(289) 888-2377 Dog Training Oakville Ontario Canada
Our Oakville Ontario Canada Dog Training Staff
Sit Means Sit
Oakville, Ontario CANADA
Phone: (289) 888-2377
E-mail: CathyPote@SitMeansSit.com
www.SitMeansSit.com
Now Serving These Ontario Locations: Oakville, Mississauga, Burlington, Milton, Etobicoke
Free Oakville Dog Training Demonstration
Seeing is believing! Call us to schedule a free demonstration today! We’ll show you how our Irish Water Spaniel “Spencer” is doing. He started training at 16 weeks old and loves to show off in front of other dogs!
Oakville Dog Training Blog
Cathy and Bill Pote’s Oakville Dog Training Blog features up-to-date dog training and dog obedience information for Oakville Ontario and the surrounding areas.
Sit Means Sit Dog Training in Oakville, Ontario
Bring out the best in your best friend! The first step in enjoying a long, rewarding relationship with your dog is effective training that lasts a lifetime. With the innovative Sit Means Sit method, we’ll help you to teach your dog manners, making your pet more enjoyable to be around!
Have you been looking for dog obedience training in Oakville, Ontario? We provide training programs that result in happy, confident and obedient dogs and satisfied owners. Our program not only trains your dog quickly, but also teaches you how to control your dog at all times.
The Sit Means Sit method combines remote collar training and classic training techniques to allow you to effectively communicate with your dog. You will be amazed how quickly your dog learns and how happy he is! We know that every owner would like a pet who is dependable in any situation – no matter how many distractions there are.
Now this internationally recognized program is available in your backyard! We work with both adult dogs and puppies to train them to be confident, happy and well-mannered members of the family. When looking for dog training, Oakville pet owners know that Sit Means Sit will bring results that the whole family will love.
At Sit Means Sit, an Oakville dog obedience training school, we believe that no dog or person is alike, therefore we offer a FREE demonstration so you’ll see first hand what can be achieved using our method. We offer private dog training combined with unlimited group classes.
Our Oakville, Ontario dog training school is the first of its kind in Canada! Fred Hassen’s Sit Means Sit dog training is proud to come to Canada, and have Bill and Cathy Pote, as the very first Canadian location. Serving Oakville and surrounding areas. Contact us today for a free demonstration.
A client speaks about their Deaf & insecure Rescue dog.
If you’re serious about having a harmonious household, Cathy Pote is an exceptional trainer and I recommend you give her serious thought. But to appreciate the results is to understand the story precluding them….
My most recent addition “Pip” was about 17 months old when adopted from rescue and to say she had issues is an understatement. Aside from these “issues‘’ I was aware there was another element to be dealt with, and that is that she was born with congenital deafness. Well…….me, my history with Weimaraners, my experience with deafness (American Sign Language), and what I thought was my vast knowledge on dog training was all about to be challenged in ways I hadn’t even considered. I now was the proud owner of a brand new bouncing (literally) baby girl that was acting out and behaving like a petulant child. One who had been spoiled rotten and had no manners at all, and here I was lost and no idea of what to do.
She started out timid and leery of her new surroundings and family; no doubt thinking at first it’s great that’s she’s going for a car ride…yippee…and then faced with the reality this wasn’t just a play date and that she now has to prove herself and reestablish her position in yet again another new home. (Don’t think she quite broke it down like that in dog terms…but you get the idea.)
Weeks into her being here she was now determined that she will not only run over the other dogs in the house but also, she will now “own“ me. Within no time she was viciously attacking Chelsea (my other female Weim), the house was becoming completely out of control, and I was feeling an enormous amount of guilt for not being able to protect me and mine: This prompted my on line search, making inquiries with the Vet…with any and everyone. I didn’t want to send Pip back, give up on her, and take the easy way out; but I needed a resolution as I would not continue to put the other two dogs in harms way. The other is a Pomeranian so you can imagine the potential damage here.
I came across “Sit means Sit” and their method of training. I had intended all along on getting an E-collar so that some day “If” I could trust Pip, we could all hike off lead in the woods. So the concept of the E-collar wasn’t entirely new to me; however what was new to me was the method in which they proposed to use it, and that peaked my curiosity. After perusing the web site and watching several videos, I made contact with Cathy Pote in Oakville Ontario. She sent me a link to a video where their Sit Means Sit in Las Vegas had worked with a deaf dog…I was entirely taken aback and watched it time and time again: All the while disbelieving that the results were so evident in such a short time clocked on the video, and of course thinking “this won’t reallllly work…at least not like that”.
