Sit Means Sit Dog Training

April Franks

2024-04

Sandy, Carolyn and the team at Sit Means Sit are amazing! We knew getting 2 golden retriever puppies would be a handful, but were completely unprepared for just how hard it would be to train 2 puppies with very different personalities at the same time… although they’re both super sweet, one is high energy and the other is very stubborn! We brought them to SMS when they were ~4 months old for the week-long board and train program, and the amount of improvement we’ve seen in the last 3 months has far exceeded our expectations! Everyone has been kind, patient and loving with our puppies, and they have been extremely patient and supportive of us too, as we’ve had tons of questions along the way! We attend the group classes a few times each week, which help them to socialize with a variety of other dogs, and reinforces and expands on the skills they’ve learned; Sandy and Carolyn always provide practical tips and techniques/approaches for us to continue to train with at home that are relevant for each dog and are happy to address any specific situations or challenges we might be facing. The emphasis is always on positive reinforcement and helping the dogs be successful in every situation, while keeping them happy and loved. We are so happy to have found SMS and highly recommend them!!

Sarah Carlock

2024-04

We have been so thrilled with our experiences at Sit Means Sit in Firestone. We have attended about 8 puppy playtimes, 10 group classes and the 5 day board and train with additional boarding days. We have a mini Goldendoodle named Bo - our first small dog. When we started, he was a puppy through and through (roughly 14 weeks old). He loved puppy play time and it was a great way for socialization with other dogs of all sizes/breeds (he was only 8lbs) and other humans (young and old). The trainers are on site, answering and asking questions. While there, we saw a difference in the behavior of the puppies that were in the classes/training program. Owners seemed much more in control than we felt, and we started asking questions and everyone affirmed the programs and facility. We made the decision to put Bo in the 5 night stay and train program. It’s expensive - would it be worth it? We had to discuss it greatly but decided we had, hopefully 10-12+ years with Bo, and having him well trained would allow a much more peaceful co-existence, help us to feel comfortable with him around other people/dogs, and we were excited to receive the tools to tap into all that he was capable of achieving. While he was at “sleep-away camp” as we called it, we received daily updates through “report card” and pics. When we picked him up, we basically received an entirely different dog. We said that first night “it feels like our baby grew up in a week!”. Don’t get me wrong, he’s still a fun playful puppy, but we now have the tools, in equipment and training, to guide him to appropriate behavior, keep him from unsafe situations and watch as his intellect connects and he does really smart things! (To note - he was not potty trained when we dropped him off. We’ve only have had 1 accident in the month since we picked him up!) Trainers Carolyn and Sandy are wonderful and love on our Bo whenever he is around - continuing to help us refine the skills he (and we) are learning. He gets so excited when we pull into the parking lot and he sees his human and dog friends waiting for class or play time. We have attended as many group classes as we can (6 mo included in the stay and train program). It’s a wonderful group (15-25 dogs) of various breeds and training levels. It’s so encouraging to see where we are heading with consistent time and training by watching the interaction of other dogs and owners. I have heard some wonder about, or critique, the training collars used. They are not “shock” collars - the signal sent feels like a tens unit vibration - designed not to hurt the dog but to get their attention. If you have a puppy - don’t hesitate to start training early! We are so glad we did. Was it expensive? Yes. Has it been worth it? Most definitely! Highly recommend!

Wayne

2023-11

The reason I decided to work with sit means sit was I needed some expert training to help me with Artemis the Rottweiler. When I got her she was about a year old and she was leash aggressive and dog aggressive. I trained Dug the Australian shepherd myself and he is well behaved and gets along with everyone. So having Artemis was a hug challenge for me. I was to the point I thought about giving her up to a Rottweiler rescue. I was unsure about using the e-collar and I thought I knew how to train a dog because Dug was so easy.I have been a steady client of sit means sit for 2+ years now. Artemis has gotten to the point where I can trust her off leash and I even got Dug on the e-collar which just increased his obedience. If you use the technique of communicating with the e-collar you can do anything. Sandy has a great facility and the sky is the limit to how far you want to train your pup. They offer many challenges to strive for. I was able to get into dock diving at sit means sit. This past October Artemis was invited to Worlds dockdog diving competition. She took fifth place in the nation in her division. She jumped 20’6” her personal best is 23’. I could not have done what I have with out Sandy and her staff being there for me and my pups. We all know times are tough and money can be tight and we just want to give up. I say stay on the path and do what is right. If you listen to what sit means sit has to offer you and your pup can achieve anything.I went from wanting to give her up from not knowing how my life would be with out her.Thank you Sandy and your staff.

