Best Dog Trainer in Annapolis

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Annapolis Dog Training Experts

Sit Means Sit Annapolis has been helping dogs and their owners in all of the Greater Annapolis Area since 2012.

We customize dog training programs specific to the needs of each dogs and goals of each individual family.

We offer puppy packages, basic obedience, behavior modification for aggression/fearful dogs, advanced obedience, and CGC & therapy dog certifications.

Our training classes are designed to successfully maximize your dog’s potential and achieve a more fulfilling dog and owner relationship. Call us today to get started with your initial training consultation for your dog!

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About Sit Means Sit Dog Training

Dog Training Programs

Any Dog Any Age Any Problem

Puppy management training.

Puppy Management

Our puppy management program consist of teaching your puppy basic rules and boundaries to help integrate them into becoming a great family member.

Things we tackle in puppy management classes include:

  • Potty Training
  • Basic Commands
  • Introduction to Luring & Marker Training
  • Boundary Training
  • Proper Socialization
  • Crate Training
  • Redirection of Unwanted Puppy Behaviors
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Transformation academy.

Transformation Academy

This program is also known to many as the board and train concept training style.

Our Transformation Academy is ideal for busy families with active schedules who need help in the beginning stages of the training process. While your dog is with us, our professional trainers will instill the foundation of the training for you.

This includes addressing specific unwanted behaviors and replacing them with new desired obedience.

When your dog is ready to return home, we engage the training process right from the start with a transfer of leadership lesson. This ensures the results gained at our training facility transfer directly to you and your home.

We continue to follow up WEEKLY with additional check-in lessons to ensure everything new your dog has learned is running smoothly for the future. Group Class attendance is then followed by your dog’s complete graduation from our Transformation Academy.

We offer a variety of levels for our Transformation Academy including:

  • Fundamental Training- 10 Days
  • Intermediate Training- 15 Days
  • Advanced Training- 20 Days
  • Demo Dog Training- 30+ Days
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Day & Train

Day & Train Program

Our Day & Train Program is our most popular program! It’s the perfect middle ground between private lessons and a transformation academy.

Just as you would go to work during the day, your dog will come to school! You will drop your dog off in the morning for school and our expert trainers will work extensively with your dog throughout the day. In the evening, your dog will come home with a private lesson. Essentially, your dog has now had the repetitions and concept and its our turn to train you on how to keep the consistency!!

We offer several options within this category of training that can also include group classes. You will be amazed in what your dog can learn in just one day when training at Sit Means Sit!

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Private lessons.

Private Lessons

Our Private Lesson Programs are great for those individuals who wish to be hands on in their dog’s training success from the very beginning.

Our private lessons can be done in-home or at our location in Davidsonville. The benefits of an in-home private lesson makes certain that your dog is learning boundaries and manners in the environment in which they are most comfortable.

On the other hand, private lessons at our location is a great way for your dog to learn to focus around difficult situations. We find sometimes that a dog behaves well within the home but faces challenges around outside distractions.

We pride ourselves on the customization of our programs. Not all dogs will fit into one program and Sit Means Sit is here to help you and your dog have the most successful training experience.

During private lesson training one of our expert trainers will be working with you and your dog exclusively, teaching you proper training techniques and combating problem-solving scenarios to help you continue practicing what your dog has learned during their lesson. While also instilling the importance of patience, follow-through and consistency as this plays a role in your dog’s success with training.

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Group dog training classes.

Group Classes

Our Group Classes are an excellent way to properly socialize your dog while keeping your dog safe and focused around distractions.

We believe that Group Class is a next level training process.

Your dog must graduate from Preliminary Private Lessons or from our Transformation Academy before attending any group lessons.

Our goal for group classes is to maintain obedience through attention while being in the presence of multiple dogs, people and environments. With this achievement, you will be able to take your dog ANYWHERE confidently knowing that your dog will have manners and listen attentively.

When you and your dog have a good foundation for training, it makes for an easier transition into a distracting situation. Attempting to teach your dog something brand new around such stimulation makes it difficult for your dog and stressful for the owner.

