We recently brought our 2 year old rescue Doberman Pinscher Max in for training to help with some problem areas such as leash manners and recall along with tips and tricks to reinforce his basic training. Max graduated class this past Wednesday and the transformation is amazing. Walking Max now is work in progress, but is so much more manageable and fun leading to both a positive experience for Max and us his parents. We are very happy with the the work and training that Mikey, Tony, and Erin (the trainers) put in to help us make a better and more stable home for Max and our family. We highly recommend Sit Means Sit and it trainers to anyone looking to reach the next level whatever that level may be from basic to advanced training. read more

Sit Means Sit Dog Training Chicago - Max The Doberman and his trainer partner Kuma! Good boys! - Pet Training Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

We were overwhelmed when our second Siberian Husky was not a runt! The fellas at Sit Means Sit trained our dog for us and then passed on the training to us. Wild. Best trained husky the vet had ever seen, or so he says! read more

Sit Means Sit Dog Training Chicago - Our girl, Mysa on the right. With the trainer's dog on the left, holding her leash on a busy sidewalk in the city - Pet Training Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

Sharing from google reviews here as well: I would absolutely recommend Sit Means Sit to anyone looking for excellent, compassionate and efficient dog training. My pup had been struggling with impulse control and reactivity ever since I adopted him. I diligently tried to train him for about a year using solely positive reinforcement with treats/play etc. I felt lost and helpless trying to manage his behaviors with techniques that simply did not work. I purchased the 2 day, day and train package for my pup at SMS. After one day, I noticed a complete shift in my dog's mentality and responsiveness. While this type of training is an incredible starting point, just like a training, it takes commitment by the owner to be successful. We continue to work on these things at home, but I no longer feel helpless or anxious about taking my dog out. I also had the opportunity to try a group class that is a lifetime inclusion in their packages. I am so grateful for this, as it feels like I'm not alone in the journey of training. The classes fill up fast, but I was able to find a spot for weeks following our day and train. I have only positive things to say about the trainers. They are so compassionate and care about your dog as if it were their own. They have been available well beyond the 2 day package for any further questions or challenges we run into. They also took the time to create updates videos and pictures of the 2 days at their training center, which was so thoughtful. There are some negative reviews on here , and I think this is largely because they expect to have someone else do the work for them or they don't follow directions. This place is the real deal and I would recommend it to anyone who is struggling with any issue with their dog. It was the greatest investment I have made in the recent past, and we feel like we have a new lease on life. Thank you to Erin, Mikey and Tony for all of your help!! read more

Sit Means Sit I've had a few older rescue dogs, but never a puppy. This April we couldn't resist and got ourselves a Jim Bob. ( An eleven week old puppy from Arkansas ) As cute as he is, I wanted to make sure he got proper training as he makes his City debut. Safety was/is my main concern as we navigate our way through the city streets that are full of temptations. I wanted to make sure we gave him the tools he needs to keep him safe. Enter Sit Means Sit. So, just like that Jim Bob found himself enrolled in his first of four puppy classes. The trainers, Tony and Mikey gave him their full attention and patience while he learned to be the best boy. He places on command and now knows how to sit, come, off and heal . They took the time to teach my fiancé and myself how to gain JB's trust and focus. After the success of his puppy training he moved on to full day session with the e-collar training. I know e-collars have a negative connotation associated with them, that was one of our concerns at first. After reassurance from Mikey and Tony that the collars do not cause any harm, and are very effective with training, Jim Bob found himself in training for a full 8 hour day. He came home exhausted but it took no time for us to notice a vast improvement in his focus and puppy behaviors. Honestly, he was trained very quickly, it was myself and my fiancé that needed the constant practice with training. The training provided by Sit Means Sit is second to none. An added bonus is, Sit Means Sit provides a lifetime of group training, whether it's for your dog or yourself. If you are on the fence regarding training, I can assure you that you will not go wrong with Sit Means Sit! read more

Sit Means Sit Dog Training Chicago - Pet Training Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

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So, a little backstory... My dog, Chester, was attacked at a dog park. I truly feel it could have been prevented. I had a bad feeling and I really wanted to get him out of there. But, Chester, who loves playing, completely ignores my "Come" request and continues to run around the park. So, thinking he will be tired soon, I figured I'd let him wear himself out and we'll leave then. Well, a minute after this decision, a dog latches onto his neck. I'm still kicking myself for not just chasing him down and getting him out of there when my gut told me to. Needless to say, I never want to be in that situation again. So, I brought Chester in for a training consultation. They suggested the "Day & Train" program. After the first day, Chester was a completely different dog. He stopped pulling on walks. He was focused on where I was walking and not on EVERY MOVING THING. And, most of all, his "recall" seemed to be somewhat consistent. After the last class, he exceeded all my expectations. He's amazing on walks, his recall is 1000 times better, and he even stopped going crazy when the mail carrier walked towards our door. I'm so happy with the results and plan on going to group classes to fine tune the work Chester has put in. Can't recommend them enough...Amazing results. read more

