Cancel

    Open app

    Search

    Sit's Getting Real

    5.0 (16 reviews)
    Open 9:00 am - 7:00 pm

    Services - Sit's Getting Real

    Private dog training

    Sit's Getting Real Photos

    You might also consider

    Recommended Reviews - Sit's Getting Real

    Your trust is our priority, so businesses can't pay to alter or remove their reviews. Learn more about reviews.
    Yelp app icon
    Browse more easily on the app
    Review Feed Illustration

    Reviews With Photos

    Meg
    Dawn E.

    I really enjoyed their group dog fitness classes. A bit like agility training. Great for socialization and connection with my pup. Prices for these classes are reasonable and are located at a park above Fashion Valley. There's a good amount of personalization given by each of the trainers.

    Practicing long distance recall in group class.  Amanda seen in the background
    Joshua R.

    Remarkably impressive trainers! Both Amanda and Tomas are exceptional trainers in addition to humans. Since Amanda is the trainer I've most frequently trained with, I'll focus this review more on her. I worked with Amanda initially using their 'board & train' option for a trip abroad. In 2 weeks, my ~5 month old rescue puppy went from what could best be described as a feral cat/chihuahua hybrid to a perfectly trained puppy! Since then, she has continued to help in reinforcing and adding onto my puppy's training. They have added a group training classes since my initial work with Amanda which I've also loved. It's a brilliant way to properly socialize one's furry companion, and they leave room for some customization (for example, we had several skateboard-phobic dogs and did training to begin desensitization). The group classes are also a crazy good deal if you're looking for a low commitment way to try out their services. You won't be disappointed! Amanda's focus is entirely on positive reinforcement. She will be assigning you homework and understands that the owners need just as much positive reinforcement as their dogs. If you have a puppy, in particular, her level of patience and positivity makes what can be an extremely challenging situation way easier. I could not possibly recommend this group highly enough, and it's a testament to how well trained my puppy has become that I'm a frequent source of referrals for Sit's Getting Real. Hope you give them a shot and if you do tell them I sent you :)

    Saturday morning leash training
    Jim Y.

    This review is long overdue! First, bravo on the name! :) Puns are great! There's so much to say, but so little time! We found Sit's Getting Real on a SD Australian Shepherd FB group and Tomas reached out and shared that he's a dog trainer and works with herding breeds often, so my wife and I decided to just stop shopping around for trainers and 'go for it' and started 1-on-1 sessions with him. We felt that our girl, Sydney, being the hyper pup that she was/is, needed some special attention because of her breed, and we did not regret our decision. With Tomas, we worked on basic obedience such as leash training, jumping/reactivity with guests, greeting other dogs at the dog park, bringing her to public places (restaurants/cafes), and more. Tomas was so patient with us and also Sydney. He gave us the confidence and tools to feel like we could practice and execute the commands on our own. We also appreciated how accessible he was if we had any questions in-between our next sessions. Even better, Sydney, LOVED seeing Tomas each session and did not hesitate to wiggle butt dance whenever he showed up! After our 1-on-1 sessions ended with Tomas, we started working with Amanda for group training (3 sets of 5 sessions). Even though we had developed a good foundation for Sydney while working with Tomas, we needed some additional support for her in regards to reactivity with other dogs. Sydney is such an outgoing dog, that if she saw another dog from afar, she would lunge, stand on her hind legs, bark, and whine/bark. As her paw-rents, we really struggled trying to control her when she would get into this mental state, so we knew that working in a group setting with other dogs would help. Working with Amanda was another amazing experience! She was so patient with us, gave us positive feedback during and after sessions and checked-in with us throughout the week. She would be able to 'read' us during the group session and tell when we were feeling frustrated and adjust accordingly. Believe me when I say that the girl that would squeal at the top of her lungs when she saw all the other dogs in class and had to be sat furthest back from the group, was able to decrease her reactivity threshold to a few feet by the end of the class. In our last set of classes, we focused purely on leash training, which further gave us the tools we needed to manage Sydney if she ever got reactive on our walks. Now, we feel more confident that if we encounter any reactive situations, we know what we should do to maintain control. We are so grateful for the partnership and relationship that we've developed with Amanda and Tomas. Without their experience and help, we would be lost and frustrated. By no means is Sydney 'perfect,' but she is better-adjusted and calmer. Now, we feel like we have the tools to help her thrive! It goes to show that if you put in the time, energy, and effort, great things can happen! We have recommended Sit's Getting Real to our neighbor/friends and they rave about them, as well! We're so grateful!

