Our 1.5 year old lab/Shar Pei mix is stubborn and resistant to training. Our at-home attempts were unsuccessful and had little lasting impact. She has problems with reactivity on a leash, poor recall, and general stubborn behavior. We are still working through these things, but in six weeks with Sit Means Sit the difference is huge. She will not bark at other dogs now. If she does, it is once and she stops when I ask her to. She does not pull on the leash like she used to. I can actually get her attention when I need her to do something now. We trained at day camp with Ashley and she was incredibly helpful and knowledgable. She was so supportive and even stayed late with us to work through some problems together pretty much every lesson. My husband is reluctant to enforce rules or make our pup do things she doesn't want to do, and Ashley helped him with a few pep talks to understand why training is so important, even if it can be frustrating and uncomfortable. We are still learning and still have group classes to take, but so far I've been impressed and grateful. read more

Sit Means Sit has been made such a different for my dog (and more importantly, for me)! All of trainers are patient, knowledgeable, and truly care about helping both dogs and owners succeed. The group classes have been a great way for my dog to build confidence and practice calming down around other dogs, and I've seen such a difference in his behavior at home, in public, and on walks. I highly recommend to anyone looking for a supportive and patient training program! read more

The guys and girls at Sit Means Sit have been great and such a pleasure to work with. They are the sole reason why my two rowdy boys are much easier to control now, and this is just the beginning. Through their program, we have laid down a solid foundation of guidelines and skills to practice and live out, and this process has shown me just how significant my role as their owner is. Everything has been individualized to both my dogs but also to me. I am very grateful to them and excited to continue learning through group classes! read more

HIGHLY RECOMMEND--Call Sit Means Sit South Austin today! Our 2.5 year old, Stella, is a really great dog but about as stubborn as they come with her Great Dane/Great Pyrenees DNA--the Pyr in her makes her believe she always knows best! We looked for a long time since we adopted her to find training that would be a good fit for her, and our family, and we found what we were looking for at Sit Means Sit. Our only regret is that we didn't find them sooner! We opted for the full package with Stella--six full day camps where the amazing trainers worked with her to introduce the e-collar to prompt good behavior and response to commands followed by a one-hour session with us, her humans, to be taught how to reinforce what she learned during day camp. Sit Means Sit is really great about sending homework each week with videos we could reference to help us hone newly learned skills. Now that we've completed the first six weeks, we are now on to group sessions (30 of them ahead!) along with two one-hour private lessons we can sprinkle throughout to work more deeply on skills and to address anything we need to work on that we discover during our group sessions. Sit Means Sit owners and trainers (Francisco, Colby and Christian) were amazing from the start--they are smart, they have helped us learn why our dog does what she does and how to fix it, they know how to encourage dogs with kindness and tons of praise but stand firm with what is expected, and displayed so much patience with Stella and her humans. It was clear from day one they cared about helping her move from a really good dog to a really awesome one! Scheduling was easy and the Sit Means Sit team sends reminders through text messages and emails to keep us on track with classes. We have seen a ton of progress, but still have a lot to learn and practice. How has our life changed in six short weeks, you might ask? With the use of the e-collar and commands we can: get her attention/eye contact, keep her from running through door boundaries, actually take her for a walk, redirect her when she barks inside and outside our home, send her to place when we have guests to our home and get her to come when called (most of the time...still practicing this one a lot!). We are so incredibly grateful for the Sit Means Sit training, tools and staff...what they teach really works! read more

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This place has changed our lives in the best way possible. I came here needing help with: leash/ dog reactivity, anxiety, high energy, socialization & obedience training that would stick for my rescue dog- a Belgian Malinois mix. We learn something new at each lesson. I feel like we've received way more than what we expected with the plan we chose. The organized systems and amazing staff... are priceless!! read more

Sit Means Sit South Austin - Field trip to the park!! - Pet Training Near Me - Austin, Texas