Sit Means Sit Dog Training Chicago - Chester (on right) in class. - Pet Training Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

Highly recommend this organization. Very honest, professional, and caring. Tony and Mikey are all about you and your dog's success in class and IRL. Started classes 4 weeks ago when my 85 lb Rottie performed swan lake on the window sills trying to get at a dog walking outside. I worked with Mikey Thomas primarily. Both Mikey and Tony are very patient with pet parents. They go over the process or desired goal as often as needed for you and your fur baby to be successful. Sit Means Sit offers a variety of packages. I went with the Ultimate Private Training Package. Can't wait to continue additional types of training with Sit Means Sit Chicago and looking forward to joining them for group classes in the coming weeks. read more

Sit Means Sit Dog Training Chicago - Long 'Place' for impulse control. - Pet Training Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

The level of compassion they have is on another level. I was having trouble with my pup, and not only did they help him learn better behaviors, but they also helped him with his anxiety and confidence. On top of all that, they took the time to teach me how I could help and maintain good habits. The classes were fun for both me and my little Moose! Thank you guys for everything! read more

I signed up for the SMS Ten Day "send away" camp for my Toy Australian Shepherd (Piper) in September of 2019. Piper stayed with the SMS crew and received daily training, exercise, play time and pack play, among other enriching activities. It was the best money I've ever spent on a dog. We continued with advanced group classes which they're still holding during COVID when it's safe to do so. They take COVID seriously and have several precautions in place. I feel safe working with them in person even during this time. The change in my dog has been dramatic. She used to be a sassy, dog aggressive, unruly, destructive, ball of adorableness. Today, while not 100% perfect (that's not realistic) she is a totally different pup. While still totally sassy and still her very playful energetic self, she listens, she pays attention to me and follows commands. We have 99% recall success rate when needed. She is more confident in herself and in me, which makes for a much happier dog over all. The trainers are thoughtful, kind and very helpful. They have a pack of dogs of their own who are all amazingly well trained. You can tell they really love what they do and are passionate about their work. You get what you put in with a dog, so I plan to continue my training journey with Sit Means Sit Chicago for Piper's lifetime and with any future dog I may have the privilege of owning. read more

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Sit Means Sit collar caused wounds and hair loss to our dog. Late last year, my husband and I brought our 4 year old poodle mix, Stout, to Sit mens Sit to help with his leash anxiety and aggression. We signed up for a $3000, 3 week program with 6 in house stays at the recommendation of the lead trainer/owner Tony. The training method relies heavily on an electronic collar that sends an electric current via 2 prongs into the dogs neck. We were skeptical, but were assured many times that these collars were safe and would not cause harm to our dog. Fast forward a couple weeks; We were noticing some improvements to Stout's behavior but were concerned by growing irritation around his neck where the Sit means Sit collar rests. After bringing this to the trainers attention, we were told the skin will toughen up over time, and to make sure the collar was tight and rotated every couple hours. We were then suggested a bungee collar (Which they offer for and additional $25) that uses a tension lock. We were told that you "Can't over tighten it" as it will release to the proper tension on its own. We were reluctant at this point but wanted to give the training method a chance due to the price and time investment. I should preface this next part by telling you our dog has black shaggy fur around 2 inches long. After completing our dogs daily training regiment and noticed some angry red marks on our dogs neck. We were horrified to discover what is pictured below. Multiple red wounds and hair loss around the areas where the sit means sit collar would rest. We did what any concerned dog parent would do and consulted our veterinarian of 10+ years. She confirmed with us the hard truth: The sit means sit collar was causing the wounds and hair loss, and this form of training was negative reinforcement and only adding to Stout's anxieties. We felt terrible and ashamed. The last thing we ever wanted was to causes our pup pain and discomfort. Not only had our vet confirmed this, but Stout himself would run and hide in fear every time we would grab for the collar, which he did not do at the beginning of this training. At this point we felt we could no longer use the sit means sit training method as it relies on the constant use of said e-collar. We informed sit means sit that, unfortunately, we would no longer be able to use their training method due to the physical trauma it was causing to our dog and requested a partial refund ($2000 of the original $3000 which we felt was more than fair all things considered) as we would no longer be able to use the training methods and lifetime classes that were offered with the package. Tony proceeded to send us a wall of an email accusing us of not following their instructions and using the collar properly. He told us our dog was hurt by "user error" and that they had informed us multiple times that Stout's collar wasn't tight enough, even though according to them, the bungee collar would adjust on its own after tightened. Tony then went on to tell us that he did not agree with my veterinarian's diagnosis, and there was no way the collar caused the neck trauma. He denied our requested refund stating that we did not follow his instructions on the collar multiple times which in itself is a complete lie. I am not here to debate the facts. You can look at the photos and decide for yourself. I just find it sad and insulting that this company cannot take any responsibility for my dogs injuries and dismiss us and our concerns so easily. read more

