Frequently Asked Questions
How much does your training cost?
What type of training methods do you use?
What type of training classes do you offer?
Do you train the dog or do we learn how to train our dog?
Do you only train with the collar?
Can you give me even a ballpark cost?
How much does your training cost?
Our training programs vary considerably from dog to dog and location to location. The vary both in the structure and layout of our programs as well as in the cost and duration of the training. Each of our training programs is custom tailored to the specific situation. There are a number of factors that we evaluate prior to building a training package for you such as your dog’s age, temperament, previous training, as well as the desired goals of the owner. What will work for one dog and owner, won’t necessarily fit well with another. Because of these factors, we offer a free demonstration & consultation as an opportunity to meet with your family as well as your dog to gain insight into the unique circumstances that affect your dog’s training. During the demonstration we will evaluate the factors and develop a training plan for your dog and family. From the training plan we will be able to give you an accurate idea of cost to accomplish your goals. There is no cost or obligation associated with the free demonstration. top
What type of training methods do you use?
Sit Means Sit uses a cutting edge approach to dog training and behavioral modifcation. Our training approach encompasses a number of different training tools and approaches depending on the unique circumstances presented by our clients and their animals. At the core of the Sit Means Sit method is Attention-Based Training. This broad approach to training allows Sit Means Sit trainers to use a variety of attention based tools (leashes, collars, food, toys and notably our Sit Means Sit Collar) to achieve the goal of attention to command around distractions to suit the situation.
The Sit Means Sit mission statement states:
With this mission in-mind, we customize our training approach to meet with our customer’s personality as well as what will result in the best possible training experience for both dog and owner. As you view our portfolio of dog training videos, we hope that you will pay close attention to the attitude of all the dogs trained by Sit Means Sit. We pride ourselves on being able to maintain a happy and relaxed attitude in our dogs.
We firmly believe that dogs should be trained using a safe, and politically correct approach to training. This is why we are happy to showcase our training via the Internet and show the world what Sit Means Sit can do. We’re also happy to showcase our training in person through any of our Sit Means Sit Locations worldwide. top
What type of training classes do you offer?
Each Sit Means Sit location offers different training programs and training options. We recommend contacting a Sit Means Sit trainer in your area to speak with them regarding the training options they offer.
Some examples of training programs offered are:
- Private Lessons
- Group Lessons
- Board & Train Programs
- Puppy Training Programs
- Lifetime Training
- Combination Packages are available at certain locations
Certain Sit Means Sit locations may offer specialty training in areas such as agility, AKC (American Kennel Club) competition, CGC (Canine Good Citizen) Certification, hunting retrieval, or protection training to name a few. top
Do you train the dog or do we learn how to train our dog?
We offer both styles of training. With programs such as a Board & Train package, Sit Means Sit trainers will jump-start your dog’s training for you through a residency program at our kennel. Some Sit Means Sit locations offer in-the-trainer’s-home Board & Training. With either of these programs, it is necessary for the owners to go through follow-up training with their dog to learn how to problem solve and maintain their dog’s training for his lifetime.
There is a common misconception that many people hold that once a dog is trained he will robotically go through the motions every-time he is commanded to do so. Reality is that situations are unpredictable and reinforcement of commands periodically is necessary to create a lasting relationship with your dog and his new training.
This is not unlike learning to drive a car and obtaining your driver’s license. The license does not guarantee that you will never speed or ever make a mistake while driving, it simply states that you understand the rules of the road and are capable of driving safely. The police are still out everyday enforcing the rules of the road. This is why education for the owner is critical to the success of ANY dog training program. top
Sit Means Sit can help with every aspect of your dog’s training, including puppy management and housebreaking. We train dogs of every age (including teaching those old dogs some new tricks), small dogs as well as big dogs. You can contact us today to set up a free demonstration and consultation with your dog. top
Do you only train with the Sit Means Sit Collar?
Sit Means Sit specializes in a diversified approach to dog training. We use an attention-based dog training system developed by Founder and CEO, Fred Hassen. This approach utilizes a variety of training tools to enable our trainers to gain the dog’s attention even in distracting situations. For more information on this training approach, please view the FAQ above. One of the tools that we use often in our training program is our customized Sit Means Sit Collar (remote electronic dog training collar). The reason we choose to utilize technology in our training is obvious when you understand the advantages that technology allows us.
Firstly, Sit Means Sit firmly believes in safe dog training. The technology we employ is 100% safe for dogs and humans. The Sit Means Sit Collar uses state of the art digital technology to control the output from the collar to prevent it from harming your dog. The technology that is utilized in the construction of our collar is similar technology to “electronic muscle stimulators” and “TENS” units. You may be familiar with the use of these devices in the medical field (they are very common in the Chiropractic and Physical Therapy fields) or perhaps you’ve seen devices advertised on TV as “electronic muscle massagers”. These devices essentially use low-level, adjustable electronic stimulation to creating muscle contractions. In the medical field, they are used as tools to help alleviate pain, promote blood circulation and encourage healing.