Boulder County Rentals

2023-07

You will not find a more well run facility. You walk in and immediately notice how clean it is, how friendly and knowledgeable the staff is with dogs of all varieties. They were my saving grace when I was at my breaking point with 2 insane Aussie pups. It's been 2 yrs of interaction on a training, daycare and boarding level and I know they're in good hands when I come to Sit Means Sit. Truly a well run business that loves dogs and thrives to help us humans deepen our relationships with our babies!

BreAnne Griego

2023-10

We were originally trained at another sit means sit facility and transferred to this location when we moved to the area.The staff here is incredibly knowledgeable and welcoming. I highly recommend them!Sit means sit training, and continued training support through weekly group classes, has taken my fearful, reactive dog and helped him become an amazingly trained and confident canine companion.The use of the collar as a training tool is highly effective. It has given my dog more freedom and reliability than he would ever have without it. Even when his collar is off, in the am and pm around bed time, his training is just as solid! Do not fear, the collar is a reliable training tool but the training itself is just as impressive.On the fence about training? Just do it, your dog with thank you later. 😁

Walter Dawes

2024-05

Can't say enough good words about these guys. In one day they had my dog at attention and working with me. Their instructors are thoughtful, courteous and responsible. Highly recommend!!

William Canant

2024-02

This company uses shock collars to train, which instills deep fear and anxiety in dogs causing long term behavior issues. Look for a trainer that won't abuse your dog. EDIT: the owner replied to this review stating that they don't "abuse or punish dogs in any way". Any knowledgeable dog trainer would know that shock collars are used for 'Aversive' training, otherwise known as Positive Punishment, where dogs experience something unpleasant when they don't act as desired. In the case of shock collars, that unpleasant thing is physical pain. Saying that use of these collars isn't punishment is either incredibly ignorant or an outright lie.

Lindsay Hull

2023-11

We are so grateful to all the wonderful trainers and staff at Sit Means Sit. We had tried a couple other trainers and training approaches early on with our boxer mix rescue dog, Frankie, but had the most success with SMS. They really took the time to understand not only our dog and his issues or areas needing work, but us as well and setting us up for success to do the work with him as well. Positive reinforcement all around and building all our confidence up has changed our Frankie for the better. And he loves the mental challenge of learning and practicing new things. We’ve been going here for a couple years or so now, daycare at least one day a week and weekly classes. We even board him here when we are out of town. Something I never thought I’d be able to do. Like no one is there to snuggle him at night like I would? Will he have enough blankies? Haha! Yes, it’s embarrassing but I love their suites and cot setup for them. It definitely puts me at ease when he’s still super excited to go back every time and loves seeing everyone that works there. Every dog is capable of being a good dog. They just need an owner willing to work with them and the expertise of people who really care. Thank you, SMS!

Audra Rohn

2022-05

The Sit Means Sit Longmont/Frederick team is absolutely amazing. Our almost six-month-old Malinois just finished a 7-day board and train. My family and I are blown away by the transformation. We realize that training is a commitment over time and our pup is a work in progress, but wow, the difference in just a week is unbelievable.Before Sandy and her team stepped in, we felt completely overwhelmed and like prisoners in our home. We tried so many different training methods but nothing seemed to work. Our puppy was dominant, out of control, and would lunge and bite us.Our first night home after the board and train has been such a joy. No lunging and biting, and our pup has been calm and obedient.Sandy has been so patient and kind with me. I am grateful for her guidance to help me become the strong leader my dog needs. I never felt judged for my mistakes, just empowered to continually improve.Every interaction we have had with the Sit Means Sit team has been positive. I highly recommend them. The staff and owner are amazing humans and my family and I can’t thank them enough for their hard work, dedication, and expertise!