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So thankful I found Mikey & Tony at Sit Means Sit Chicago. They really helped me understand how to better communicate with my dog. My dog is happier than ever and more confident around those distractions she used to struggle around. They taught me how to properly condition an e-collar so my dog gets excited every time I put it on her. She knows it means we are going to have fun and build our engagement together. So happy to see my baby girl so confident & happy! read more

They are very professional and knowledgeable. They are a top notch and I wouldn't trust anyone else with my dogs. I will definitely be back!

Wonderful experience! The trainers are so patient and dedicated! I learned so much! Recommending to all my friends with dogs! Thank you!

My pup has gotten a new lease on life thanks to SMS. They are so caring and friendly and the value you get with group classes after training can't be beat. They were able to pick my dog up from my home on days I couldn't drop him off for Day-and-Train, which was a huge plus! My Finn is happier than he's ever been and our relationship continues to grow. read more

Sit Means Sit Dog Training Chicago - Pet Training Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

We couldn't be happier with Sit Means Sit Chicago! Our dog Raven (female German Shepherd, then 7 months old) was having issues barking at other dogs while in the yard and while on a leash. So we signed up for 4 weeks of Day & Train private lessons at SMS. We saw immediate improvements after each session. After the 4 weeks of training, not only did SMS help transform her behavior for this barking....but she's become a more confident dog and a great walker. We were very impressed by SMS Chicago. Great facility, great people -- very friendly, extremely knowledgeable (dog whisperers!), excellent trainers for Raven, and excellent teachers for us as owners. We loved the above and beyond care -- sharing fun videos of Raven during training and being accessible for questions in between training sessions. It's been three months since we completed the training -- we continue to use the tools they taught us and she continues to be a confident and well behaved dog. Our family, friends, and neighbors have all noticed and continue to compliment Raven on her good behavior. Thank you Tony, Mikey, and the team for an amazing experience at SMS! We are really looking forward to the group lessons now that they are back. read more

Sit Means Sit Dog Training Chicago - Pet Training Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

It saddens me to write this, but since the change in ownership, Sit Means Sit is a mere shadow of what it once was. We have been loyal clients for nearly four years now, and the previous head trainer, Alexa, completely changed our lives (for the better). But in mid-2019, the company was sold to new head trainer, Tony. Once you become a client, you get free group training classes for the lifetime of your dog, so I thought: what do I have to lose with sticking with it? Some changes immediately made me uneasy. Initially, the group class "feisty fidos" was renamed "aggro dogs." I've never heard of a trainer referring to a group of dogs so pejoratively. And after a one-week refresher board-and-train, my dog got VERY sick (read: vomiting blood from the moment she came home). My vet kept asking: could she have gotten into something or been fed something she doesn't normally have while boarding with the trainer? I thought it was impossible; Sit Means Sit was the gold standard, in my mind. Now, it seems quite likely. But the real tipping point was at a recent group class. Tony spends at least 40% of the one-hour classes talking while clients just stand there -- mostly talking down to everyone in the room. There's definitely a holier-than-thou mentality, and it's annoying AF. But when he grabbed the leash of a dog who wasn't listening and repeatedly yanked on it, despite the leash being tangled around her back legs, I was appalled. I'm still sick to my stomach thinking about how I didn't say anything in the moment. The dog was TERRIFIED -- tail tucked, shaking, cowering to the ground. And Tony just repeated: "you did this to yourself!" as he yanked again from a distance, the dog crumpling further into itself. If this was how he treated dogs in a group setting, then what happened in the back without other people around? I looked to my dog and noticed that when he approached us, she started to shake and turned her face down, away from him. I was mortified that I hadn't picked up on this body language sooner and couldn't get out of there fast enough. If you love your dog like family, please please don't bring them here for training. There are so many other options in Chicago. read more

I'd like to take a moment to write an update and tell you about the wonderful experience I've had at the Sit Means Sit post board and train group classes. Again, let me emphasize that I know very little about dog training and everything I have learned, I owe to the Sit Means Sit team. I continue to practice the basics that Emrick learned at the board and train but the group classes just take everything to another level. I'm so excited that he gets to practice what he has learned while also learning how to not be distracted by other dogs and people. The atmosphere in group class is fun, challenging and really helps you take your dog beyond what you could ever think is possible for him/her to achieve. I am so thankful that I get to learn and experience and share this bonding time with my buddy. Again, I can't say enough positive things about Sit Means Sit. read more