Where to start! I brought my dog Kai in for training since we'll be transitioning into apartment living and I am shocked at his progress! He came in, he was very stubborn- typical dachshund and did not want to listen. But after a few weeks of training, he has gotten tremendously better at basic commands and listening the first time. The trainers are wonderful and they push my little guy to his fullest potential. So grateful for this experience and our ongoing group classes to come in January. Definitely recommend, trainers are patient with the animals as well as the parents 10/10! read more

Only positive things to say about Sit Means Sit Training. Purchased the package where you drop off your dog 1 day a week for a full day of training for 6 weeks, with a one hour one-on-one training session at the end of that day and homework for the following week. After these lessons are complete you have group training sessions to use within a year. When you drop off your dog for the day, it's amazing to see what they have learned. You are to practice these skills and a bit more advancement for the following week. The trainers can definitely tell who did their homework Afterward you attend group classes, which is where I as the owner really began to understand my dog, and her needs and wants. These classes not only train your dog, but help you bond. Also, the whole teaching your dog to "place". It's mind blowing and so helpful. read more

Moving to Austin made my six-year-old terrier mix "Terry" very stressed and this led to reactivity towards other dogs and leash pulling increasing. Austin is such a huge dog friendly city, so I wanted to make sure my rescue pup got the training he needed to live his best life in this new city. I saw recommendations on Yelp! For Sit Means Sit, so I decided to give them a chance since they have multiple locations. A free consultation is where you begin (via Google Meet) and a well-informed trainer explains Sit Means Sit process and recommends the best program for your dog's needs. I went with the three private lessons and 3 group classes because that was the most affordable for me at the time. I love how they have a payment plan as well to help anyone who needs it! They are very busy and taking COVID-19 precautions seriously, so limited people/dogs are allowed in the facility at a time. Scheduling is done over the phone and our first lesson went great! At first, I was hesitant about the Sit Means Sit collar like anyone would be, but after the trainers explain it and show you how to effectively use it... I could not recommend it more for dog's like my Terry who are reactive and need a little help refocusing. The only thing I wish was different with our training was having one consistent trainer for all three of our private lessons. Each time we had a new trainer, so Terry had to adapt to them. Even though we had different trainers, they were all great and they have notes about your dog so they come into the session knowing what they are dealing with. We start our group classes soon and we are excited!! The best advice I can give anyone considering Sit Means Sit (or any dog training) is that YOU as an owner need to put in the EFFORT and TIME with your dog. The trainers give you all the helpful tips/tools, but the success only happens with repetition at home and exposing your dog to new situations as frequently as you can. If you're looking for someone to do all the work for you I might look for a more personalized training program. read more

Sit Means Sit South Austin - Pet Training Near Me - Austin, Texas

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Baloo and I just completed an Introduction to Nosework class. Christian did a great job leading this class. He set up stations for each dog to practice individually on the Find skill. The activities were varied and were at an appropriate challenge level for a beginner. The class was a bit smaller - only 7 dogs - and I appreciated having a little more breathing room for my dog who is not fond of other pups. Christian was encouraging and did a great job teaching this class. read more

Let me start by saying I'm an animal rights activist, vegan, and humanitarian. The folks with bad reviews about the E-collars don't know what they are talking about. It's a tool. One can use a hammer to hit someone over the head or they can use it build a house for a homeless person. Sit-Means-Sit doesn't use the E-collar in a punitive manner. They use it to get your dog's attention faster and more efficiently than a verbal command. This is how training take less time with Sit-Means-Sit. They use a lot of tools to aide better communication between humans and dogs. I've gone the route of only using treats to train my dog and they just got sick a lot and took forever to learn. read more

I was a "transfer" in from a different Sit Means Sit center and I must say.... the training lesson I joined at Garrison park was so informational and helpful! My dog is a handful but the trainer really showed me how to try to control him and the other participants also gave me feedback which I loved! I think for those of us who are willing to spend the money to train our dogs, this program makes it all worthwhile when you feel like you are being supported in trying to learn and practice this at home. So, while my dog is still a C+ student, I have every intention of taking him as often as I can! read more

