Sit Means Sit Dog Training – Cecil County Maryland and Delaware
Ranked #2 in Elkton and #31 in Maryland
Service area: Sit Means Sit Dog Training serves Wilmington, Claymont, Hockessin, Yorklyn, Newark, New Castle, Christiana, Glasgow, Bear, and Elkton. They cover New Castle County in Delaware and surrounding Maryland areas. Specific zip codes served include 19348, 19350, 19363, 19701, 19702, 19703, 19707, 19711, 19713, 19720, 19736, 19801, 19802, 19803, 19804, 19805, 19806, 19807, 19808, 19809, 19810, 19880, 19884, 19885, 19886, 19890, 19891, 19892, 19893, 19894, 19895, 19896, 19898, 19899, 19970, 21901, 21902, 21903, 21911, 21914, 21915, 21919, 21921.
Service Overview
Types of Dog Training
- Family Dog
- Service Dog
- Behavior Modification
Specialty Focus Areas
- Basic Obedience
- Puppy Training
- Leash Pulling
- Reactivity / Aggression
- Jumping on People
- Barking Excessively
- Separation Anxiety
- Biting / Nipping
- Potty Training
- Fearfulness
- Recall
Training Formats Offered
- Private Lessons
- Group Classes
- In-Home
- Private Facility
- Board and Train
- Day Training
Program Formats
- One-Time Consultation
- Sessions Package
- Ongoing Weekly
- Intensive Program
Age of Dogs Trained
- Puppy (<1 year)
- Adolescent (1-2 years)
- Adult (2-8 years)
- Senior (8+ years)
Dog Training Methodology
Methods:
- ✓ Balanced Training
Equipment:
- ✓ E-Collars
- ✓ leash
- ✓ Food Rewards
Sit Means Sit offers several training programs. Day Training allows owners to drop off their dog in the morning and pick them up in the evening, focusing on structure and relationship enhancement, with a trainer meeting the owner daily. Private Lessons involve one-on-one sessions with a dedicated trainer, allowing owners to work alongside their dog at the facility or in-home, reinforcing skills. Both Day Training and Private Lessons include access to Group Classes.
The Puppy Program is designed for puppies 8 to 15 weeks old, laying a foundation for attention-based training and covering house-breaking, kennel training, socializing, basic commands, and leash walking. Group Classes are available for dogs who have completed an individual training program, providing continued socialization and practice around distractions.
The Reactive Dog Training Package is a structured 5-week program for dogs struggling with reactivity, focusing on foundational obedience and control skills. Structured Daycare Service provides a balanced day of care, training reinforcement, and relaxation in a calm environment without dog-to-dog interaction, including scheduled crate time and practice of commands. Additionally, they offer Transportation to Training and a Wedding Pet Attendant Service.
Pricing & Policies
Pricing Summary
Each dog training program is custom-tailored, with costs determined after a free demonstration and consultation. Factors evaluated include the dog’s age, temperament, previous training, and the owner’s desired goals. This personalized approach ensures the training plan fits the unique circumstances of each dog and family, and an accurate cost estimate is provided during the consultation with no obligation.
Testimonials
“Sit Means Sit along with their trainer Carmen did an amazing Job with my rambunctious boxer in 3 short weeks! They treated, loved, and care for my pup as if it was their own. Would highly recommend Sit Means Sit to any dog owner looking for structure and obedience for their dog!”
– James S.
“We love Sit Means Sit! Grace, Josh, and Courtney were amazing with our pup Peyton. she was very timid, shy, and would bite a lot and she was rough but with the help and guidance of the trainers she has really made a huge turnaround. They have so much patience and really taught me how…”
– Chris H.
“I was amazed with the results even after the very first class! Our pup is so much better than we expected after only 3 lessons. We look forward to continuing on with the group classes that are included to get the most out of the program, and see even more improvement with our pup! Shout…”
– Christine S.
About the Trainer
Sit Means Sit Dog Training provides professional dog and puppy obedience training across Wilmington, Claymont, Hockessin, Yorklyn, and surrounding Delaware areas, as well as Newark, New Castle, Christiana, Glasgow, Bear, and Elkton in Maryland. They are part of the largest dog training franchise in the United States, with over 140 locations.
The business aims to revolutionize the quality of life for dog owners by fostering happy, obedient, and confident dogs. They offer a variety of customized training options, ranging from basic puppy training to extended-stay board and train programs, and specialize in behavioral issues such as aggression, separation anxiety, and fear/reactivity.
Sit Means Sit utilizes an attention-based dog training system developed by Founder and CEO Fred Hassen, employing a variety of tools, including their customized remote electronic dog training collar. This collar is described as a safe, adjustable “tap” to gain a dog’s attention, similar to medical TENS units, and is used to enhance communication and achieve reliable results even amidst distractions.
Owners Daniel and Jessica Strong, who took full ownership in August 2024, bring a unique perspective to training, understanding both the challenges and successes of dog ownership. They are committed to simplifying training, building confidence, and providing owners with the necessary tools for success. Beyond training, they offer a Structured Daycare Service and a Wedding Pet Attendant Service, ensuring dogs can be well-cared for and included in special events.
Accomplishments
Sit Means Sit Dog Training is part of the largest dog training franchise in the United States, with over 140 locations, and has trained over 35,000 dogs nationwide. Their trainers undergo extensive training classes and certification programs.
Owners Daniel and Jessica Strong have worked in the Sit Means Sit world for five years and took full ownership in August 2024. Daniel has a lifelong background in dog training. Kasey Jean, the Location Manager, has over a decade of experience training racehorses. Heather Mendala, a Certified Dog Trainer, brings over 15 years of dog care experience, including work in boarding and rescue facilities, and as a veterinary technician assistant; she is also a certified AKC proctor. Hailey, another Certified Dog Trainer, has 10 years of experience in shelters and veterinary offices and studied animal behavior at the University of Delaware, minoring in Wildlife Ecology.
How to Get Started!
To get started, dog owners can call or schedule a free training evaluation. This initial consultation involves meeting with the family and dog to gain insight into their unique circumstances. During this demonstration, the trainers evaluate factors and develop a customized training plan, providing an accurate idea of the cost to accomplish the owner’s goals. There is no cost or obligation associated with this free demonstration.

Contact Information
Availability
- Weekdays
- Weekends
- Morning
- Afternoon
- Evening
Certifications
- Credentialed
- AKC
Associations
- AKC
Misc Features
- onsite services
- wheelchair accessible entrance
- wheelchair accessible parking
- wheelchair accessible restroom
- restroom unisex
- parking lot free
Other Services Offered
- Dog day care center
- Pet boarding service
- Pet sitter