    This one loves Tomas
    Rips S.

    Tomas is the BEST! He's more than just a dog trainer, he's a human trainer too I saw him the day after I got my first dog, and I had no idea what I was doing. He put me at ease, taught me all the basics in a very organized way, and helped me learn how to train her on my own. He would even guide me through things about dog physiology or food/toys that I didn't know as a new dog mom, which helped a lot in the beginning since I would freak out about everything. Even though I live in NorCal, we see him each time we visit family in San Diego - and given the progress my dog has made, even my family in SD has started seeing him for their dog. The only negative is that he has spoiled me - having to meet other dog trainers near me made me realize how much I dislike humans. I actually look forward to hanging out with him during our time working with my dog, and with others it hasn't felt that way. I wish there were more trainers and humans like him, then I'd be more motivated to do dog training between my trips to SD. Thanks in large part to him, in a matter of 3 months she could do 57 commands consistently in two languages, and is learning 20 others. Granted everyone thinks their dog is perfect, I actually think I have the smartest bestest dog in the world And she has the smartest bestest trainer in the world!

    Waiting patiently during class!
    Lena L.

    Definitely long overdue review for my favorite trainers! I personally work with Amanda but both Thomas and her are wonderful! I was first introduced to Sits Getting Real when my 3 year old Corgi (Penny) got in trouble at daycare for attacking other dogs. Trust me, they may be small, furry and cute but can be just as vicious lol. We started off with private 1:1 training sessions where Amanda came over every week and worked patiently with us and Penny. We already saw such tremendous improvements over few sessions! We thought we were experienced dog owners but little did we know, we learned so much from Amanda! After our private training sessions ended we moved to group training classes because Penny's triggers were more geared toward being around other dogs. We have been going consistently for months now and definitely we see a huge improvement in her behavior towards other animals. It's a very long and slow process and we understand we need to be patient and consistent. Amanda is also patient as well and purposely will try to give attention to Penny's triggers during class so that we can correct them when it's in full motion! We'll probably keep attending these classes even if Penny is completely fixed haha. We enjoy the trainers as well as the various folks that come as well. Overall the vibe is positive, fun and not scary at all. Whether you're experienced or not totally doesn't matter. Everyone is treated equally with respect :)! Highly recommend Sits Getting Real!

    Our boy Cash

    I can't say enough great things about Thomas. He has worked miracles with my 2 year old pit bull. He was a rescue and had no social or behavioral training with so much energy he kept getting in trouble at doggy daycare he actually got thrown out of one doggy daycare and Thomas has work miracles with him in such a short amount of time Thomas has a unique gift of offering discipline and affection at the same time which I truly admire .

    Jeremiah D.

    I have a three year old German shepherd mix who is smart but is also very stubborn. It was starting to get difficult to control him especially on walks. He had a very bad habit of pulling, lunging after other dogs, and completely stopping and refusing to keep walking on his walks. It got so bad that he would only walk if there was two people with him to help control! Anyways, Tomas has been so patient and very knowledgeable on how to get control back again with our dog. After the first session, I was able to walk him by myself with more control than I ever had before. He also continues to teach me ways on strengthening the relationship structure between dog and master along with other obedience tricks. Anyways, if you're looking for a knowledgeable, patient, and affordable trainer for your animals, just hit him up! :)

    My dog kolbalt

    See all

    Photo of Mike C.
    289
    33
    5

    5 months ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    4 months ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    2 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Dawn E.
    0
    49
    50

    3 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    4 years ago

    Business owner information

    Photo of Tomas N.

    Tomas N.

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    4 years ago

    Business owner information

    Photo of Tomas N.

    Tomas N.

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    2 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Jim Y.
    144
    22
    7

    4 years ago

    Business owner information

    Photo of Tomas N.

    Tomas N.