Sit Means Sit South Austin - Toby Juan Kenobi - Pet Training Near Me - Austin, Texas

My dog Sophie just completed the basic training day camp & she has learned a lot. Christian & Madison did a great job with Sophie and were very patient in helping me learn to work with my dog at home. We have now graduated with the basics and will be moving on to group training. I highly recommend Sit Means Sit South Austin. read more

Commander has one more follow up lesson and then we are on our own. We may continue to do group lessons later on. Both Ashley and Christian are wonderful to work with. Answered continuous questions and worked great with Commander. I was a bit concerned over the collar but after testing it on myself on the setting he was getting was over that in a second. Commander liked learning and was fast to get it. He never once hesitated on going there. And it was amazing seeing all the happy dogs doing what they were told with kindness. I have already told people about this program and will continue to recommend it to anyone needing help with their dogs. read more

They use E stim collars on your dog which in some cases I can see having benefit. But they had our 30 pound dog cranked to the highest level on day 1. I can see this being the case for big dogs who have behavioral issues or for lazy owners who want their dog to be compliant out of fear. We asked to have our dog trained because he pulls on his leash sometimes. We didn't ask for him to be shocked at the highest level all day until he complied to commands. Don't lie to yourself either. Try the E stim collar on your hand at a medium and you'll understand why I'm mad. They might make sense in certain cases, but definitely not ours. This is a cookie cutter place that doesn't tweak training on a case by case basis which is totally unacceptable to me. If I could give this place a zero I would. Not sure why there are so many positive reviews. What a joke. I'm sure they'll respond with some BS apology or some excuse why they acted the way they did but too late. We were seriously misled signing our dog up for this place. read more

We have a Great Pyrenees and Black Mouth Cur Mix 7 month old female and wanted to ensure she had skills for confidence and socialization. She is highly sensitive in nature and a bit shy! When we started Sit Means Sit, the first week was a bit rough. We were concerned it was not working and Christian was SO patient and helpful. The first week, we mostly focused on having the collar on and normalizing that. She is very smart so sit and front and down came quickly. The collar is not a punishment, it is a communication tool and you need to use it that way! By week 2 of day camp, she was completely different! Pretty confident, crushing her first week homework and excited to learn. Christian was fantastic and understood how to mold the training for Willow. We kept her training fun and food focused here at home and Christian at day camp. She is now done with the day camp moving to group classes and we are so happy. If you get to work with Christian, you will be absolutely impressed! Tips: 1. Trust your judgement, follow the homework but keep the sessions at home short and fun. Find your dogs happiness! Our pups is treats like dried beef liver or beef squares. We kept the collar one notch looser at home when she was relaxing and it helped normalize it faster. 2. Do not walk the dog until after week 2 of day camp if the dog has any leash reactivity (just exhausting for you and you don't have the tools to correct the behavior yet) 3. Talk to the trainer about updates or needs-they will help you and listen to you! Thanks Sit Means Sit! See ya in group class! read more

My fur child and I went here for basic obedience training when she was a puppy. Contacted them today about additional training. They still had all of our info on file, as well as a next-step suggestions for training, even though it had been a while since we had been here. I was given various options for training, as well as a follow up email to the same affect. They have a bit of a wait, which is a good sign. Also their services aren't cheap- but you get what you pay for! While it may be a little bit before we make it back, I appreciated their thorough record keeping and communication. Thanks! read more