Sit Means Sit Dog Training Chicago - Pet Training Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

We have a German Shepherd who is riddled with anxiety and has been since the day we brought him home. When we learned that it wasn't just because he was a puppy, we knew we had to find somewhere to help him and help us manage him and I am so glad to have went to Sit Means Sit. The trainers here aren't your run of the mill dog trainers. They are trainers who are incredibly passionate about your dog and give their all to help you and your pup develop a relationship that will help you better understand each other. We opted to do the stay and train package and have seen a great amount of progress, not only from our dog but in ourselves as dog owners in how to manage a dog with such high anxiety and drive. We learned the boundaries that we have to set with him and the more and more that we take him to Sit Means Sit, the more we can expand on those boundaries due to his progress. I was pleased to find out that when you buy their day and train package, you get free classes for the dog's life which we definitely plan on taking advantage of. For housing and training so many dogs every single day, their facilities are very clean and orderly and don't smell. We have peace of mind knowing that when we drop our pup off, he is in great hands and have the utmost trust and faith in the Sit Means Sit staff. Though Sit Means Sit is a franchise, this location does not give the vibe that they are trying to upsell you or only want your money. In fact, I was under the impression prior to our consultation that we were going to have to do a Board and Train (more expensive) and already accepted that fact. During the consultation, we were able to determine that their stay and train option was more suitable. The two trainers that I have interacted with the most (Tony and Mikey) are great guys. They truly want whats best for you and your dog. You'd think that after working with so many different dogs that they wouldn't care about a single pup so much or pay them so much attention but that is absolutely not the case. Even with our super stubborn and anxious dog, they definitely get some joy out of working with him. I really can't say enough about this place, just know that when you take your dog there, you are going to see results as long as you put in the work with your pup on your own and exercise the knowledge that they give you. read more

Sit Means Sit Dog Training Chicago - Pet Training Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

Got my ten month old pup and me headed in the right direction after 8 months of struggle with group & individual "positive reinforcement" training. Some dogs just need everything made more clear, via e-collar. Mikey & Tony are so loving with every single dog, no matter how stubborn or crafty, and have taught me a ton about mine. Expensive but worth it. read more

My girlfriend and I have a Cane Corso, a Shepard and a Rotty. Our Corso was dog aggressive from an attack when he was a puppy, our Rotty was a stray with people aggression from past abuse, and our Shepard was the newest addition that came with substantial developmental problems. Sit means sit made up individualized training programs and guidance for all three. Two years later all of them are CGC certified and our Corso is a therapy dog! Thank you Alexa and Tony at SMS! read more

Sit Means Sit Dog Training Chicago - Pet Training Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

We live in a high rise building in downtown Chicago. A few months ago, Remy, our Miniature Australian Shepherd, started getting very aggressive when approached by larger dogs. It was particularly bad when we were in an elevator with another dog. Remy also became very frightened to the point of trembling and losing control of his bladder whenever skateboarders rode by or a small child approached him. (This started after we boarded our dog with a third party and ended up being subjected to traumatic experiences.) After doing a lot of research, we contacted Sit Means Sit. We met with the owner, Alexa, within a couple of weeks our initial e-mail. We set up four one-on-one training sessions with Alexa at our home. She taught us invaluable skills which has resulted in a much more harmonious experience with Remy and the other dogs in our building. Sit Means Sit training techniques coupled with Alexa's genuine commitment to each dog exceeded our expectations. She worked with Remy AND us each week including riding a skateboard while Remy walked on the leash next to her. It took some time but I am happy to say that Remy does not become terrified of skateboards any longer! We loved working with Sydney too. She's knowledgeable, consistent, empathetic but yet firm when needed. I can't say enough good things about Alexa and the team at Sit Means Sit! read more

