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Sit Means Sit Dog Training in Richmond, VA provides Professional Dog/Puppy Obedience Training in Richmond, Henrico, Chesterfield, Goochland, Powhatan Counties and surrounding areas.
Sit Means Sit Dog Training Richmond gives your dog the personalized attention and positive encouragement they need for success.
Our dog trainers understand that every dog is unique, and we tailor our training techniques to suit each dog’s age, breed, and temperament.
Through our dog training classes, we help dog owners build strong bonds with their furry companions while addressing any dog behavior issues.
OUR GOAL IS HELPING OUR CLIENTS HAVE FUN WITH THEIR DOGS.
WHAT SETS US APART ?
Sit Means Sit RVA is committed to the success of our clients. We offer dog training services, but additionally our team provides Group Classes and Follow Up Lessons. The philosophy of Sit Means Sit is training with distractions, in a safe environment, provides the opportunity for our clients to “proof ” the behaviors they are taught.
Talk is cheap, let us show you!
Contact us today to learn more about Sit Means Sit Dog training sessions and to schedule your free consultation!
Dog Training Classes & Training Techniques
Any Dog Any Age Any Problem
15 Day Board & Train
Why Choose Our 15 Day Board and Train Program?
- If your busy schedule gets in the way of training
- If your Dog is having Aggression/Reactivity Issues
- If Therapy Dog/Service Dog Etiquette is a goal
Your dog will spend 15 days with us, having extended time with our dog trainers. This program is ideal for anyone short on time or struggling with the patience of training your adult dogs. Our dog trainers complete 80% of the work, implementing obedience training. They will learn various skills while going on public outings during their time with our team of professionals. This program will allow your dog to have the freedom of living a happy, confident & obedient lifestyle. After completion of the private lessons, you and your dog can participate in 2 years of follow up lessons & 1 year of group training. Whether you have a new puppy or an adult dog, our obedience training programs can help.
What you can expect from this program:
- Come on Command
- Wait by the Door
- Car Manners
- No Chewing, Digging, Jumping, or Play Biting
- Boundaries
- Basic manners
- Sit next to you & at a distance
- Down next to you & at a distance
- Off the furniture
- Quiet on command
- Off Leash
- Place
- Heel
Our Dog Trainers are Certified Canine Good Citizen Evaluators- the first step to Therapy Dog/Service Dog Certification.
Contact us today to get started.
10 Day Board & Train
10 Day Board and Train is perfect of you if:
- Have a busy schedule
- Hands on with the professionals
- Want an immersive training experience for your dog
Sending your furry friend to doggy bootcamp? No sweat! Our 10-day intensive is like a spa retreat for dogs – except they’ll be working those obedience muscles instead of getting massages. After completion of the private sessions, you and your dog can participate in 1 year of follow-up & 1 year of dog obedience training.
Canine Good Citizen Evaluation included.
What you can expect from this program:
- Come on command
- Wait by the door
- Basic manners
- Car Manners
- No chewing, digging, jumping, or play biting
- Boundaries
- Sit next to you
- Down next to you
- Off the furniture
- Quiet on command
- Intro to Off Leash
- Place
- Heel
Contact us today to get started.
5 Day Board & Train
5 Day Board & Train will meet your needs if:
- Your Dog has basic manners, just needs some tune up
- Your Dog only has a short list of challenges they need to improve upon
- Your Dog is not aggressive or reactive
- Your Dog is over 1 year old
Our Dog Trainers will spend 5 days with your dog, working on your list of desired skills & your dog’s confidence. These 5 days are Monday-Friday with one lesson on Pick Up and a Follow up Lesson. We will focus on “polishing” existing skills and adding a few new ones. This program includes 6 Months of Group Training.
Canine Good Citizen Evaluation included upon request.
5 skills of your choice, including(not limited to):
- Come on Command
- Loose leash Walking
- Heel
- Door Manners
- Sit
- Place
- Down
Contact us today to Get Started.
Day Train Plus
Day Train Plus this program is for you if:
- Working with your dog one on one is important
- You have time in your day to spend with your dog
- Leaving the dog only for the day is the best option
Your puppy gets 3 training days weekly for 2 Weeks, Mon-Fri. You’ll join 3 evening sessions on days 1, 3, and 6 to be part of their success journey. Our trainers will coach you both as a team, including social outings to sharpen those skills. After the program completion you will receive 6 months of follow up lessons & 1 year of group training.
