trainers. Attentive friendly staff.

Whitney Ostrom

Whitney LaseterOwner

Whitney’s journey with Sit Means Sit is a genuine testament to the effectiveness of their training system. Starting as a client, she quickly transitioned into a devoted advocate, referring numerous family members and friends to the program. Her passion for dogs is evident, and clients consistently appreciate her abilities, positive attitude, and helpfulness.

Whitney’s dogs, Gracie and Kane, are truly impressive. Together, they showcase remarkable obedience and entertain audiences with their amusing games and tricks. In addition to their everyday activities, Whitney and Kane excel in Mondioring, with Kane achieving the highest level of recognition in the sport, Level 3 Mondioring.

Whitney’s commitment to canine excellence is evident not only in her practical experience but also in her dedication to education. She holds certifications as a CGC Evaluator, AKC Community Canine Evaluator, AKC Urban Canine Good Citizen Evaluator, Trick Dog Evaluator, AKC S.T.A.R. Puppy Evaluator, and Therapy Dog Evaluator.

Whitney’s expertise and talent have been recognized beyond the local community. She has been featured on America’s Top Dog on AE, where she and Kane showcased their exceptional skills. Their appearances on two episodes of the show further solidified Whitney’s reputation as a top-tier dog trainer. This national platform allowed Whitney to demonstrate her remarkable abilities to a wider audience, inspiring even more individuals in the world of dog training. From scent detection to zip lining down from two stories, Kane and Whitney put on quite a show.

Education:

  • Oklahoma State University

Certifications:

  • CGC Evaluator
  • AKC Community Canine Evaluator
  • AKC Urban Canine Good Citizen Evaluator
  • Trick Dog Evaluator
  • AKC S.T.A.R. Puppy Evaluator
  • Caring Angels Therapy Dog Evaluator
Chris Laseter

Chris LaseterOwner/Training Director

Chris started his career as a school teacher and coach. Given his passion for dogs and his gift of instruction, he made an easy transition into teaching dogs and their owners.

Today, he is a Certified Professional Dog Trainer with over a decade of experience with Sit Means Sit. In 2015 Chris was voted one of the Best Trainers in the Sit Means Sit Organization by his peers.

He is frequently requested to teach at many dog training seminars across the country. While he spends most of his time with obedience and manners, he loves teaching retriever and scent detection work.

Education:

  • State University of West Georgia
  • Sit Means Sit Dog Trainers School
  • National K9 School for Dog Trainers
  • No Limitations School for Remote Collar Training

Certifications:

  • Remote Collar Specialist
  • Basic and Advanced Obedience
  • Breed Identification
  • Tracking
  • Personal Protection
  • Police K-9
  • Scent Detection
  • Utility
  • Puppy Development
  • Assistance Dog and Retrieval
  • Pet Tech Instructor #1530
  • AKC Canine Good Citizen Evaluator #37060.

Luana PochmannArea Manager & Head Trainer

Luana, our dedicated Area Manager at Sit Means Sit Dog Training, embodies a lifelong passion for dogs that began in her native Brazil. Growing up surrounded by the vibrant culture and warmth of Brazil, Luana’s heart was captured by the countless stray dogs in need of love and care. From a young age, she became known for her compassionate nature and tireless efforts to rescue and nurture these animals, igniting a deep love for dogs that would shape her future endeavors.

In 2010, Luana embarked on a new chapter of her life, immigrating to the United States with dreams of furthering her education and pursuing her passion for dogs. Despite her parents’ initial reluctance to have a dog due to the absence of a yard, Luana patiently waited until she was able to provide the love and attention her furry companions deserved. When she finally welcomed a Belgian Malinois into her life, her interest in law enforcement and K9 handling was sparked, setting her on a path of exploration and discovery.

Initially fascinated by the world of K9 handling, Luana’s journey took an unexpected turn when she encountered Sit Means Sit Dog Training. Drawn by numerous recommendations and referrals, Luana attended a consultation with Sit Means Sit, where her enthusiasm and dedication caught the eye of the owner, Whitney. Impressed by her natural talent and energy, Whitney extended an invitation for Luana to come check out the Sit Means Sit team.

Since then, Luana has become an invaluable asset to Sit Means Sit, often requested by clients for her exceptional customer service and unwavering dedication. In her spare time, she continually pushes herself to learn and grow, participating in Mondioring, a bitework sport, with her Malinois, Kenzo. She also enjoys agility training with her Border Collie, Anchor, and has obtained his Therapy dog certification as well. Furthermore, all of Luana’s dogs are AKC Canine Good Citizen approved, a testament to her commitment to training and nurturing well-behaved canine companions.

Luana’s journey from a compassionate young girl rescuing stray dogs in Brazil to an often requested trainer at Sit Means Sit is a testament to her unwavering passion, dedication, and love for our furry friends. As she continues to seek out more knowledge and continuously grow in her field Luana can be seen in the Salt Lake City area enjoying off leash control with her dogs on hikes or with them in Orange County, paddle boarding on the beaches.

Service Areas

We proudly serve the following areas in San Clemente & Mission Viejo.

Cities

  • Foothill Ranch
  • Trabucco Canyon
  • Rancho Santa Margarita
  • Mission Viejo
  • Ladera Ranch
  • San Clemente
  • San Jaun Capistrano
  • Lake Forest
  • Laguna Woods
  • Laguna Hills
  • Capistrano Beach

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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!

Dozer’s first week progress!

The golden squad at pets plus! Kahlua, Max, and Maddie!

Puppy Preschool

Flynn and Porsche

Dog Owners Reviews

We love customers and their dogs. They love us.

Jeff D.

Our two labs went thru the 10 day program and came back different dogs. They listen, are more focused and actually enjoy their training time. We also attend the weekly refresher courses which is great family time for us and the dogs. Great job sit means sit!

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…

Nikki E.

“Sit Means Sit’s training program has seriously been one of the best investments I have ever made. I picked my dog, Biggie, up last week and the changes in her behavior and previous aggression have been unbelievable! She’s a better listener, less territorial, and just an all around better behaved and happier dog! My dog…

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!”