We began training with Sit Means Sit mid October and it has changed our lives for the better and we can't thank them enough! Yes they do use e-collars so that may turn some people off. But if you are not familiar with remote collar training, it may not be what you expect! It's NEVER used as a punishment or to tell the dog no. And the stimulus level is adjustable so you'll work on a level right for your dog. Alexa is amazing at explaining this method of training and the collars themselves and she had us try them on ourselves. Trust me we are obsessed with our dogs and would never do anything to harm them or allow anyone we didn't trust to work with our dogs! We had a super strong reactive intact male boxer whose behavior was just getting worse and uncontrollable. We tried other collars, multiple harnesses, treats, clickers... Nothing would get his attention- we needed help ASAP. We also had an Akita puppy that we did not want picking up big brothers habits especially knowing the breed. We did a demo with another Chicago area trainer who also uses e-collars but we just did not think he was the right trainer for our dogs, it just didn't feel right. But soon after we did a free demo with Alexa at SMS! She's a natural who just gets dogs. We did 3 private lessons with Alexa where she came to our home which is super convenient. She gives you all the tools/knowledge you need to train your dog and is always available for questions. With that we also got a year of unlimited group classes which we try to attend 1-2 times a week. It is an investment (both time & money) especially with us both being graduate students, but our dogs are 100% worth it and we're so proud of their progress! I have uploaded a video and photos of their progress :) *sorry for the long review, I just love my doggies and what SMS has done for us! read more

Sit Means Sit Dog Training Chicago - Our Akita on "place" - Pet Training Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

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So I'm not sure what happened to our other reviews, and the number of less than 1 (it's a bummer they don't have a 0 star review). They employ a dangerous device to "train" dogs. Should be more like punish. I felt so bad that while using their collar, it burned my dogs neck. Not great with customer service. Dangerous place to get dog training. read more

My dog Rosie and I greatly benefited from Sit Means Sit Day-and-Train. She is much better on walks on the leash and also much more reliable to come back when she is off leash. We have had so much more fun in open parks with all the snow this winter because I can rely on her to come back when called. I also learned how to better correct behaviors that do need correction, so they train not just the dog, but the owner! read more

Very knowledgeable staff. I think I would have liked a bit more attention. But all and all not a bad value.

Sit Means Sit is no longer affliated with Ryan Hedrich. When they put me in touch with another franchise branch, Alexa Kehoe out of the Schaumburg/Chicago branch changed mine and my dogs life. They honored the package I bought from Ryan without batting an eye. I would pay for their service over and over again. read more

Tony runs an incredible program! We enrolled our 90lb old English bulldogge in the 10 day program and have just began attending group classes. Our dog Kole has already shown great improvement and is listening better than ever. I would highly recommend sit means sit for anyone who wishes to have a well trained dog who still will keep their personality! He has only changed in listening but is still the same goofy dog we love. read more

Neutral stars since it seems like a good business from reviews. I called just to get an estimate price and they couldn't do it over the phone have to set up a free consultation which is great. i just don't want to waste my time or theirs if it costs too much just give me an idea of what it cost a day for puppy training read more

Phenomenal results--after only 3 months or following their plan, our formerly wildy-rambunctious, tugging, pulling and sometimes aggressive dog is now fully capable of off-leash walking, even when people, squirrels or rabbits come along to distract her. SMS provides truly wonderful training and Trent was a great instructor to show us the methodology. Also, yes, it is an electric collar that delivers a "shock" to the dog, but the point of the training is to provide a physical emphasis to your commands, not to punish the dog. Throughout the instruction, our trainers constantly pointed out how to properly use the collar to reclaim the dog's attention, not to hurt her. The strength of the shock is highly adjustable and we've found that even the lowest setting is adequate to get our dog's attention and she is clearly inquisitive, not pained. read more

Sit Means Sit Dog Training Chicago - Pet Training Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

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Mikey is AMAZING. Our dog had some really serious dog aggression issues. We went in for a consultation with Mikey and were blown away. We didnt have to tell him anything. He was able to figure out what was going on just by watching our dog. Then he brought out his dog and we were floored. Not going to lie we were a little taken back by the price but I have to tell you it was by far the best investment we could have ever made. Our dog did a Day and Train with Mikey and in just 4 sessions our dog now can walk by dogs and is actually starting to engage with dogs. Our whole life has been made a million times easier. No longer do we have to cross the street to get away from dogs or feel embarrassed and anxious about what is going to happen next. For 3 years we were having to do these things and now we dont have to worry anymore. I would pay Mikey double what we paid because of how much better our lives have become with our dog. Can not thank him enough. read more