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    4 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Lena L.
    227
    62
    112

    4 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Mona J.
    36
    101
    49

    5 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    6 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Lara L.
    311
    21
    0

    7 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    6 years ago

    Business owner information

    Photo of Tomas N.

    Tomas N.

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    3 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    7 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    Ask the Community - Sit's Getting Real

    Review Highlights - Sit's Getting Real

    Anyways, Tomas has been so patient and very knowledgeable on how to get control back again with our dog.

    Mentioned in 9 reviews

    Read more highlights

    You might also consider

    Verify this business for free

    People searched for Pet Training 2,722 times last month within 15 miles of this business.

    Verify this business

    Bark Busters Home Dog Training San Diego - Your Greater San Diego and North County Team

    Bark Busters Home Dog Training San Diego

    (475 reviews)

    Bark Busters came to us highly recommended. After some research and reviewing Ted Talk and…read morearticles, I signed up our two rescue mix breed ~20lb boys. We are grateful to James of BB who placed us with Jenna. Our boys issues: high reactivity outside, especially other dogs, and inside, door bell, ring cameras, etc. Coupled with greetings by jumping and owning the house. Jenna set us on a path of activities for inside and was incredibly patient letting me share and ask questions, learning constantly. As we fine-tuned and we all got more comfortable we moved our training to outside. The methodology used is absolutely amazing and, I dare say, short of a miracle. We practice regularly and introduce the boys to different circumstances. All that food luring and positive food reinforcement training certainly has its place but only the techniques of BB with Jenna has helped our boys become trusting, comfortable, and happy. Here I thought I had to scan the horizon constantly to be aware of incoming dogs to prepare myself to hide behind a car or go in the corner behind garbage cans to get maximum distance. Not true. I walk no longer with my head on a lazy susan. We all are forever grateful. Our boys can lead richer more social lives. Thank you!!!

    I'm updating my original 6-month review now that it has been a full year since we hired Bark…read moreBusters to help with our rescue dog Mimi. As first-time dog owners, the early support really did help us. Having someone we could call during those overwhelming first months was a relief. Over time, though, I realized I was hoping the training would shift toward more positive reinforcement. The constant, harsher corrections worked at first but eventually didn't seem effective anymore and started affecting my relationship with Mimi. I noticed this during a family trip where Mimi, who is usually fearful of strangers, bonded more easily with my husband and his family. She gravitated toward them when scared, and I realized it might be because they weren't following the correction-heavy approach, while I was. I also asked for help with Mimi's fear and reactivity toward other dogs, but was told they didn't have dogs available for training and that I would need to bring a calm, socialized dog myself. As a non-trainer, that was very hard, but we tried by traveling many hours to introduce her to my husband's family dog. The experience ended up being chaotic since the family didn't fully understand what the process required, and new people and dogs kept appearing even though Mimi wasn't ready. Her reactivity came back in that environment, which made me feel like the training had only put a bandaid on deeper fear issues. Maybe I should have clarified expectations better from the start, but with a high-need dog and being new to all of this, I didn't know what to expect. Since then, we've switched to a positive reinforcement trainer who organizes structured group activities. Mimi is still scared of bigger dogs and can still be reactive, but she's improving slowly and has been able to meet a few smaller dogs. She's also still fearful of people, but she nips a lot less now, so progress is happening. Overall, Bark Busters helped us in the beginning, but long-term we found that a different, more positive approach has been a better fit for Mimi.

    Sit Stay Come Dog Training

    Sit Stay Come Dog Training

    (243 reviews)

    Grantville

    Summer of 2024 I had an anxious, reactive, fearful, unwalkable big rescue dog. She broke harnesses,…read morepulled me to the ground, was afraid of people, and snapped at strangers and other dogs. My friends nicknamed her Cujo, it was that bad. I couldn't invite people to the house. Summer of 2025 I have a dog that loves meeting new dogs and people and runs around OB dog beach off leash. She's not reactive, she has great recall, she makes friends, I can have people over, she listens to commands, and she's so easy to walk. I took her into the vet this week and they removed the 'bite risk' warning from her file, they said it's like a completely different dog. She's not anxious or fearful. She's confident, playful, and so happy. All of this was because of training with John. He is patient, gentle, and kind. I can't put into words how grateful I am that we found him. I recommend him to every dog owner I know.