Canine Good Citizen Evaluation included.
What you can expect from this program:
- Come on command
- Wait by the door
- Car Manners
- No chewing, digging, jumping, or play biting
- Boundaries
- Crate training
- Sit next to you
- Down next to you
- Off the furniture
- Quiet on command
- Intro to Off Leash
- Place
- Heel
Contact us today to get started.
Day Train
Day Train is the Program you need if:
- You are committed to participating in your dogs training
- You are have time to do some homework
- You are committed to group training
Your dog will receive 3 Days of training, once a week for 3 weeks. You and your Dog will receive 3 sessions with our trainers at the completion of each training day. The Day Train promotes teamwork with your “dog partner” This program offers 3 months of follow up lessons & 6 months of group training.
What you can expect from this program:
- Come on command
- Wait by the door
- Car manners
- No chewing, digging, jumping, or play biting
- Boundries
- Handling skills
- Sit next to you
- Down next to you
- Off the furniture
- Place
- Heel
- Quiet on Command
Contact us today to get started.
You & Your Dog
You & Your Dog Training Program is a great option if:
- Being involved with your dog’s training is important.
- Continuing your dog’s education at home is your goal
Want to be involved in all aspects your dog’s training? You will work one on one with our trainers. They will coach you to learn the skills necessary to move your dog forward. Clients will receive activities/home work lessons that allow you to build and grow your dog’s training. You will receive 9 months of follow up, along with 6 months of Group Training.
Our clients will have the opportunity to work in safe distracting environments to “proof” the dog’a attention.
What you can expect from this program:
- Come on command
- Wait by the door
- No chewing, digging, jumping or play biting
- Sit next to you
- Off the furniture
- Quiet on command
- Place
- Heel
Contact us to schedule your free consultation.
Jump Start
This Program is for You and Your Dog if:
- You want to be involved in all aspects of the training
- Your Dog has just a few challenges
- You are budget conscious
Our Certified Trainers will work One on One with the client and dog during hourly lessons. Homework will be shared to improve skills. This program includes the option of 3 Lessons with No Group Training or 2 Lessons with 2 Group Training Classes.
- Come on Command
- No Chewing, Digging, Jumping or Play Biting
- Loose Leash Walking
- Sit
- Off the furniture
- Quiet on Command
Contact us today to get started.
FAQs
Get answers to some of our most commonly asked questions:
No two pups or owners are alike, so we tailor our dog training services to fit your unique needs. We consider your furry friend’s age, temperament, and history, along with your goals as a dog owner. To get a feel for your situation, we offer a free demo and consultation. This helps us create a personalized plan that won’t break the bank. No obligations, just a chance to chat about your dog’s training! There is no cost or obligation associated with the free demonstration.
Sit Means Sit uses a variety of training methods and training aids to achieve the goals of our dog owners and their pets.
The Sit Means Sit mission:
Revolutionizing the quality of life with happy, obedient, and confident dogs.
We customize our dog training classes and training program to meet with our customer’s personality as well as what will result in the best possible training experience for the dog behavior & the 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.
No, we don’t just train with the Sit Means Sit Collar! We use an attention-based dog training system developed by Founder and CEO, Fred Hassen. Our dog obedience training uses a variety of techniques to get Fido’s attention. The collar is one tool in our dog training toolbox, using safe, adjustable electronic stimulation similar to muscle massagers. It’s like a gentle tap on the shoulder, not a zap from a taser! But don’t worry, we’ve got plenty of other tricks up our sleeve to keep your pup engaged and learning in our fun, effective training classes.
Dog Trainer With Experience
Let’s talk about remote dog training collars, like the ones used by Sit Means Sit trainers. These nifty gadgets are like a tap on the shoulder for your furry friend – a way to get their attention without causing harm or distress.
The beauty of these collars is that they’re adjustable, so you can find the perfect level for your dog’s sensitivity and the distractions around them. It’s like having a smartphone for dog training – it opens up a world of possibilities!
We pride ourselves on our unique training philosophy that focuses on clear communication and problem-solving.
Picture this: behavior modification training for your dog is like teaching a kid to drive. You start by showing them the ropes, then let them practice until they’ve got it down pat. But just like cops keep drivers in check, you’ll need to reinforce the rules with your pup now and then.