Group Classes are held at our facility. Check out our Group Class Schedule for where we will be conducting class this week.

In addition to regular classes, we often take group class field trips and teach group classes in other parks, pet stores, beaches, hiking grounds, grooming areas, Downtown Annapolis, ect. We also hold an annual Group Class Trip to Great Falls every year!

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FAQs

Get answers to some of our most commonly asked questions:

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.

Sit Means Sit uses a variety of training methods and tools to achieve the goals of the customer and their dog.

The Sit Means Sit mission:

Revolutionizing the quality of life with happy, obedient, and confident dogs.

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.

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. 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.

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.

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's 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.

Training with a remote dog training collar like the Sit Means Sit dog training collar is really no different than training your dog with a leash or with treats. Reinforcement in any form is a required and necessary part of your dog’s life. Even after they are trained, it will still be necessary to maintain your rules and boundaries. This is really no different than we encounter with people learning to drive a car. Obtaining your driver’s license only shows that you understand the rules of the road, and have demonstrated your ability to operate a car safely. It does not guarantee that you will stop at every stop sign, and drive the speed limit all the time. Obviously there are a lot of factors that change as you drive, and some drivers are more honest than others. The bottom line however is that there are police officers responsible for maintaining the law and enforcing the rules that we have agreed to.

When looking at dog training from this standpoint, it easy to see how reinforcement of rules will be inevitable at some point. Every dog is different though, and some dogs require more or less reinforcement than others.

The good news is that proper and thorough training will result in your dog being more reliable even without training equipment or training ‘aids’ as we call them. Training your dog to be reliable without a Sit Means Sit dog training collar on is a matter of transferring attention through conditioning. There are three broad phases of training that you will encounter as you train your dog. Sticking with the your training and reinforcing your rules consistently over a long enough period of time will get your dog as reliable as they can be. The phases of training are as follows:

Phase 1: The Teaching/Control Phase ~ 6-12+ weeks

During phase one, the goal is to achieve control over your dog, teach them the rules, boundaries and desired behaviors you want. It also the time to teach the dog to pay attention and perform these commands around distractions. This phase lasts between 6-12 weeks on average, however in certain situations it may take longer to gain the reliability needed before moving on to phase two. Once your dog is capable of performing commands quickly and reliably around a variety of distractions with minimal problem solving required, then your dog and you are ready to move on to phase two.

Phase 2: The Reinforcement Phase ~ 6-12+ weeks

During phase two, the goal is to begin phasing out your training aid (remote dog training collar). In phase one, we use the dog training collar on a regular basis to regain attention and maintain our rules. Now in phase two we begin to reduce our dependence on the dog training collar and introduce consistency via variable reinforcement. You may or may not need your dog training collar, but we want to teach the dog that you are still in control even if the perception of the dog is that you are not. This phase will last between 6 – 12 weeks on average, and will require you to stick with phase two for longer than average. It’s also not uncommon as dogs mature and age to have to revert back into phase one training again for several weeks depending on how your dog’s performance and behavior is. When your dog is capable of performing commands without the need for reinforcement for approximately 6 weeks, then your dog is very likely to be reliable without their training aid present. We are ultimately looking to have your dog learn how to filter our distractions entirely. When this is achieved, your dog is much less likely to act out in an unwanted manner because of distractions.

Phase 3: The Maintenance Phase ~ Ongoing

The third and final phase of training a dog is the maintenance phase. During this phase, you will likely be using your dog training collar or other dog training aid very little as your dog is capable of ignoring distraction. The catch however is that they are still capable of distraction (they are not robots). A smart trainer recognizes this and is ready to maintain their rules, commands and boundaries at anytime. It is not uncommon to have a dog who sense the lack of maintenance and begins to revert back in their behavior. The benefit of having done your dog 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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Trainers & Staff

Professional trainers. Attentive friendly staff.

Michael Nease owner and trainer of SMS Annapolis.