I had no previous experience with e-collars or really any kind of dog training before this and was a little nervous because I heard negative things about "shock collars." I consulted my vet and asked other dog owners at the park who used them and everyone pretty much had the same thing to say. There's not really a one size fits all to dog training. I decided to try Sit Means Sit out and I'm so happy I did. I went to the in person consultation and she showed me where they train the day camp doggies and I was immediately sold. There were about 10 dogs spaced out throughout the warehouse on their cots not moving and very few leashed. I had never seen so many dogs so well behaved and not reacting to me or my dog. She then showed me the e-collar and let me feel it for myself. She would turn it to the lowest setting and slowly increase it until I felt the vibration. I felt it at a level 4.5 and my dog felt it at a level 3 (how to tell if she felt it is she perked her ears up and looked curious.) After feeling it for myself I was relieved and knew this wouldn't be this torture I had heard from misinformation. I picked the Trilogy package which consisted of 3 private lessons and 3 group lessons. I only had a month before I moved and they fit me in according to my needs. We did one private lesson a week with three different trainers. It seemed like they all took extensive notes because every time I had a new person they were 100% caught up to what we had done the weeks before and any struggles we had. They all taught me how to communicate with my dog and I feel like I bridged the gap with her. It was all very reward based, the collar is not to punish it's to basically say "hey look at me" and I honestly couldn't be happier with my choice with Sit Means Sit. read more

I've been meaning to write this review for awhile, but I knew it would take a long time to put all the awesome things Sit Means Sit has done for me and my dogs down in writing. I mainly worked with Kelly and Maci at the South Austin location. I want to start by saying that our trainers have always made me feel like my need for extra explanation was no problem at all. They've always been more than happy to explain anything I didn't fully understand. I came in for a consultation in September 2020 and my talk with Kelly went so well, I ended up paying in full for my two dogs to have 6 private lessons (+ unlimited group lessons) right then and there. A few days later (prior to us beginning the training), I started to have second thoughts about the e-collar. I called and spoke with someone (I'm sorry, I can't remember her name but I believe she was a manager) about my concerns. From what I knew about e-collars, I initially didn't want to go that route. By the end of the call (30+ minutes!), I felt reassured and comfortable that Sit Means Sit's use of the e-collars would not hurt my dogs nor make them feel scared or threatened into behaving. She completely rid me of my hesitation and I was excited to get started with training. Over the next 2-3 months, me and my 2 dogs (ages 1 and 3) proceeded through our private lessons. At my request, the first few lessons were with 1 dog at a time; I thought it might be overwhelming to try to wrangle in 2 dogs while we were in the learning phase. I'm not going to lie - at the very start, I wasn't sure things would pan out the way I hoped. I had a hard time getting comfortable with using the remotes and it felt like my dogs only performed well when we were with their trainers. At home, I had a hard time. I expressed my frustration and need for additional help to both Kelly and Maci, and they immediately reassured me that although it felt difficult, we would continue training until we saw the results I'd hoped for. Over time, it got easier and I saw serious improvements with my girls (details later). I also added on two overnight stays with Kelly/Maci for each of my dogs, which, to me, felt like a little booster lesson; it made it easier for me to practice the skills that they were already familiar with at home. Highly recommend the overnights. Now, for the things we trained specifically: - Sit/Place: My dogs will sit and more importantly, STAY wherever I ask them to. - Walking in Heel or on Leash: Walks are no longer a dreadful experience. Prior to our training, I HATED taking my dogs on walks! They dragged me everywhere and dictated where we went. I would get so frustrated and we'd end up just going back home because it felt maddening to try to get any control while out for a walk. Now, I control the walks, and the girls follow my lead. On command, they will immediately hop into the heel position right by my feet. I've trained them to always walk by my side when we are on concrete and when they are on grass, they're free to run around. If I don't need them immediately next to me, I use the "let's go" command and they are allowed to walk in front of me and there's no more leash pulling! - OFF-LEASH PLAYING!!!: I never thought I'd see the day. Even after enrolling with Sit Means Sit, I had doubts about whether I would EVER feel comfortable with my girls playing off-leash in a non-fenced in area. Not anymore. We go out to the fields by my apartment complex 3 times a day to get the zoomies out, play fetch, and explore. When they roam a little too far for comfort, I use the same "let's go" command as before and they know that means "come closer to me, you're too far away." We walk around my entire apartment complex, off-leash and in heel position, and I give them the "okay" command (aka, you're free to roam) when we hit grassy areas for them to play in. It's magnificent. - "Let's Go" aka "stay in my bubble": Explained above :) - Come Here: The only reason we are able to play off-leash is because I know if I ask them to come back, they will. Even if they are nose-deep in grass/dirt/something smelly, when it's time to come back to me, they do. - "Okay" aka "Free: Explained above :) - Fence Fighting: One of my dogs had a huge issue with fence fighting. She'd sit at the fence barking non-stop at them, trying to start problems. This issue has decreased by at least 75%. It still happens sometimes, but I am able to get their attention and ask them to come inside when it does. - Look at Me or "Me": We're taught to always get the dogs' attention before giving a command. I use "look at me" or "me" and they look straight in my eyes. I want to be completely honest in this review and say that everything I wrote above is true about 80-90% of the time. My girls started training in September, so it's only been 8 months or so. That being said, I'm blown away by the progress we've made. I would recommend Sit Means Sit to anyone who wants to live a happier life with their dogs. read more