Obedience training is the key to a well-behaved dog, even without fancy gadgets. It’s all about consistency and conditioning. You’ll go through three main phases: teaching, practicing, and proofing. Stick with it, and your furry friend will be the star student in no time!
Phase 1: The Teaching/Control Phase ~ 6-12+ weeks
Building your dog’s confidence? That’s phase one! For 6-12 weeks (or more, depending on your furry friend), focus on setting boundaries, teaching commands, and getting your dog to listen, even with distractions. Once your dog learn and nailing those commands consistently, no matter what’s going on around them, you’re ready to level up to phase two! Our experienced dog trainers will guide you through this phase of obedience training.
Phase 2: The Reinforcement Phase ~ 6-12+ weeks
Phasing out the remote collar? No sweat! In phase two, you’ll gradually reduce using the collar while still keeping your pup on their toes with variable reinforcement. Think of it like a game of “Simon Says” – sometimes you’ll need the collar, sometimes you won’t, but you’re always the one calling the shots. Stick with it for 6-12 weeks, and soon your furry friend will be filtering out distractions like a pro! Our dog trainers will provide you with the tools and techniques to reinforce your dog’s obedience training.
Phase 3: The Maintenance Phase ~ Ongoing
During this phase, you will likely be using your dog training collar very little as your dog is capable of ignoring distractions. However is that they are still capable of distraction. A smart trainer recognizes this and is ready to maintain their rules, commands and boundaries at anytime. It’s not uncommon to have a dog who senses the lack of maintenance and begins to revert back to their dog behavior. The benefit of having done your dog obedience training properly to begin with is that regression is easily minimized and dealt with by simply jumping back into training for a short time to remind the dog of the expectations.
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(804)-762-0398 Contact UsDog Trainers & Staff
Professional trainers. Attentive friendly staff.
Jori Pollard CarnsOwner
Meet Jori Pollard Carns, the passionate owner of Sit Means Sit Dog Training since 2008. As a Canine Good Citizen Evaluator, she’s dedicated to enhancing dogs’ lives through expert training. When she’s not juggling her time between Pueblo, Albuquerque, and Richmond with her husband Sam and their six furry friends, you’ll find Jori enjoying the thrills of Dog Agility. Jori’s love for dogs shines through in every tail wag and confident stride. With her dog training services, she unlocks the potential in each pup, helping them discover newfound freedom and joy.
Jed was her business partner since the beginning of Sit Means Sit in 2008-2020. He passed away in 2022. He will always be the “founder” of the company. He was a Black Lab who loves the tennis ball and fetch is his favorite game. He loved his job and enjoyed the spotlight. You might call him a “show off”. He was retired, enjoying just hanging out resting and enjoying the sun!
Scarlett was the strong independent female of the group. She was passionate about the sport of dock diving. She also passed away in 2022.
Shadow is the young man of the group. He is a Dutch Shepard who is full of energy and lots of hops! Shadow is the main man, these days. He loves to swim and play fetch.
JonPaul FrinkOwner/Head Trainer
The head honcho at Sit Means Sit Richmond! This Florida native traded sunshine for Virginia’s charm, bringing along his wife Kelly and their little guy, Jack. It’s all in the family with this bunch – they’ve got Sit Means Sit franchises from Colorado to Florida!
JP’s no stranger to making folks feel welcome, thanks to his hospitality background. And when it comes to puppy training classes, he’s top-notch, with certifications from Sit Means Sit’s Vegas school and beyond. His trusty sidekick, Remy, a Dutch Shepherd Lab mix, is always by his side, ready to help you and your furry friend become the ultimate duo. At Sit Means Sit Richmond dog training, it’s all about having a doggone good time.
He is a Canine Good Citizen Evaluator and Certified in Canine CPR and First Aid.
His business partner “Remy”, is a Dutch Shepard Labrador mix, with incredible drive and a great temperament to match. They have a loving bond and work in sync daily, since the start.
Our goal in Richmond is to help our clients have fun with their dogs, by enhancing the relationship you share with your pup. We provide our clients the opportunity to spend quality, enjoyable time together in public or at home, with a well-mannered dog.
JP and Kelly are excited and look forward to welcoming all their clients into the Sit Means Sit family.