I came to the realization that there are no hidden agendas here; this is merely a case of both owner and dogs willing to be trained. As result I began training with Cathy and within 15 minutes of training there was a notable difference in Pips behavior; soon there after that same day I could drop the lead on Pip and she was at my side waiting anxiously to see what I wanted next. It’s only continued to get better with time with Pip now waiting for my cue and like a sponge wanting to soak up more.
I appreciate in training with Cathy that Pips deafness wasn’t the focus. It without doubt played a part, in having to use signs instead of voice, but for me…not Pip as she doesn’t know any different. Yes being deaf heightens her senses and awareness of goings on around her, but Pips challenges were more so from her history then her deafness. Deafness or not she needed the structure, discipline, consistency and guidance that any dog should have. Cathy provided me with the tools to do just that with this method of training. Before when I signed “Come” Pip looked at me and here eyes said “Ummm maybe in a bit” and “Sit” to her meant “o.k. but only for a second”. Now “Come” means “Commminnng” and …you got it “Sit”… means Sit, and she does it happily.
We’re doing it…, she heels without hesitation, she loves to play fetch, and we are off lead hiking in the woods; all the while she blissfully comes when signaled. I trust her and she finally trusts me. And what was once an intimidating and intimidated, frightened, overly anxious, insecure dog is now happy, feeling safe, confident, and a joy to be with.
Sincerely…Thank you Cathy! Thank you for your compassion, kindness, knowledge, expertise, want and perseverance to show Pip and I, as well as others out there that there is a improved way for all of us to not only co-exist but have fun doing so.
Charlene C. Slaats-Gray
London
Ontario Canada
Dear Cathy,
Sit Means Sit dog training has improved our lives with our dogs. This might sound somewhat dramatic, but it’s a fact. We have two Miniature Schnauzers. Kaily is 9 years old and Nikki is 7 years old.
We moved to a mature area of Oakville with towering trees. Our backyard looks like the Muskoka area. We were elated to move into our new home. The yard was a dream for our two dogs to run around. However, along with the mature trees and lush gardens came rabbits, squirrels and chipmunks. . . and then barking, howling and jumping on furniture, scratching at doors and windows.
I had to cover some furniture for protection . . . apply brown wrapping paper to every single garden door and pull down all the blinds so that the dogs couldn’t see out to eliminate the barking. Our dream house had become a nightmare as the dogs barked at everything, whether it was passerbies with or without dogs. Needless to say, we were absolutely beside ourselves given mostly Nikki’s wild and unmanageable disposition. When Nikki started with her barking, I couldn’t even get her attention.After only a few weeks with Sit Means Sit training, my blinds are now open. The brown paper is removed from all windows. It is a pleasure to look out our windows into the back and side yard again, and it’s a pleasure to see the dogs sitting at the garden door looking out without sounding like they were being tortured – that’s exactly what Nikki sounded like when she saw the squirrels.
Nikki now walks right by my left side, no more pulling. When we meet other pets, there is no tugging, barking or irrational behavior. She is controlled. It is an absolute joy now to go out for walks with both dogs, we find ourselves walking more frequently. It’s a win win situation!
We were hesitant to agree to this method of training and concerned that Nikki would loose her sweet personality (when she wasn’t barking). She is sweeter, and even more adorable. People stop me as we walk by with both my dogs by each side well mannered and well behaved.If there is anyone that is hesitant to pursue training with Sit Means Sit, never hesitate to provide my name and number. I had tried so many other training schools with Nikki and was unsuccessful. We were even asked to leave one of the dog training classes I enrolled in with Nikki.
Thank you so much for all your guidance, assistance and professional training. You have gone beyond your duty as a trainer with Nikki. Your passion for dogs and Sit Means Sit dog training is a direct reflection in the success with training our dogs.
Thank you again for giving us back the pleasure of having two dogs.
Lynn MacWillie
Dear Cathy:
Piper and I would very much like to thank you for your expert helping in training us both!
I rescued Piper formerly “Trinket” whose former name means “a thing of little value”. I think her former owners did think that as poor Trinket had 4 homes in 10 months and was in a high kill shelter when Second Chance Doberman rescue found her. A wonderful organization that saves hundreds of Dobermans! This was a perfectly healthy young dog and on top of that really beautiful that was to be put down. There were no Ontario Doberman females at the time, good news really, so we ended up going to Clinton Michigan for Piper.
