Sit Means Sit Dog Training - Cecil County Maryland and Delaware

Pongo (six years old) was adopted by my partner and me in November 2025. By January, we'd observed a lot of issues. We eventually connected with his original owners. They explained how they couldn't get him to walk on a leash, how he ate furniture and killed small animals in their backyard, and how when left alone, he ate himself. On the other hand, after bringing Pongo home. We noticed he was counter surfing, that he was chewing on himself and had bald spots, that he didn't know any fundamental commands, that he would pull so hard on the leash and dig in the trash, not liking kennels, and that infinite problems continued to arrive as the months passed. We started the day training program on February 14. Within the initial two weeks. Pongo understands simple commands. (Sit, come, down, perch, place, stay, door manners, leash etiquette, heel walking, and more). Pongo had learned and improved by week four, but there is certainly still potential for improvement. We are overjoyed that we can take our dog out on nearby trails when the weather warms up and continue on our adventures. Without having him run off and wondering if he'll return. Overall, thanks to Beth and Heather for working with our fur baby. We really appreciated going back in the afternoon to see our Pongo and learn about what you guys did with him. Both of them were excellent!!! I appreciated how they addressed any questions we had. They were able to teach us how to help our dog. There were no judgments being made against us. They were both very supportive. Overall, an excellent facility with compassionate staff. Finally, we enjoyed receiving the dog report cards and pictures. They were well-written, not vague.

When I went in for the evaluation, with my dog, Daniel and I chatted about the things that we needed to work on. We sat down, and Daniel showed me what was involved for training. It was very matter of fact. I did not feel any pressure. He was very clear that the collar came with the purchase of the four, or the five, week training session. He explained that there were sessions for my dog alone first, with an hour session for us to learn that day’s lesson. Then we, after her 4 or 5 sessions, go for group sessions. He also recommended I purchase a cot, for my home, so we could practice “place” at home. After a couple weeks, she goes to her “place” all on her own and she loves it. I purchased my plan and then scheduled our first session. I brought her to her five sessions and we are now at the step of graduation. Drop offs, can feel a little quick because you never know if there are more dogs coming in, but I never felt like my dog was put in a situation where she was going to be reactive. The policy is that you wait outside while there’s a dog in the lobby. You don’t always see the trainer when dropping off. It’s not necessarily one on one as they have several trainings a day but my dog learned a lot. When I first met Daniel, I explained to him how my dog has fear of kids and men. She also reacts to bigger dogs. Coincidentally enough, on the last day of her solo training, Daniel’s son, Reid, came in and she showed her true colors. She lunged and growled at Reid. Reid, approximately 12-14 years old, is the owner‘s son and he was never in danger, but it was nice that they saw one the things that I’ve been seeing with her. Reid is trained and so he worked with her to help her after they muzzled her to ensure he was definitely safe. I can’t say how impressed I am. During our skills graduation, Reid also worked with both of us. There was one person who was very surprised that she was triggered to kids, even though I had mentioned it. I would recommend to have a section of “triggers” on the dry erase board. That way every trainer can be aware of what triggers a dog has. Overall, our training experience was great. I have had large dogs before, and have used collars before, so collars do not dissuade me from training. I understand they are a tool. They worked on eye contact with my dog. We had been working on eye contact before we even enrolled for this training, but the eye contact now is phenomenal! They also worked on things like heel, distractions, and place. Things that will help a lot when someone comes to my home so I don’t need to put my dog on a leash, or put her up, in her crate, so that she can experience having people over without barking, or jumping on someone, or having to be placed in a crate. I don’t expect five solo sessions to cure the reactivity that my dog has, but I am seeing changes and that’s a start. She’s come upon several dogs that usually trigger her, and instead of going to the end of the leash and pulling and growling, she now has a mini tantrum and is making occasional eye contact with me. I find that to be somewhat of an improvement. Continued training will help her to eventually fully make eye contact and not react. But for now, she is not lunging and pulling which is important. Heather, Hailey, Marissa, and Reid were phenomenal with my dog. I know that because when I came in to train with my dog, she would go up to them and lean on them and wag her tail. That’s her tell when she likes someone. Not Reid, yet, but I’m sure that will change as we keep interacting with him. Her response to the trainers told me that she was enjoying what she was doing there. I never felt like the trainers were harming my dog. Reid was the surprise we didn’t see coming. A young kid, maybe 12-14 years old, who is trained to work with dogs and who challenged my girl by working with her. My dog thought she was boss! Hahaha. Looking forward to our group sessions! See you guys soon.