Mia the Corgi | Perfect Recall
We enrolled our corgi Mia in puppy classes at a local pet store when she was only 12 weeks old. She has the basics down – sit, down, stay, leave it – but she will only do that in the home, with no distractions, and if there are treats involved. Now she is 4 years old, pulls on the leash, and absolutely doesn’t care what kind of treats you have in your hand when there are more exciting things around her like other dogs and people.
We wanted to change her habits ASAP so that she (and we) can live happier lives and be able to go out together more. We were referred to Sit Means Sit when I reached out to friends for dog training recommendations. I actually specifically looked for programs that do not use an e-collar because I had a lot of fear due to stigmas about it, but I found that many highly rated training programs in the San Jose area utilize an e-collar in some way. Also during our free in-home consultation with Ryan (Tu-Hai), he explained how the e-collar is a safe and great training tool when used properly. He even had us feel the collar ourselves as well as putting it on himself to show that it is not meant to create pain. Ryan was never pushy about anything from beginning to end. However, he is the straight shooter type and will not sugar coat anything because he wants to make sure you and your dog are knowledgeable and get the results you want.
We ended up signing Mia up for a board and train with Ryan while we were on vacation. He was extremely flexible about the pick-up and drop-off times because of our flights, and he sent us several video updates while we were away. In the video updates, I could already see how much progress Ryan had made with Mia. Once home, we kept practicing the foundation that Ryan had created and it was like a complete transformation! She does not pull on the leash anymore and for the first time ever, I trust to let her off-leash at the park! I let her run freely because I know I can recall her. I probably wouldn’t let her off-leash around cars, but I know that she will sit and place on command if I need her to in an emergency.
Ryan has also created a Sit Means Sit group where you can network with other owners and their dogs that have gone through the program. It is very useful when I have questions as Ryan is very responsive. There are also free weekly group classes for those who completed the program. Mia and I really enjoy going to the group classes so that she can socialize, continue to practice what she learned, and try to push her boundaries with higher distractions.
Highly recommend Ryan and Sit Means Sit. Once you’re in, you’re part of the family and you get continued support even after the board and train is over. One of the best investments we’ve made. Too bad we didn’t find him sooner, but better late than never!
— Nancy & Mia
Board and Trained by Ryan (TuHai) Ngo