Sit Means Sit did a great job with our new rescue dog, Harvey. He was quite a handful when we started, and we are making steady progress. Both trainers and staff are excellent, and each one took time to answer our questions and show us exactly what we can do to be a better leader. We look forward to continuing to work with Sit Means Sit to further improve our relationship with Harvey along with his manners. read more

I highly recommend taking your dog to Sit Means Sit! I've been taking my Aussie, Jax, in for classes and we have worked with Ray & Adam. They are amazing! They are very informative & helpful. read more

If you want your dog trained correctly go to Sit Means Sit. Trainers are well trained and help with special circumstances I was having to use a walker for a bad hip and also was waiting to have shoulder replacement. Christian really helped me with all my special needs read more

I was looking for training services after my two boxer pit dogs began demonstrating aggressive behavior that I thought they had fully outgrown as puppies. I had lost confidence in even walking them around the block. Sit Means Sit trainers quickly assessed my situation and provided the customized guidance and training I needed to regain control of their actions. With practice and support from the team, I quickly go back to the level of confidence I needed to again take my dogs out at public spaces. If looking for professional insightful dog training services, make sure to check out Sir Means Sit. read more

We enrolled our sassy 4-year-old dog, Billie Holiday, for three weeks of day training. Thanks to our trainers, Micah and Cortney, we saw immediate results to help with our dog's behavior issues at home, and just as important, we were given great instruction in how to continue training her at home. Everybody is helpful and quick at replying with any questions. While, yes, it is expensive, we think it was a great investment and look forward to continue to learn more in group classes, which are included for a year. I would highly recommend this company to anybody on the fence for training. read more

We have been very happy with Sit Means Sit in Austin. We have 2 boxer sisters that are 2 years old. We could not have them out with our grandkids because they would lick and scratch them. We were very sad but considering rehoming them. After 1 week at sit means sit they are different dogs. We have regained control of our home. We continue to work with our boxers and trainers in classes. We are very grateful that we can now have our cute boxers out of their kennel while the grandkids visit. Thank You, Sit Means Sit and all your trainers read more

Taking my dog here was a game changer. The staff is so knowledgeable (shoutout to Ray and Stephen!!) and helpful through what was a really stressful time after adopting my rescue dog and quickly realizing that I had no experience with handling most of her quirks. I highly suggest the day camp and group classes. I saw my dog's behavior change drastically in the 3 weeks, and more so my ability to guide and take charge. I had my last lesson with Ray and he sent me on my way with full confidence and thorough explanations/answers to any questions I had. I cannot recommend him enough! Stellar experience. Thanks so much, SMSSA team!!! read more