Michael NeaseOwner & Head Trainer

Michael is the owner and head trainer for Sit Means Sit Annapolis, MD. He has been training dogs since 2010.

His personal philosophy to training dogs has always been doing what is fair and right by the dog. Michael believes in consistency when training and to never forget to have fun with your dog!

Michael specializes in aggression, high drive dogs and “the difficult dogs”.

He attends many seminars and trials in efforts to always keep an open mind and continue is education in the dog training industry. As he continues to help owners develop a better understanding of their dogs needs and trains mostly pet dogs, he spends his free time thriving in competition with his own personal working dog.

Michael and his dutch shepherd “Lo” have a BH and Title 1 in IPO training and continue to work hard on more titles in this dog sport. Michael goes above and beyond for his clients, seeking any and all possible solutions that will benefit to the dog’s success. Michael is a family man and a huge animal lover in general.

Shantelle Nease owner and trainer of SMS Annapolis.

Shantelle NeaseOwner, Head Trainer, & Office Manager

Shantelle is the owner and head trainer for Sit Means Sit Annapolis, MD. She has been exclusively training dogs since Sit Means Sit Annapolis opened in 2012. She has been married to Michael since 2012 as well.

Shantelle works well in explaining the path of dog training to her clients helping to give them a better understand of their dog. Her philosophy is that training can create a better quality of life for the dog which will results in a better relationship with the owner.

Shantelle works in our office most days but also loves working with puppies. Shantelle is a mother of two young children who she strives to teach the responsibilities of caring and training for dogs everyday.

Stephanie Hall dog trainer in Annapolis.

Stephanie HallTrainer

Stephanie has been working for Sit Means Sit Annapolis part-time since 2016. Stephanie first came to Sit Means Sit as a client with her personal dog Ginger.

In the midst of three years, Stephanie, in her own efforts would attend many training classes, programs and seminars in hopes to help Ginger overcome her fear based aggression towards other dogs. She reached out to Sit Means Sit and as she became a very good client, she was asked to join the team.

Personally, Stephanie and Ginger are able to confidently have off-leash obedience around other dogs without altercation. Because of her success, she found a passion for wanting to help others with the same challenges. Professionally, Stephanie found a love for helping others in the dog training community.

Stephanie has a patience unlike many people. She works hard to build trust and a relationship with each client and each dog. She loves a good challenge of an aggressive/ difficult dog and watching their transformation through training.

Stephanie’s favorite part of training dogs is seeing the dogs transform, sometimes drastically, into their best selves that they and most humans didn’t even know was within them.

Service Areas

We proudly serve the following areas in Annapolis.

Cities

  • Annapolis
  • Eastport
  • Edgewater
  • Davidsonville
  • Arnold
  • Severna Park
  • Stevensville
  • Eastern Shore
  • Columbia

Zip Codes

  • 21401
  • 21403
  • 21409
  • 21140
  • 21037
  • 21035
  • 21044
  • 21045
  • 21046

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Dog Training Videos

Check out a few videos to see our dog trainers at work!

Dog Training Group Class Hikes At Great Falls, VA

2017 Reunion

Group Class August 2017

Skateboarding Puppy

5 Star Reviews

We love customers and their dogs. They love us.

Kathy B.

An unruly Sheltie finds his calling as a Therapy Dog We have had Shelties since 1987. This time, a handsome, funny, and stubborn little guy entered our lives. This little guy was a handful and since we loved him so much we let him do whatever he wanted to do. We had forgotten who was…

Matt & Alicia C.

Best Money I Ever Spent Before we started working with Sit Means Sit our dog Piper was becoming more and more dominant with us and other dogs and unresponsive to her training that we had done with other trainers. Shantelle came out a few days after our initial call with Mike and was able to…

Kris & Katie B.

The extremely fearful pitbull learns how to trust again Sit Means Sit Annapolis has been the best thing we have ever done for our dog Harvey (other than adopting him). My husband and I are complete believers as we never thought we would find a training program to help our dog, Harvey. Harvey is a…