I adopted a doberman, whom I named Paris...with absolutely no manners. Taking him on walks was a nightmare. He has a very high prey drive, chasing after things that move, squirrels/rabbits/motorcycles/trucks, but most intensely after bikes. The second he saw a bike even if it was very far in the distance, he would lunge, jump, bark, scream and yelp, thrashing in every direction, pretty much going crazy wanting to chase the bike. Even after the bike passed when he could no longer see it, he would still be screaming. It was so embarrassing. I was terrified of walking my dog - I had no control over him - his prey drive was so high he ignored me because the distractions happening around him outweighed his interest in me and treats. After an in person consultation, I enrolled Paris in Sit Means Sit training, boarding him for 10 days. I cannot stress enough - so worth it!! To help ease my anxiety over letting Paris go, Alexa was so great in sending me videos on his progress. I was very worried that Paris wouldn't respond to training and also worried that even if he learned all his training, wouldn't respond to me because I'm his mom and not a trainer. However, SMS has multiple trainers who worked with Paris to ensure his transferability among people. I was also nervous about the electric collar but the trainers use it NOT as a punishment, but for attention grabbing, they use it on the lowest setting that the dog can feel and be responsive to. The electric collar acts only as a communication device. Some take aways from the experience with SMS: Board and train with SMS can't fix everything with your dog. They set the foundation learning but you have to be willing to reinforce those lessons learned everyday. I saw the most improvement with Paris around 4 weeks after the board and train, which is typical as an adjustment period, and also impressive given how deeply ingrained my dog's problems were. It is now about 3 months after and Paris is still making progress because now it is just about reinforcing good behavior. His prey drive for bikes and squirrels is still there, that is part of his biology and I don't think that will ever change - so he still gets overly excited when he sees them, but he is learning to control his impulses without screaming and that is the hardest and biggest achievement for him. What distinguishes SMS from other dog training companies is that there are different training programs tailored for you and your dog depending on how serious the dog is. In our case, Paris is a very very serious dog with reactive issues. We opted to do the board and train program and after paying their set fee, we get the support, training advice, and free group class lessons for Paris' entire life. They are dedicated to your dog and genuinely want to help you and your dog be successful. Any time I am facing a set back with Paris, I shoot Alexa an email and she promptly responds with training advice. Every week I see the trainers during group class and can update them on our progress and tell them what Paris needs help working on and we get right to work. If Sit Means Sit was able to train Paris and teach me methods that work on my highly reactive and prey driven dog, know that they are more than competent to train your dog. I hope some of you may find this ridiculously long review to be helpful, but seriously, if you are struggling, I can't recommend SMS in Chicago enough. read more

Had to put my Rottie down last summer. Just happened to need a nap between shifts as Lyft across the street. Saw utterly professional work. Really had a pro dog myself that I miss every day. A well trained dog is such a pleasure. They are doing it right after having to figure it myself back 11 years ago. Likely well worth thier cost. Only gave 4 vs 5 because I'm just an afar observer. read more

Sit Means Sit Dog Training Chicago - Pet Training Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

We have a dog and people aggressive German Shepard rescue pup named Barley. He is the sweetest dog with us but he wants to eat everyone else. With a baby on the way, we knew we needed to get it under control. We tried our best on our own, invested in reward based training then realized we were in over our heads. Enter, Sit Means Sit. We were concerned about the e-collar until we learned more about it and understood how it was used. We even tested it out on ourselves and realized it does not cause pain, rather it's just another tactic to get the dogs attention in conjunction with verbal and non-verbal commands. Our initial consultation ended with the trainer petting Barley after working with him for just 15 min (this may not seem like a big deal, but no one has ever pet Barley except my husband and I so this was huge in our book!). We decided to invest in the pros at Sit Means Sit and Barley headed to bootcamp for 2 weeks. It's not cheap, but it was needed. Alexa and her team have been great! We were understandably nervous about leaving him, but after seeing his first video update, we saw how happy he was while he was working. And the things he was doing in such a short period of time was amazing! We continued to receive updates throughout his stay, had a few in home visits afterwards to ensure we were doing our homework and have been regularly attending group classes since. The unlimited classes/in home visits have been invaluable while both we (Barley and his humans) continue to learn. It's not easy to train the crazy out of a formally abused pup but Barley continues to improve everyday. SMS laid a great foundation and we now have the tools and education needed to support our pup. Barley is very obedient and the things he will do now compared to life before SMS is amazing. Barley is now looking to us for direction when he is in an uncomfortable situation. We can now walk down the street without crossing when people or dogs are nearby (he will sit and look at us while they walk by), he does not pull us around on leash, sits/lays/drops toy, etc immediately on command. Most importantly, he loves working! When he knows he is going to a training class, his tail starts wagging and he runs to the car excited to show off his newfound skills. To give you an idea of what your dog can accomplish, check out this video of Barley while they taught him how to behave around a baby. Notice: dogs AND people walking by and Barley is only paying attention to his person. https://youtu.be/ZBA4XKc1sYs Please note, Barley LOVES his little bro Maxwell. No aggression towards the new babe, only love and affection from our Barley. Thank you Sit Means Sit! read more