    John was an absolute pleasure to work with. We had adopted a young dog, who had a tumultuous past,…read moreand lots of high puppy energy. My initial phone interview with John drew me to "Sit Stay Come" because he was genuinely interested in our dog's personality, energy level, and how he could cater to her. I loved that he offered a free evaluation to make sure that he was the right fit for our dog. I've already recommended John to a neighbor. I can't say enough great things about "Sit Stay Come." Thank you for helping our fur baby become a better version of herself!

    Who's Walking Who? Dog Training - Bali sat patiently while we took our Christmas photo

    Who's Walking Who? Dog Training

    (109 reviews)

    Hiii all!! now that my puppy has completed his training sessions I thought I'd share my…read moreexperience working with Who's Walking Who! I'll be totally honest: as a first-time dog owner to an Australian Shepherd, I was feeling a little underwater. I knew I needed help, but I was so nervous that professional training would be an investment I couldn't justify. That all changed the second I got on a consultation call with James from WhosWalkingWho.com James is one of those rare people who is just... real. He's straightforward and incredibly genuine. Right away, I could tell he wasn't just trying to "sell" me a package or take my money--he actually cared about my situation. He has this amazing way of explaining things that just clicks. He doesn't gatekeep his knowledge; he truly wants to hand you all the tools and resources you need so that both you and your pup can be the best versions of yourselves. If you're looking for a trainer who is professional, honest, and truly "in your corner," you have to call James. I promise you, it's a decision you won't regret!

    My dog was clueless! WHO'S WALKING WHO? saved me! Personal training with James was incredibly fast,…read moreeffective and affordable. James has helped me every step of the way, quickly answering every question I've had. With James lessons and constant support my dog is now a task trained Disabled Service Animal. Every day I receive compliments regarding how well trained and behaved he is. I chose James because he has so many positive reviews going back 9+ years, and I could not be more pleased. THANK YOU JAMES!!

    Dog Tired - Cookie was so happy at Dog Tired. She gives it 5 paws

    Dog Tired

    (104 reviews)

    Our extra energetic pup went through Canine Good Citizen training with Sarah and the crew... and I…read moremust say it was the best $ we've spent. He's still extra energetic, but when we've had to get control, his training is key. He also got injured playing and had to undergo a major knee surgery... THANK GOODNESS for the training! It's been hard, but again, training has been key to success. Looking forward to next steps sometime after rehab is done.

    I usually don't take the time to write reviews, but after our experience with Sara, I truly feel…read moreshe deserves one, especially for all the dog lovers out there who might be as nervous as we were. This was the very first time we left our 1-year-old dog with someone. He's almost 80 pounds of pure energy, a big, happy, very enthusiastic boy so choosing the right person felt incredibly important. I was anxious and very cautious about who we could trust. From day one, Sara exceeded every expectation. She didn't just "watch" our dog -- she worked with him every single day with so much passion, patience, and love. When he came home after two weeks, the difference was remarkable. He was calmer, more focused, and able to control his excitement much better. Walking him used to be a struggle -- he pulled constantly and tried to grab everything he saw on the street. Now, our walks are so much easier and more enjoyable. Of course, there's no magic in dog training -- consistency is key, and we continue to reinforce what he learned -- but his biggest issue, jumping on people, improved dramatically. The foundation she built made such a difference. What also gave us tremendous peace of mind was her communication. Sara sent frequent updates, photos, and videos showing us what he was learning and how he was doing. On top of that, we received detailed daily emails about his overall condition. It made us feel completely reassured that we had chosen the right person. She even gave him several baths during his stay! Her place is incredible , very secure, spacious, and extremely dog-friendly. It honestly felt like a big farm where dogs can feel free yet safe. Sara is truly passionate, caring, and loving. Her knowledge of different breeds and her training methods are impressive and effective. You can clearly see that she genuinely loves what she does. I would wholeheartedly recommend her to any dog owner, no matter the age or breed. Leaving your dog with someone for the first time is never easy, but with Sara, you can feel confident your dog is in the best possible hands.

    Sit's Getting Real - pet_training - Updated May 2026

    Loading...
    Loading...
    Loading...