Top Dog Trainers in Syracuse
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The Best Dog Training in Syracuse
Sit Means Sit Dog Training offers professional obedience training services for dogs and puppies across Syracuse, Cicero, Auburn, Baldwinsville, Cortland, Liverpool and surrounding areas!
At Sit Means Sit Syracuse, we offer training program for dogs of all breeds, sizes, ages, and temperaments! During your complimentary evaluation, our professional dog trainers will work with you to identify problem areas and listen to your training goals to determine the best solution for your and your pooch’s needs.
Contact the best dog trainers in Syracuse, NY and empower your dog to live their best happy, confident, and obedient life!
Any Age. Any Breed. Any Problem.
We train all dogs, regardless of age, breed, or behavioral issue. Whether you're looking to start your puppy on a path to lifelong success or want to teach your older dog some new tricks, we've got you covered.
Obedience & Behavior Management
We provide individualized one-on-one dog training programs tailored to meet your unique goals and specific needs.
Group Training
Our follow-up group training continues after our one-on-one training programs to ensure you and your dog continue to achieve your training goals.
Training & Services
Day Train
If you’ve been considering sending your dog to a training camp but can’t fathom being without them at night, SMS Syracuse’s Day Training program is the perfect fit! This once-a-week, all-day training experience involves professional trainers working with your dog at: Our training center Local parks Pet stores And more! At pick-up, your trainer will…
Private Lessons
At Sit Means Sit, private lessons comprise an hour-long, one-on-one session with an expert trainer. During the session, you’ll be guided through daily techniques to continue training and provided with feedback for moving forward. We utilize “lifestyle training”; this approach includes integrating training into everyday activities and routines. Advantages of Private Lessons Personalized Training Plans…
Group Class
In group classes, furry friends practice, refine, and flaunt the skills they’ve learned in private lessons with real-world distractions! This natural stimulus ensures your pet understands being well-behaved and obedient in any setting, whether at the park, a pet store, a busy sidewalk, or a social gathering! Why Choose Group Training? Listen and obey in…
Board and Train
Boarding and training are excellent fits for pooches who need individualized concentration and an immersive experience. B&T allows Fido to master obedience under the close guidance of our experienced trainers while also being exposed to real-world surroundings, such as local parks, pet stores, and other public spots. However, not all dogs are eligible for this…
Behavior Modification Training
In addition to our training programs, we can train your dog or pup to overcome specific behaviors and emotions for a happier, healthier dog.
Aggressive
An aggressive dog can cause difficulties when trying to incorporate them into your daily life, and can create stress and strain for everyone in your household. Often these behaviors stem from factors like inadequate socialization, fear, stress, or negative past experiences. Working collaboratively, you and your trainer can address and resolve some of these behavioral…
High Anxiety/Fear
Whether it’s a fear of strangers, other dogs, or separation from their owner, it can be incredibly challenging to train an anxious dog. Our trainers will work closely with you and your pup to gradually increase their comfort zone through positive experiences, building your dog’s confidence in a safe and productive way. Signs of Anxiety…
High-Distraction
Does your dog bolt the second they see a squirrel, person, or another dog across the street? These distractions are unavoidable in the real world, which is why our trainers focus and specialize in high-distraction training. With consistency, we can help direct your dog’s focus to you in any situation when distractions arise….
Off-Leash
If you aspire to enjoy the freedom of having your dog off-leash while exploring your favorite trails or during camping adventures, off-leash training could be a perfect fit for you and your furry companion. Off-leash training is distinct from obedience, although skills such as recall are the foundation of off-leash training. Our trainers will begin…
Reactive
A reactive dog overreacts to normal situations that other dogs would take in stride. They become overstimulated easily and may bark, lunge, and growl at something as simple as another dog or person walking on the other side of the street. Attention to training is extremely important, as reactivity can turn into aggression. The cause…
Socialization
Socialization with dogs, humans, and other animals is a great way to ensure a well-mannered and confident dog. The best time to socialize is between 10-16 weeks of age, but not all dogs get to experience socialization as a puppy. A lot of rescue dogs enter their new homes without proper socialization, which can put…
Trainers & Staff
Our certified Sit Means Sit Dog Training staff has extensive experience in resolving dog obedience issues such as:
- Jumping
- Barking
- Leash Pulling
- Counter surfing
- People aggression
- Dog aggression
- New Puppy Problems
- Housebreaking
- Basic Commands
- High Energy
- Anxiety
- And More!
Learn more about our team or jump start your training by scheduling a free evaluation today!
David Wilbert Owner/Head Trainer
Dave is the owner and head trainer. Although Dave is originally from the Central New York area, he has been training with the Sit Means Sit system since 2009 with Anthony Bracciante in Denver. While living in Denver, Dave rescued his chocolate lab Maddi. After obtaining mediocre results with other obedience training systems and frustrated…
Justin Ives Lead Trainer
Justin is one of our trainers. Growing up right here in Cicero, dogs have always been a huge part of his life. Justin came to Sit Means Sit initially as a client. He is a proud owner of a high energy Weimaraner named Remi. Remi was trained in basic obedience but Justin wanted more. He…
See What Our Customers Say
Our Reviews
Check out our reviews to hear directly from our customers and their experience!
See More ReviewsI cannot say enough wonderful things about Sit Means Sit and the impact their training has had on both my dog and my life.
I started my dog there as a puppy, and he is now 9 years old. To this day, I still reinforce everything we learned through their program — and the results have truly lasted a lifetime.
Before training, everyday outings could feel stressful and unpredictable. Thanks to Sit Means Sit, my dog became calm, confident, well-mannered, and reliable in so many different environments. Because of the training, we were able to go more places together, enjoy more experiences, and truly be at ease with one another. It completely changed our relationship for the better.
One of the things that truly makes Sit Means Sit stand out is their continued support long after training is completed. They allow you to retake classes anytime, and if you ever have concerns or need guidance, they are there to help — even years later. In my case, they were still helping me 9 years after I first started training with them.
Dave, the owner, is incredibly kind, caring, compassionate, and genuinely invested in both the dogs and their owners. I recently had to replace my dog’s collars after all these years and was shocked to learn they were covered under a lifetime warranty.
When I went in, the facility was extremely busy with so many things going on at once, yet Dave immediately stopped what he was doing to personally help me. I was having trouble getting everything set up correctly, and he quickly resolved all of my issues without making me feel rushed or unimportant. That level of customer care and dedication is rare to find nowadays.
What I appreciate most is that the training is not just about commands — it is about communication, trust, confidence, structure, and building a stronger bond between you and your dog. Even now at 9 years old, people constantly compliment how well-behaved and attentive my dog is, and I truly credit the strong foundation Sit Means Sit gave us.
If you are considering training for your dog — whether it’s a puppy, rescue, high-energy dog, or a dog struggling with behavioral issues — I highly recommend Sit Means Sit. It was one of the best investments I ever made for both myself and my dog.
Justin and Nick are the best. The whole team here took in our 2 German shepherds and to say the difference has been life changing is not giving them enough credit. Look no further for the best dog training facility under the sun. 10/10 recommend
We'll Solve Your Dog Problems
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Dog Training Services in Syracuse & Surrounding Areas:
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