I can honestly say that Sit Means Sit has changed our lives. When we rescued our dog we had no idea the set of behavior issues he was going to come with. Those issues were affecting our quality of life. We couldn't walk him without him lunging, growling, pulling to the point of gagging himself on his leash. We couldn't have guests over because he would jump and bark until they left. We basically couldn't do anything. ​We were turned down by a variety of trainers, and the trainers that would take us were charging and arm and a leg. We were at our absolute breaking point. ​Then we found Sit Means Sit. The experience was absolutely phenomenal from the very beginning. Just the initial phone call to their office manager, Clark, had me in tears. The absolute compassion this group of people has for animals is amazing. We met Alexa a week later and we were sold. ​Just after our consultation we were seeing results. Not only did they provide results, but knowledge as well. We were provided explanations on why our dog is exhibiting certain behaviors, different training tools and techniques, and exposure to a variety of other dogs (which was an issue for our boy). They made us feel safe and confident in our training, and reassured us throughout the way. They genuinely care about your pets, and our dog is so excited when it's time for his lesson. They're flexible and accommodating and we couldn't be happier. ​If they can help our dog start to break down his issues, they can definitely help yours. We honestly never though we were going to make progress with him, and Sit means Sit has exceeded our hopes and expectations. This review doesn't do their services justice. If you're looking for great, passionate,​ people to help with your pet THIS IS IT. read more

About a year ago, I was sitting in a cafe window on Bryn Mawr, and I saw this guy and a dog doing incredible things. The dog was off-leash and completely focused on the trainer. Cars, people, dogs, and trains seemed invisible to the dog as he fetched, heeled, jumped, and did other amazing things. When the man and the wonder dog left, I noticed the car has signs that said "Sit Means Sit" dog training. I told myself that I would call them should I ever get a dog that needed training. So March of this year, I adopted an unruly, full grown Great Dane. This dog was horrible on a leash from the beginning, but after being bitten in the face by a sassy wiener dog, he became a menace to society. He would growl, back, jump, and lunge if he so much as *heard* a set of dog tags rattling in the distance. People would just turn around and walk the opposite direction if they saw us headed their way. It was embarrassing. Cassius' aggression issues landed us in a situation where weren't enjoying him. We didn't like talking him on walks, we were afraid to bring him to the vet, any time we brought him to a pet store we instantly regretted it. Not much of a life for our dog, or us. I called Sit Means Sit with the fear of hearing an unaffordable price, I mean this guy's dog knew how to bounce off of trees and walls on command, how could he not be expensive? I talked to Amy, and although the prices seemed steep, they were nowhere as expensive as I'd thought they'd be. I did more research with other trainers, all private, since Cassius couldn't stand the presence of another dog, and realized that SMS was actually a good deal and rather competitively priced. We also realized that would would save time and money with travel and parking costs, since Darryl would come to us and do the lessons at our home. We arranged for the free consult to meet Darryl and learn more about the training program. In just half an hour, Darryl had Cassius walking past Bravo (the infamous Wonder Dog!) without Cassius totally losing it and freaking out. Seeing Cassius walk like a polite dog on a leash actually, and honestly, brought tears to my eyes. We hired Darryl immediately. Six months later, we have a wonderful, loving, intelligent, and well-behaved Great Dane. We can walk together off-leash, have fun at the dog beach together, and attend dog-friendly events, such as the Mutt Strutt (where we volunteered at the Forever Friends Great Dane Rescue booth.) Cassius is a delight to have around, fun to bring on vacation and friends houses, and easy to have in the car for rides. Cassius actually knows to lay down (without me telling him) when I start to back up in the car now. He has become a big, furry lump of happiness and humor to everyone that knows him. And besides Darryl's dogs, I think he is the most well-behaved and well-trained dog I know. Best. Money. Ever. Spent. If you are thinking about hiring Darryl and Sit Means Sit, I say "do it!" Keep in mind, though, that the training is nothing without your consistency and hard work. If you keep up with what Darryl teaches you (the first 1-2 lessons are really to teach YOU the human), what you can teach your dog will become endless. read more

