Sit Means Sit Dog Training - Portland

#SitMeansSit Offer So Much More Than "Dog Training" I've used Sit Means Sit twice (2019 and 2025) with different dogs: I keep coming back because they are so worth it. It's not just "paying for dog training", it's an investment that gives saftey, bonding, and joy - for your pup - that lasts a lifetime. Soon after I adopted Rhea -- a one year old, 133lb puppy with trauma-formed-attachment-anxiety and I later learned, forceful leash aggression and prey drive -- I was super scared I'd made a huge mistake. Portland springtime wildlife teeming at the edges, Rhea was all instinct in those early days; she could pull me to the ground so fast I would barely know how it happened. Facing my own life challenges, including genetic spinal issues with multiple surgeries over the coming year to correct, Rhea was becoming more and more dangerous for me to walk, yet our heart-bond was becoming so deep, we were becoming more and more critical to each other's well-being. I called Sit Means Sit just weeks after the adoption and to my surprise and delight, they remembered me, treating me more like an old friend they were happy to hear from, than a "repeat client." The Sit Means Sit team :: shout-out *Halle and Ethan* :: welcomed us with incredible warmth, optimism, and kindness. After just ONE WEEK with Halle, Rhea was calmer. I could walk her safely and confidently. Week after week, friends and neighbors were astonished at Rhea's (and my) transformation. Today, my 2.5 yr old 'Big Girl' can sit calmly, just inches from other dogs with her only focus being on me. She can sit and watch (albeit, still with a strong urge to pounce!) while ducklings cross the street. We've moved from suburban home to urban apartment and she's thriving. I know beyond any doubt that without Halle, Ethan, Cassie and team, I wouldn't have been able to safely keep Rhea. In short, Sit Means Sit trainers are *uniquely* talented, skilled, and committed. They lead without judgment (truly, so much love and compassion), with humor and consistency. Classes are fun! AND/BUT/ALSO... more than technical excellence, SMS offered Rhea, my family, and me a safe-haven and extended community we didn't even know we needed. During one of the most challenging periods of my life, the team became part of my village; committed to us and our success for as long as it took. I feel like Halle + Ethan are an honorary part of my family that didn't just change my life or my dog's life, but our altered our future together. #forevergrateful

We brought our rescue dog to Sit Means Sit in Tigard to work on his overall training as well as his reactivity after training on our own and working with other trainers hadn't been successful. Our trainer with SMS was SO fantastic - he always took the time to explain our dog's progress and training to us, and to teach us as much as he taught our dog. SMS really made us feel like we have the tools and support to continue working with our dog on his reactivity and understanding how to train him well. We always asked tons of questions, both in person and over text/phone, and our trainer was always so friendly and welcoming in answering our questions and making sure we felt like we understood the answers. We were wary about use of an e-collar at first, and everyone's experience can vary, but we never saw any use or training with e-collars that caused to be concerned about our dog's well-being or safety - he gets excited when the e-collar comes out just like he does for the leash and his treat pouch, and we would have stopped his sessions immediately if he ever showed any sign of hesitation or fear toward the e-collar or his trainer.

We’ve had such an amazing experience working with Kaylee (aka Keighleigh) at Sit Means Sit! One of our dogs was already decently trained, but Kaylee honed in on her problem areas and really tightened everything up. Our other pup, on the other hand, is a puppy who was basically starting from scratch—and WOW. The difference has been incredible. Both of our dogs are now the best versions of themselves after working with Kaylee. They’re well on their way to becoming reliable off-leash dogs—a goal that once felt as likely as them learning to do our taxes. On top of all that, Kaylee is hilarious. We had no idea how much we’d value a dog trainer who could make us laugh while helping us wrangle our fur tornadoes. Their programs are designed to hold you accountable (and without any judgement - amazingly!) and to give you the building blocks to continue the work at home. If you’re looking for someone who’s skilled, supportive, and can turn dog training into a genuinely fun experience, we can’t recommend Kaylee and Sit Means Sit enough!