She was a warm and friendly girl but very high energy. I had just lost my perfectly trained 13 year old Mabel Black Label and was very distressed and probably not in the right frame of mind to adopt, but adopt we did!
I soon discovered conventional obedience would not work with this Dobergirl, we had trained 4 others and she was very different from them. When I was preparing her food I found her jumping up to my eye level in her excitement. She pretty much was 3 feet off the ground at any time! Bouncing off walls and furniture literally and I was getting increasing worried about training her, when I came across the Sit Means Sit display at the Rolex Horse Show in Kentucky. I was very impressed with how quickly the dogs responded to the instruction and how happy they were in their training. Tails wagging and tongue lapping in happiness!
Shortly thereafter I called Cathy and asked for help. We were so frustrated with her that my husband actually wanted to return her which I would never do, but it was getting very stressful. She was constantly jumping us on us and I had footprints on my chest at most times as she bounced off of me regularly!
After one class with Cathy she started to calm down and after two classes I was confident enough to let her be off leash during our wilderness walks. She was staying with us with no problem and was happy doing it. She understands what I am asking her to do and she does it willingly.
Suffice to say all the training the usual easy stuff sit, stay and down were hard for this dog, who no one had ever taken the time to do with her so this method absolutely was the right one for her.
I cannot tell how pleased I am with her, I just took her into the vet’s office where two dogs were absolutely out of control and she was perfect sitting quietly while I waited and was completely in control.
I could have wept! It is such a transformation! I highly recommend this method of training to anyone especially rescue dogs that have many issues due to the lack of care they receive. It has made her life better and certainly has made ours as well.
“Well done” Sit Means Sit and especially Cathy Pote for her calm quiet approach that has helped me so much. I did not even realize I was raising my voice! Her instruction was so effective and helpful.
Thank you so much.
Sincerely
Wendy and Piper Fortin
Newmarket, Canada
The most rewarding moment for any dog owner must be the realization that their beloved pet can be saved. Our Alex is the fourth in a line of Standard Poodles purchased over the past 30 years from a very reputable breeder. Almost from the beginning, we began to realize he was different from the others. He was very dominant around the other family dogs to the point where they wanted nothing to do with him. He was also very skittish around strangers, and barked uncontrollably at their presence. Our attempts to socialize him by participating in a dog-training course at a local pet store, failed to curb this behaviour. Soon, I could not take him into public areas where other strange dogs were present. The embarrassment of trying to restrain this “monster” in public became too much and he was relegated to our fenced in back yard.
A chance viewing of Cathy and Bill Pote on Breakfast TV out of Toronto led to an email and the rest as they say is history. Although over an hour away from my residence Cathy showed up to meet Alex and demonstrate the Sit means Sit course of action. The results were immediate. Within minutes we had him “placing” on an old milk crate in the back yard. Suddenly I felt I was in charge and he was respecting my leadership. Cathy taught me the importance of eye contact especially when the dog senses an outside distraction.
After two private lessons I was back on the streets with a dog who obeys my every command. Regardless of the distraction, be it another dog, squirrel, noisy traffic, I have his attention and eye contact. The ultimate test was his behavior amongst the pack at their Oakville facility. Although all the dogs were strange to him, he was confident, well behaved, and participating in some puppy play at the end of the session.
My family is astounded at the transformation, especially when I “place” him as guests arrive and there is no more fuss and barking. The confidence that the e collar has instilled in me is unbelievable. I only use a leash to keep myself legal outside my property. Most of the time I let him drag it when he is in a “heel” position. I couldn’t be more pleased.
Keep in mind I was genuinely considering a new home for this dog and thanks to Cathy, Bill, and the Sit Means Sit team, Alex is now a welcome part of our family.