The trainers at Sit means sit have been amazing. Christian and Kim worked with my two hounds and I cannot believe how big of a turnaround this has been for them. Henry (beagle) literally bit my face 4 days before training started because he was fighting with Ruth (basset hound) over a toy. Now you would never now he was aggressive. In addition to that he had collar trauma from his previous owners so our first day was just getting him used to knowing that the collar doesn't hurt him and that was our homework for the week. After our 4 days of day camp, he was literally a new dog. Ruth was a different story, same outcome. Ruth was a sweet baby that just didn't listen to anything ever. She was more work for the trainers and I compared to Henry, but she listens now! She's still got the stubborn basshole attitude, but the collar has been an amazing tool in fixing her inability to listen. I cannot recommend this facility enough. I'm SOOOOO happy we took the chance and got these babies into school because our lives are so much easier now. 12/10 TAKE YOUR DOGS TO THEM! read more

Sit Means Sit South Austin - Place! - Pet Training Near Me - Austin, Texas

Riggins really enjoyed 1 on 1 Good Manners training with Maci! I would highly recommend the South Austin location of Sit Means Sit to dog owners in need of some training and guidance. read more

The trainers were great. I saw immediate results and not only did they train my furbaby, but me as well to continue the lessons at home in a way that was clear and easy to understand. Highly recommend!!! read more

So you don't have to read the whole review, I'll give you the highlight: I 100% recommend Sit Means Sit. The trainers care about your dog and they do awesome work with them! This program works! My dog, Bellinger, is a very reactive and a pretty aggressive dog. I was looking for a place that specializes in the type of dog she is. I was very happy to find Sit Means Sit! You are given a guilt-free consultation to talk over your goals and pup. I didn't feel pressure to sign up, but liked everything I heard so I signed up on the spot. It was pricey but an awesome price compared to other dog training out there. Plus, I was able to use square payments so I didn't have to pay everything right then and there. There is many different types of training schedules, which I liked. We did day camp training 3x a week and I couldn't be happier! I saw results almost instantly. Plus with practice at home, I feel very confident in Belli's training. She trained with at least 3 different trainers, and each one was so good with her and explaining everything to me. So once again, I 100% recommend Sit Means Sit. The trainers care about your dog and they do awesome work with them! This program works! read more

Nothing but great experiences with all the trainers here! Life changing for us and our dog. Highly highly recommend. Kelli is so sweet and knowledgeable! I cannot thank you guys enough! read more

I was having a lot of trouble with my dog being reactive to the leash and other dogs in my apartment complex and on walks. I didn't know what to do because my dog Sophie was constantly pulling and yanking anytime she was on a leash. I was nervous about leaving Sophie all day with a trainer and was nervous about the collar at first as well. I had a consultation with Troy after a recommendation from a neighbor and all my worries were gone. The collar feels like a buzzer. It is a way of getting the pups attention and is NOT used as a punishment. I have felt it on all the levels and am comfortable using it on my dog, do not let the collar scare you off. I was so happy dropping Sophie off our last week because she was crying trying to get into Sit Means Sit to see her trainer Micah. She seemed so happy to see Micah and vice versa . After each day of intensive training Micah did an awesome job of teaching me exactly what we needed to work on the next week and was happy to answer any questions I had. Micah was so sweet and an amazing trainer. I was shocked at the new things she learned in just a few hours. I felt completely at ease leaving Sophie with Micah and I am kind of a helicopter pet owner. On our in home training day, Adam really helped me to learn how to control Sophie in our home environment and gave me ideas for great training opportunities in my apartment complex. Sophie has learned so many things in such a short period of time and I am so proud of her. I highly recommend Sit Means Sit and can't wait to start group training classes! read more

We came to Sit Means Sit looking for help correcting some very engrained behaviors in a very stubborn 3 year old dog. Maci was great at helping us tackle these problems and giving us the tools we need to continue to train our sweet pup. We loved our time here and are glad that we found Maci! read more