Sit Means Sit Dog Training Pittsburgh

Sit Means Sit Pittsburgh offers a range of training programs: Board and Train (full immersion with boarding at Houndstown), Private Lessons (one-on-one in-home or facility-based), Group Classes (for socialization and distraction training), Frequent Fido (ongoing skill refinement), Tune-Ups (for behavior relapse or maintenance), and Puppy Training (for foundational skills and long-term planning). All programs include follow-up support, video resources, and access to monthly meet-ups. The training system emphasizes attention, obedience, and real-world application using e-collars and positive reinforcement tools.

Pricing Summary

Pricing varies by program type and duration. Board and train programs include daily updates and videos, followed by four transfer-of-leadership private lessons. Group classes, private lessons, and tune-ups are available with costs determined during a free consultation. No fixed pricing is listed publicly.

Sit Means Sit Dog Training Pittsburgh is a professional dog training service that helps dog owners build better communication and control with their pets through a focus on attention-based training. They offer personalized programs for puppies, adult dogs, and dogs of all breeds and sizes, serving the greater South Hills area of Pittsburgh, PA. Their training methods emphasize solving real-life challenges like leash pulling, reactivity, aggression, separation anxiety, and poor recall by teaching dogs to focus on their owners in distracting environments. They provide multiple program formats including board and train, private lessons, group classes, tune-ups, and ongoing support through Frequent Fido. Their trainers are certified through the Sit Means Sit system and use e-collars as part of a balanced approach to training. The business is owned by Lisa Pierce, a highly experienced trainer with a background in canine learning theory and search and rescue dog training, and her team includes certified apprentices and former clients who have become trainers. They offer free consultations and encourage prospective clients to view training videos and read client testimonials before committing.

They also provide boarding services through their partner Houndstown in Brentwood for their board and train program, and offer access to monthly meet-ups and follow-up lessons to reinforce training. Their training philosophy centers on empowering owners with clear tools and techniques so they can maintain long-term success with their dogs.

The business is part of a national franchise with 157 locations and offers additional resources through their online store and blog.

Accomplishments

Owner Lisa Pierce has been training dogs since 2013 and has helped thousands of families. She holds a collegiate background in learning theory and memory, and has trained dogs for search and rescue (SAR), therapy work, and commercial filming. Her dogs have appeared in ABC’s Downward Dog, a Chewy commercial, and a NatGeo Wild short. Multiple trainers on staff have completed the Sit Means Sit Apprentice Program and have successfully trained their own dogs through the program.

How to Get Started!

Prospective clients can schedule a free evaluation or consultation by calling the office or booking online. During the consultation, trainers assess the dog’s behavior, discuss the owner’s goals, and recommend a tailored training program. Clients are encouraged to review videos and testimonials beforehand.