Phoenix dog training company merges
DOG-ON-IT’s association with SIT MEANS SIT began in 1999.
In 1985 I opened Toni Drugmand’s Phoenix-based dog training school called DOG-ON-IT Training. I began group classes in several locations around the Valley and have continued our dog training courses to date.
In 1999 when Fred Hassen, owner of SIT MEANS SIT dog training, a Las Vegas-based company, presented his seminar, Facts and Fallacies of Electronic Dog Training Collars, in Tucson, Arizona, I attended. Dog trainers from across the United States attended this first seminar. We all wanted to see what “all the talk” was about. At the time, Fred had a weekly radio show with trainers and other canine experts that shared information to the dog enthusiasts. After Pam Green of Cactus Canine in Tucson was a guest on his show, she was intrigued with Fred's use of the remote collar and asked him to do a workshop for her staff. She also invited the dog trainers from across the country. This new and up-coming method was said to rival the more traditional training methods. Author of Tricks and Dog Training, Captain Arthur Haggerty attended, as well as the local Tucson police K-9 supervisor – so I knew it was worth seeing first hand. If I go away from a seminar with just one thing that I can apply, my time was well spent.
What I expected, and what I saw was very different. As a professional dog trainer for more than 20 years, I held the belief that the use of a remote electronic dog-training collar was for the expert and professional trainer only. I thought they were useful tools if used correctly; they help to correct unwanted behaviors. I expected to only learn applications for advanced training. I never expected to see everyday training issues being solved with such ease and immediate results. Not only did the dogs respond quickly, but over the course of two full-days working nearly 50 dogs during this seminar, I was impressed that this system was not confrontational to the dog. Owners were told that they were not allowed to raise their voices. This was visually obvious as we worked dog after dog. The remote collar was clearly a gentler communication to the dog than pulling or yanking on the dog with traditional training collars. The clarity to the dog teaching with Fred Hassen's remote collar method was unmistakable. Dog after dog learned the basic concept immediately to come back and give the owner attention when he asked it. The seminar was billed something like “Come one, come all! Bring the worst dog you can find!” …and so the types of dogs that attended ran the gamut. We had unruly puppies, fear-biting issues, a dog that attacked and killed a goat, competition-obedience dogs and agility dogs. The most impressive to me however was a great white beauty. She was a Great Pyrenees and scared of every human that she encountered. She was so fearful she would almost crawl on her belly to try to avoid human contact. Fred had her responding to his training in a few minuets, 10–15 minutes maximum (and that is slow for Fred!) She visibly became more confident in front of the entire audience. (See the article in more detail on this dog THE SHY DOG)
Las Vegas Nevada 1st place Utility A After this impressive seminar, I was intrigued and wanted to learn more. I made an appointment to visit Fred in Las Vegas about two weeks later. We worked on advanced Utility Training with my Doberman, Stetson. A month later I was back in Las Vegas for two days of training and a local competition. In those two shows I completed my two required-legs for the Utility degree. As a bonus my dog scored first place in his class on both days! Needless to say I was extremely pleased with my results and new learning.
After these positive experiences with Fred and his Sit Means Sit staff, I dedicated time to learn all that I could about his remote collar specialty. I wanted to learn as much as I could if it would allow me to help my students gain better results with their dog needs. In many cases the faster we can accomplish attention for the dog the more likely the dog will keep his happy home. For the next year I traveled weekly to work with Fred, his Sit Means Sit staff, and their Schutzund Club.
In the meantime, our students at DOG-ON-IT with dogs needing extra help had the opportunity to work with me using the remote collar. I was surprised and delighted by how quickly the owners took to learning this technique and how much easier it was for both the dog and the owner.
The following year Fred opened his "No Limitations" school for dog trainers. In December 2001, I was one of the first graduates to complete the course as a remote collar specialist. I became certified with honors.
Since then I have worked with Fred on several projects. We have written articles together, have done seminars together, and have done public demonstrations at boat and RV shows in Phoenix and Las Vegas. I continue to be impressed with his organization's improvements. As his school evolves, the level of education and techniques provided to his students continues to increase, helping students refine their craft and become better handlers with his method. I have been an instructor at many of his public remote collar seminars.
With Fred's training system gaining world recognition, inquires from those attending his school sparked the interest to have a SIT MEANS SIT in their home town. In 2006, SIT MEANS SIT Dog Training began a licensing program. This program provides an opportunity for qualified trainers to attach their name to the trade mark of quality that is SIT MEANS SIT.
This December 1, 2006 DOG-ON-IT Training has made the link with SIT MEANS SIT Phoenix Dog Training. Although DOG ON IT will not change its local name, we will be listed as the licensed SIT MEANS SIT in the Phoenix area.
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