Amanda Curry

2022-05

Sandy and her team are top notch. They genuinely want success for the owners and dogs. They go above and beyond. Like any program, you get what you put into it. The Train and Board is the first of many steps - you must then do the homework with your dog. That being said, SMS gives you all the tools you need from the collar, to the one on one recap lessons to the 6 months of follow up lessons. I firmly believe in the program and it's value. It may seem pricey at first glance but it is honestly PRICELESS.

Josh

2023-10

Sandy and her team are absolutely amazing! We highly recommend Sit Means Sit. Well worth the money to have you dog(s) listen to commands even off leash. Training sessions are rarely the same and they’re always more than happy to help you with a commands you’re having issues with.

Melissa Seitz

2023-07

I have been a part of the Sit Means Sit family for over a year. I would & have recommended this facility to anyone who asks.My involvement here began initially to work on training with my dog Spock, who is friendly but highly dog reactive. The trainers & staff here gave me a set of tools & skills to help me learn how to manage Spock and his reactivity in certain environments & situations. Spock is a better dog & I am a better owner b/c of Sit Means Sit. I have learned that there are situations that are not fit for Spock, but also how to manage him so he can enjoy himself and I can enjoy him also. I have been in situations now where I get compliments on how well behaved he is (something I never would have imagined before).I also do day care & have boarded my dogs here. I know my dogs are in good hands at this facility. The Owner & Staff are highly knowledgeable about working with all types of dogs & dog personalities & they really care about the animals. My experience has been exceedingly positive & if you live in the area I highly recommend them for training, day care and boarding.

LANA MCLEOD

2021-05

The collar is just like a gentle TENS unit I use for my back.I am a 5 ft. Senior (68 years young) who decided to get a standard poodle puppy. I don't know what was I thinking! To make matters worse I recieved my bundle of joy 4 days before the March covid shut down. Worried about a 70 pound poodle pulling and lurching my arm on walks I tried training alone. Another not so brilliant move. Then I read about Sit Means Sit in Firestone and l made an appointment. Carolyn explained the training method using a collar. She even let me try it on my wrist. I decided to give it a try and signed Teddy up. After a week of on site training I had Teddy and the collar home. I tried the collar on my own neck and it is just like a gentle TENS unit.I have tried several other training methods with other dogs over the years and this is really the best.!

Deirdre Wilson

2022-05

We took our senior dog Teddy to get groomed by Erin. He is looking so handsome! Teddy is an anxious dog and he was so calm when I picked him up after his grooming!! Thanks so much Erin! Tucker, our senior Yorkie, is going to see Erin this week!

Ivan Sufian

2024-04

The staff here are very caring and professional. Our pup gets very excited when he goes there. That alone tells me volumes on the care he receives!

R Paffenbarger

2023-05

Did the week long train and kennel. Expensive but worth it. Results were great and the group training classes are great! I have recommended them to friends and family and am planning on doing a second week of kennel and train.

Brian Parker

2023-11

The staff is extremely professional and do an amazing job of caring and training our dog when he is at the daycare!!Would highly recommend if you are looking for pet services check out Sit Means Sit.

Claudia Boutote

2023-05

We took our two big english setter dogs to Sit Means Sit and they did the BEST grooming ever!!! The cut is amazing! My dogs look so beautiful, I'm thrilled. Our dogs were trained here as well. Sandy, Carolyn and the whole team are so professional, expert and dedicated. We completely trust them. They love animals and it shows.We highly recommend these wonderful people and all that they do.

thomas knapp

2023-09

This is not how you train dogs. It’s corporal, ineffective punishment for misbehavior. And guess what happens when you remove the collar? They no longer follow commands. The owners are rude and biased toward certain breeds, and they do not care for your dogs. Boarding procedure will have your beloved furry friend in a crate for 12 hours at a time. This is animal abuse, and I’m reporting to the BBB.keep your animals away.