While the trainer was very nice, this service was extremely misleading. It's not a vibration collar, it's a shock collar. Don't believe me? Google the brand, or, put the collar on V/T, place on table, it will vibrate. Put it on the HIGHEST setting, place on table, press button. Doesn't move an inch does it? The manual and pitch says it's a "vibration" and they will try it on you. The first time it will shock you as it's a surprise, the second time it won't feel like much. Why? Because you expect it and anticipate it. They're also using a very low setting. Do you think your dog anticipates a shock? Never. These are my opinions and the 1/5 was due to being misled. Tell me it's a shock collar and let me decide. It could be the most EFFECTIVE TRAINING method in the world, but I will be the one to decide if my dog needs negative reinforcement or not. Also, if not used by a true professional, this type of training can work miracles OR cause extreme human aggression. My vet and vet tech were both pissed when i told them what happened. I'm not happy. My trainer was an amazingly nice person, I will give her that, just sucks that she is told to deliver a sales pitch that is misleading. I've read your response and I fail to find anywhere that calls a difference to shock collars and "muscle stimulation modality" (a nice way of saying electrical current). Are joules/volts not produced by said collar? Yes I have felt the collar. If I was able to communicate to my animal "hey, I'm about to administer a small shock to you, be ready!" I'm sure he would react much differently than he does. The truth is there are just as many case studies of a small shock to one animal causing no stimulation to another dog lashing out in aggression. I'm suggesting you call a spade a spade. I'll be glad to talk to you on the phone. There's not much misinterpretation once I did research, an e collar is an e collar. It shocks the dog. Does it not? I can call a device that produces an electrical current "pulse modulation" by the way it delivers wattage or voltage to its conductive target. But, regardless of what I call it, it's an electrical current. My question is this: Does the sit means sit collar deliver an electrical current to the animal? Yes or no. read more

We met Ryan and signed up for this program in May. We have 2 dogs - a 10 year old Retriever mix and a 4 year old Shar Pei mix. Their behavior issues weren't horrible, but they didn't have very good manners. Lots of jumping on visitors, scaring delivery people, and barking at dogs walking past our yard. Neither dog had been through appropriate obedience training before, but we decided better late than never. Best decision we could have made! After only weeks of training in our home with Ryan, both dogs were obeying our commands, walking on leash without pulling, and sitting when visitors arrived. Now it's like we have 2 new dogs! Both dogs can be walked off leash, and people who come over to our house are really impressed by the positive behavior changes. Ryan conducts group classes at local parks as well. Consider it "continuing education", and a great opportunity for dog socialization. You might think you don't need to spend the money for proper training, but let me tell you, it's been worth every penny! read more

Having a consultation with sit means sit and realizing they use shock collars and are constantly shocking your pets and to top it off they want you to leave your pets with them for 15 days??? Oh hell no its like like leaving your children with a stranger for 15 days ...I've never seen so many ignorant people that can't train their own dogs...maybe you shouldn't have pets to begin with. This business should have been shut down before it started. A negative 5 star. read more

Sit Means Sit has been the best thing for my family & I am so thankful for Lex & her team. When I adopted my dog, she was a bit of a handful & I spent hundreds of dollars trying other training programs. A friend suggested looking up SMS. Because of my bad luck, I was a little skeptical at first. I used to be so frustrated & upset walking my dog outdoors. She was constantly pulling, jumping on strangers, & getting really riled up around other dogs. I dreaded taking her out, which isn't a fun thing when you live in Chicago & your dog is constantly in a 600 sq. ft. apartment & needs to go out for her sanity. We had a free consultation with Lex & I was immediately convinced this could work! Ever since we started training, my pup has better outdoor manners. She doesn't jump on strangers & never pulls. She still has to work on her dog manners when she meets others, but that's really only been our biggest hurdle. I never used to be able to run with her outdoors & now we go on for miles at a time. I'm rarely frustrated when I take her outside & I can tell our family has been happier since SMS became a part of our lives. I would definitely recommend giving it a try. I referred my sister for her adopted dog in San Diego & she's never looked back! Just go in with realistic expectations... this is a training program for your pup but also for YOURSELF. Everything I've learned has been how to change my approach to my dog & not the other way around. It's been hard work, but well worth the effort... and any dog lover can appreciate that. read more

Sit Means Sit (and Alexa) are the best thing ever. Here's what happened. Due to a series of unfortunate events (read: dysfunctional ex-girlfriend) I found myself taking care of her dog. Cutest, sweetest doggy ever. But...the thing of it is, I spend half my time in China, which makes "raising a dog in Chicago" challenging. Alexa trained the dog beautifully, and our little Georgia came back a perfect angel. She also helped us to place Georgia with another loving family (her sister's fam) although that had nothing to do with Sit Means Sit of course; Alexa just did that because she loved our doggy, and she (Alexa) is an amazing person. Highly, highly, highly recommend. She will come out and meet you and the doggy for free--and you'll see what I mean. Sit Means Sit is a no brainer, here in Chicago. read more

Our experience working with Alexa has been: 1.) Extremely Effective 2.) A real pleasure We have a younger puppy (started training at 9 weeks) and continue to do private training at extended intervals (currently 16 weeks). These training sessions train both us (the humans) as well as the dog. With Alexa's help, we are able to provide a more well-defined learning environment for our German Shepherd Puppy. She has also informed us as to what to expect as the puppy grows and how to deal with difficult situations. Alexa has been flexible when scheduling appointments and is a great communicator. We'd recommend Alexa to anyone who desires to have a better relationship with their dog. read more