Sam CarnsOwner/Project Manager
Sam comes to Sit Means Sit with an extensive construction background. Since joining the company in 2016, he has become dog trainer and expert in dog obedience training, in 2022. Sam coordinates all of the projects for our company. He has built and expanded numerous facilities throughout the country. We currently have facilities in Pueblo, CO, Albuquerque NM, and Richmond VA. Richmond VA. is the focus of his attention for 2024. Sam coordinates all remodeling and improvement projects, as well as helps with training, process improvement, growth and expansion.
His partner is Bailey a 3 year old Border Collie with a passion for fetch.
Austin CarnsTrainer
Austin grew up in Northern Florida. He realized he wanted to join the Sit Means Sit Family the summer of 2022, he moved to Albuquerque to establish his career. Austin has advanced through his training. He attended the Sit Means Sit Apprentice Program in Las Vegas NV and graduated top 10. He is always ready for an adventure and a challenge. He again moved across the country to join the Richmond Team in December of 2023.
He and his dog Boone are a great team, Austin excels Training dogs, Potty Training Puppies, and Great Customer Service!
Austin is a Canine Good Citizen Evaluator and Certified in Canine CPR/First Aid.
He is excited to make Richmond home and looking forward to exploring the town with Boone. Look for him teaching dog/puppy training classes in the surrounding parks and on the trail.
Jessica HadenLead Kennel Tech
Jessica joined the Sit Means Sit family in November 2023. She came with experience in the animal world and dogs are her love. As valuable member of the team Jessica coordinates with the other Kennel Techs to provide exemplary care for the dogs training at the facility. She supervises play time, provides bathes, and feeding. Jessica is the coordinator of fun at our facility. She facilitates socialization with the dogs during their outside play time.
Jessica’s partner is Carlos, a pitbull mix. They enjoy working together.
Kelly Hayes FrinkOwner/Office Manager
Kelly has been the office manager for Sit Means Sit Richmond Dog Training since 2017. She is the voice on the phone you will hear when you call. Kelly manages the day to day operations of the entire company. She coordinates the client schedule, client relations, and marketing. You will see her out at our events sharing all of the companies accomplishments. Kelly has a background in hospitality, it shows in her willingness to go above and beyond for our clients and the staff.
Kelly has an adorable 2 yr old son, when she is not keeping the company running smoothly she spends her time with him.
Service Areas
We proudly serve the following areas in Richmond.
Counties
Henrico Richmond Chesterfield Hanover Ashland Goochland New KentCities
- Richmond
- Bon Air
- Chamberlayne
- Dumbarton
- Glen Allen
- Hallsboro
- Henrico
- Highland Springs
- Innsbrook
- Laurel
- Lakeside
- Lorraine
- Manchester
- Manakin
- Midlothian
- Montrose
- Rockwood
- Short Pump
- Tuckahoe
- Woodlake
- Oilville
- Ashland
- Doswell
- Hanover
- Montpelier
- Varina
- Chesterfield
- Goochland
- New Kent
Zip Codes
- 23060
- 23220
- 23221
- 23222
- 23226
- 23227
- 23228
- 23230
- 23294
- 23112
- 23113
- 23114
- 23229
- 23235
- 23236
- 23238
- 23223
- 23224
- 23225
- 23231
- 23234
- 23237
- 23250
- 23005
- 23039
- 23047
- 23059
- 23069
- 23075
- 23102
- 23103
- 23106
- 23111
- 23116
- 23124
- 23141
- 23146
- 23150
- 23192
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Sit Means Sit has 157 locations across the US and Canada.
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Find a LocationDog Training Videos
Check out a few videos to see our dog trainers at work!
Dog Training Workshop
Dock Jumping Training
Training Your New Puppy
Dog Whistle Training
Dog Owners Reviews
We love customers and their dogs. They love us.
Running Alchemist
It is pricey, but SO worth it! Training a dog is a continuous process, but these guys will do the heavy lifting for you. I did their board and train program (2 weeks there, home on the weekend), and I take my stubborn Great Dane puppy to the Wednesday evening and Saturday morning group classes…
D. Miller
These training classes have made a solid citizen out of our 2-1/2 yo rescue golden retriever. He had been given up for adoption twice before we got him. The instructors were eminently patient and helpful for every issue we presented. We are so grateful for this awesome training.
E. Schach
Thanks to Sit Means Sit, my German Shepherd is a completely different girl. No longer anxious and aggressive with other dogs, she’s happy and motivated and is loving life!
A. McCord
Amazing and life changing–we have learned so much about our dog and enjoy her even more! We know we can keep her safe and well trained around others. Thank you!