Alexa Gallamore

2023-07

This place is GREAT! I brought my dog Willy here to the board and train because he was having issues with being aggressive toward people. They helped him so muchand he has come so far. I love bringing Willy to his group classes to keep him up with his lessons. The only time he does something "wrong" is when I dont communicate it correctly to him, but then the trainers help me and tell me what I can do to make it better. They are great at teaching the dogs and helping the people to keep with it. Honestly, I need more training than the dog does. I'm definitely choosing this place to board him when I go out of town because I know he will be taken care of here. I am so very thankful for the trainers and the staff who helped him.

Joe G

2023-11

This is a really great place to board your four legged friends in addition to being a very effective training. The girls checking in and out our pups really seem to know the individual dogs and are friendly with us.

Kalei Corrington

2023-05

We have a Goldendoodle that’s 7 months old. I’ve tried to have him groomed by someone else and I believe due to the breed they either was inexperienced with the breed, to much work or lazy. Made an appointment with another groomer and to our disappointment they cancelled 13 hours before our appointment. We finally talk to someone who is a client at Sit means Sit and we seen their dog. We decided to meet with the staff and bring our puppy.We are so happy that no one else worked out because we have absolutely nothing but praises for this establishment. We’re going to do the training for a week and have all 3 of our fur babies groomed here. We’re absolutely thrilled with how well they did with our fur baby.

Roberts Family

2023-05

Sit Means Sit turned our dog around!! We have a 5 year old golden who was super hyper, hard to control, and driven by anxiety. We couldn't bring her places because she was unpredictable and hard to control. We did the board and train program and couldn't be happier with the results. It gave us a training focus and helped the humans understand better how to train our dog. We work daily on the skills learned through Sit Means Sit and attend the weekly classes. Our dog is a much happier pup and we are enjoying introducing her to the world again!! Thank you Sit Means Sit!

Amanda Saunders

2023-08

Dewy goes to daycare Monday through Friday while we are at work and absolutely loves to be there. The staff is friendly and welcoming. They understand that our fur babies are family and take care of them that way.

Carol Bartel

2023-10

No question Benny learned so very much. He’s responsive, listens, cooperates, and eager to please. Staff is very professional, thorough and friendly. We are thrilled with his results and highly recommend them.

Jessica Hoffman

2022-05

We have a very energetic puppy and we signed her up for the board and train program a few months back. Not only were they great with dakoda and her training but they have been SO helpful training and teaching us. We have felt so supported from them when it comes to our struggles with her! We attend the weekly group training and they’ve even helped us one on one! We are so thankful for Sandy and Carolyn and all their staff there! You can just feel that they actually love what they do and they truly care about the pups and their humans!

Terri Miller

2022-05

The staff was excellent. I brought Ruffles over a couple of days and they remembered her name and seemed happy to see her. Great place and great staff! Ruffles loves it!

Janelle May

2022-05

I am so very grateful for this place and the staff, especially Carolyn! We have 2 pit mixes who are members of the family and we love dearly; but they can intimidate people and we needed some support with training as well as a place for them to go while we vacation. Sit Means Sit has met all our needs and beyond! We are feeling more and more confident to take the dogs out and about and have people over to our home. Thank you so much!!

Caytee Sellers

2019-05

Sandy and her team are great! I have a reactive pit bull and a very high energy kelpie and they have provided so much great advice to help me with both of them. They are always very patient and understanding. The groups classes always have variation and always challenge the dogs and keep everyone entertained. I would recommend Sit Means Sit to anyone and everyone.

Valerie Miller

2019-05

Sit Means Sit and Sandy have been amazing for my dogs and my family's dogs over the last 6 years. I currently have a foster and she was extremely fearful and aggressive because of this fear. I was honestly afraid she would never find a home. She is a beautiful and sweet girl, but I couldn't handle her out in the world. Sandy has been very generous with her time and resources to help me with her. Once we started training, things changed almost immediately. She listens to me, she trusts me to be her leader, and she isn't as fearful or aggressive Sandy and her crew of capable and kind trainers continue to reinforce all of her training while she is there at daycare. I now have complete faith that my foster will be able to find a forever family!You can get your life and your house back with this training, it really is life changing.