Jim and Dianne Gunter
Finally I have a moment to personally thank you. When we found you through Sit Means Sit, we were feeling hopeless. Our beautiful American Bulldog, Justice had some aggression issues with both people and other dogs and we were losing hope that there was anything we could do. We tried puppy training and had even contacted an Animal Behaviourist who spent no time with the dog and advised us to “get rid of the dog”. Of course we were devatstated! At 9 months old we had fallen in love with Justice who was a big lovable lug in the home and with people he knew. There had to be hope and we just couldn’t give up that easily. After searching the internet, I came across your site. After watching a few videos of some of the work done by Sit Means Sit trainers, we felt hopeful again. After just one session we saw some improvement. Of course we knew we had a lot of work ahead of us, but we were prepared. Now we have finished our 3 private sessions and even attended 1 group session. We cannot believe the improvement! Justice has gone from a dog who was agressive with most dogs, growled at strangers and who dragged us around the neighborhood on his walks to a dog who now has 3 dogs friends that he plays with regularly, can sit quietly when strangers approach and who is a joy to walk! It’s been just over a month and though we know we still have a lot of work to do to, we are encouraged that with time & practice Justice will be a well adjusted and consistent dog at all times and in all situations. Group sessions will also be a huge help in getting Justice to where we want him to be. It’s all thanks to you and the fantastic training program offered by Sit Means Sit. I also cannot thank you enough for spending extra time with us to ensure both I and my husband were comfortable with the technique and that Justice was prepared for his group session. Your personal touch made all the difference and demonstrated your committment to the process and to Justice!
We cannot thank you enough!
Natalie & Don
Having two dogs (one very elderly and one young that had more exuberance than I could handle) and working full time I felt at a loss to get either dog under control until I met Cathy and Bill Pote of Sit Means Sit. I had tried other types of training, especially with my young dog, but none as successful as Sit Means Sit. The disciplines and methods that Cathy and Bill provided, and still provide me, have resulted in happier, better behaved dogs and made me happier and less stressed as a result. Training is on-going, which my dogs love to participate in, and the more I spend time training my dogs the more confident and happier we all are!
Thanks Cathy & Bill
Tracey
Dear Cathy and Bill,I am very grateful as I see my Puffy behaving so well in so little time.
I realize now that in any situation my dog can be in full control. As you know Puffy was so scared of people and dogs that he would escalate rapidly in an aggressive mode ( even with us). I am fortunate to have cross you and find out the only command that can put my dog out of trouble: SIT…because Sit really Means Sit! It is so true that if I don’t tell my dog what to do next he stays at the same place for a long period of time. Since my dog was going out of his mind, that method gave him so much confidence. I am really proud of him and he became a joyful dog.
As you once said to me: consistency and patience are the key for a successful training and the collar gave him the opportunity to overcome is fear and be confident. I foresee many more happy time now.
Thanks you so much as you gave me hope when I thought everything I was doing for my Puffy were useless.
“Sit Means Sit” is the greatest method ever and your expertise and love of dogs are contagious.
Lina
Oakville
I started working with Cathy in October 2009. We have a beautiful Lab, BearB, who we adopted through a rescue at the age of 8 months. She had basic commands, was relatively easy to walk except for pulling, but with a gentle leader on, my 9 year old daughter could walk her around the block. After being with us for about 5 months, she started showing aggressiveness when out on a walk, lunging at other dogs and moving objects (joggers, kids on bikes/skateboarders). At the leash free dog park she started becoming aggressive towards small dogs and we eventually stopped bringing her there for the run that her growing legs desperately needed. She became untrustworthy outside of the house.We have had other dogs, and currently have another Lab approaching 15. Training our other dogs never presented the challenges that BearB did.
The Sit Means Sit training methods have made all the difference for BearB. It is a method of training that works for this dog. It makes her think. She is learning control and confidence. Cathy gives you exercises to help your dog understand what it is that you are asking. If you are having difficulty with a particular task with your dog, she gives you different strategies to help you to help your dog figure out what you are asking for.
The ultimate goal is for us to have BearB’s attention at all times. If your dog knows that when you walk out the front door that they are to stay with you, and be attentive to what you might be asking, then there is then no chance that they will run out in front of a car after a squirrel that just caught their eye. They may see the squirrel, but they know that they aren’t to leave you until you say that its ok, and SAFE.
We were frustrated with BearB’s lack of respect for us, and our inability to have her do simple things like come in from the yard when we called her. We now have a dog that comes when we call her, 99.9% of the time, and one that we have been able to start playing off leash with. She still has moments when she wants to fall back to behaviour that is not acceptable, but I now have confidence that I am able to regain BearB’s attention, and have her come back to me on command. We continue to work with, teach, and help BearB gain confidence. She has made enormous strides.
We are all so much happier! BearB has gained the most from Sit Means Sit because she has become a more confident dog, and she is truly having fun learning.
Karen
http://www.dogtrainingcanada.ca http://www.tsurodogtraining.com/
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