Sit Means Sit Dog Training Chicago

We signed our 9 month old Hound/Shar Pei/Staffordshire Terrier mix, Sasha, up for the 4-day Day & Train program (2 full day training sessions per week for 2 weeks). Prior to training, Sasha had a variety of behavioral problems including nipping/biting when excited, pulling on the leash & running all over the place during walks, incessant barking, no respect for boundaries, and separation anxiety just to name a few. Prior to committing to training, my girlfriend and I took advantage of the free consultation that SMS offers. We met with Tony who did an excellent job explaining the different recommended training options and asking us questions about our dog to understand what we were looking to get out of training. He also made sure that we understood all the different discounts that they offer, which was definitely appreciated. Sasha was a total diva on her first day of training (threw temper tantrums, chewed clean through one of their leashes), so I was worried that she might not respond as well as I had hoped, but Mikey assured us not to worry and that they'd come up with a game plan for her next lesson. By the time I picked her up from Day 2, I couldn't believe how much better she was behaving and it only got better as she worked through her 3rd and 4th lessons. Mikey also gave us a ton of great tips and exercises to work on at home so that she would retain what she had learned in her lessons. By the time Sasha "graduated" from training, SMS had addressed and corrected just about all of the behavioral issues we wanted to tackle. She basically never nips anymore (when she does it's just soft mouthing), her leash etiquette is much better, she will listen to us when we tell her not to jump all over our house guests, and her separation anxiety has gone from moderate/serious to very mild. I can't speak highly enough of the ultra-personal, hand-on approach SMS takes with the dogs they train. The price of training may turn some people off, but you really do get what you pay for. The amount of personal attention your dog gets from SMS far exceeds what you'd get from most dog trainers, and Tony & Mikey's expertise and passion for what they do are plain to see. These guys are dog whisperers! SMS exceeded my expectations and I can't wait to take advantage of the group training classes once COVID-19 restrictions allow it again!

We have worked with a lot of trainers for our two dogs and Mikey and Tony at Sit Means Sit are absolutely the best. Right away they took the time to get to know our dogs and learn what we wanted to get out of the training. We have been really happy with the training methods and the e-collars. Our dogs are both so much more responsive and attentive to us now. Keeping up with your own dog training is a lot of work and it is great to know that SMS is there to help when you need it.

We can’t thank Mikey and his team enough for the training that has helped our dog Duncan tremendously. We now have control of our dog and he even nudges the collar on the charger outside his kennel every morning to remind us to put it on him! We have noticed a huge change in Duncan since training. Before he would bark, growl and even get aggressive at times. He has made life changing improvements and now rarely barks or gets aggressive. On the occasional time he does bark, we can easily re-direct Duncan with the collar on or off now! He knows his boundaries and is a very happy pup! This was money well spent if you have a stubborn dog that has taken over control of your house. The trainers teach you simple commands that dogs understand and respond to! Highly recommend Sit Means Sit after trying countless other training services without any luck!

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.