In the dog training field, specifically Sit Means Sit, remote dog training collars are used as a tool to provide a remote controlled cue. The cue is designed to neither cause pain nor to disrupt the dog’s emotional state, but rather to function as an adjustable “tap”. The approach used by Sit Means Sit trainers is to treat the “tap” from the collar as a cue for the dog to pay attention. This is no different than tapping a person on the shoulder to gain their attention. The goal of tapping them on the shoulder is not to hurt them or cause emotional distress, but rather to let them know that you want to communicate something to them.
The “tap” delivered from the Sit Means Sit Collar is a highly adjustable sensation that can be set to levels that are often imperceptible to people. Obviously this adjustability is necessary because some dogs are sensitive, while others are quite tough. There is no way to determine what levels your dog will respond to until you begin to train them with a collar. Another reason why the collars are so adjustable is because distractions from the environment are never consistent. Relate this to training with a treat. How many times will that treat work perfectly indoors, but fails to maintain your dog’s attention when a cat is running by. Sit Means Sit has found that dogs can be taught to pay attention around extreme distractions very effectively. Just check out our video portfolio to see for yourself.
During the fundamental Sit Means Sit training, the dogs and handlers are taught how to condition their dog to the collar in a constructive and positive manner. By adjusting the level of the collar appropriately for the dog and the situation, as well as linking the tap from the collar with an item of high value, we can effectively teach the dog that the “tap” from the collar is related to something of value. This approach to fundamentals allows for a smooth transition into distraction training and off leash control through attention to command. Read our article “The Art of Attention” by Sit Means Sit CEO Fred Hassen and Sit Means Sit Trainer Toni Drugmand for more information.
You can relate the advantages that a Sit Means Sit Collar can provide you in dog training with the advantages that a state-of-the-art smartphone provides you. Cell phones these days are no longer just phones, but mini-computers with built-in cameras, internet access and applications. These tools enhance our communication with others, allow for a diversified means of gathering and sharing information as well it’s just flat out cool what can be done with them, provided you have the knowledge. You can still choose to use you old-fashioned wall-mount telephone in your kitchen if you like, but now you’re restricted to the the length of the cord, and it’s not exactly easy to send photos to your in-laws using that wall-mount phone. Effectively limiting what you can do while you’re talking on the phone. There’s nothing wrong with doing things that way, it’s just limiting. This same relationship can also be said of using a leash to train your dog. It’s just limiting. With a smartphone you can do it all from the convenience of wherever you want.
Building on the premise of safety, the use of a remote controlled cue allows for greater freedom of communication, and in turn more efficient training through the enhancement of near-instantaneous timing. Being able to re-direct your dog’s energy or attention while he is at a distance from you greatly enhances the reliability you can achieve in a short period of time. It also allows for you to communicate with your dog without confrontation from yelling. Also, the uniqueness of the Sit Means Sit approach stands head and shoulders above other technology-based dog training systems because of our ability to establish a neutral communication system allowing for unprecedented problem solving abilities, and through our enhanced communication skills a truly politically correct training approach. We invite you to view our training first-hand by contacting us for a free demonstration with a local trainer, check out our events listing for a public demonstration in your area, or have a look at our video portfolio. top
Is the Sit Means Sit Collar safe?
Yes, it is 100% safe. The digital technology built into the design of the collar prevents any harm from coming to your dog. The collar does not generate heat and it cannot burn a dog or person, even with misuse.
Refer to the question above for more information on the technology behind the Sit Means Sit Collar. top
Can you give me a ballpark cost of what your training runs?
It can be very difficult for us to accurately quote training prices without actually seeing your dog and performing an evaluation of the situation and personality we are dealing with. We understand that this sounds vague, however we are dealing with unique situations every day with each client and their dog. If you can relate to contacting a mechanic over the phone and asking them how much it will cost to fix your car, we hope you can understand the situation we are in. It’s impossible to accurately diagnose a problem with a vehicle over the phone. The costs could vary dramatically. If your car goes clunk-clunk-clunk, it could be a very small and inexpensive part that needs to be fixed, or it could be something costly that needs an entire overhaul.
We feel that to be completely fair to you our customers, we offer a free no-obligation demonstration and consultation where we can get a clearer picture of exactly what we are dealing with and also to custom-build a training program to suit your family’s needs and unique situation. You can contact us for your free demonstration here. top
