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SERVICES WE OFFER

Board & Train

Give your pup a jump start through an immersive board-and-train. During their stay, your pup will learn obedience skills, build impulse control, and grow confidence. At the end, we’ll use a transfer lesson to help you take their new skills home. Ongoing support will ensure their success.

DAY TRAIN

All-day training blends the immersion of a board-and-train with the flexibility of private lessons. Drop your pup off in the morning and pick them up in the evening with a private lesson once a week. Build a stronger bond with your dog and play a greater role in training at home.

GROUP CLASSES

Practice keeping your pup’s attention in a room full of other dogs and owners as you participate in fun and engaging drills, learn new tricks, give agility a try, and strengthen obedience skills.

PUPPY TRAINING

Support your puppy’s development with advice from the experts. Benefit from professionally guided and proven strategies for providing structure, boundaries, and encouraging social skills.

Client experiences

  • There is not enough space on this page to explain what this group has done for me and my pup. He started at 4 months and 6 months later he is doing amazing thanks to Ethan and the rest of the trainers. The promise he made day one came true this week … “When he is trained he will get to do more fun things with you” ... it happened ! He gets to run free on his first vacay at the beach ! He gets to sit at restaurants and enjoy all the things and I get to trust he will do the right things instead of stressing and hoping he is good. There have been so many wonderful moments. We all know I was the one trained 🙂 but this week was the icing on the cake. Thank you Ethan and friends . Love, Erin and Finn 🐾

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    Erin Flynn Avatar Erin Flynn
    September 16, 2025

    We brought our rescue dog to Sit Means Sit in Tigard to work on his overall training as well as his reactivity after training on our own and working with other trainers hadn't been successful. Our trainer with SMS was SO fantastic - he always took the time to explain our dog's progress and training to us, and to teach us as much as he taught our dog. SMS really made us feel like we have the tools and support to continue working with our dog on his reactivity and understanding how to train him well. We always asked tons of questions, both in person and over text/phone, and our trainer was always so friendly and welcoming in answering our questions and making sure we felt like we understood the answers. We were wary about use of an e-collar at first, and everyone's experience can vary, but we never saw any use or training with e-collars that caused to be concerned about our dog's well-being or safety - he gets excited when the e-collar comes out just like he does for the leash and his treat pouch, and we would have stopped his sessions immediately if he ever showed any sign of hesitation or fear toward the e-collar or his trainer.

    Angela Riggs Avatar Angela Riggs
    July 2, 2025

    #SitMeansSit Offer So Much More Than "Dog Training" I've used Sit Means Sit twice (2019 and 2025) with different dogs: I keep coming back because they are so worth it. It's not just "paying for dog training", it's an investment that gives saftey, bonding, and joy - for your pup - that lasts a lifetime. Soon after I adopted Rhea -- a one year old, 133lb puppy with trauma-formed-attachment-anxiety and I later learned, forceful leash aggression and prey drive -- I was super scared I'd made a huge mistake. Portland springtime wildlife teeming at the edges, Rhea was all instinct in those early days; she could pull me to the ground so fast I would barely know how it happened. Facing my own life challenges, including genetic spinal issues with multiple surgeries over the coming year to correct, Rhea was becoming more and more dangerous for me to walk, yet our heart-bond was becoming so deep, we were becoming more and more critical to each other's well-being. I called Sit Means Sit just weeks after the adoption and to my surprise and delight, they remembered me, treating me more like an old friend they were happy to hear from, than a "repeat client." The Sit Means Sit team :: shout-out *Halle and Ethan* :: welcomed us with incredible warmth, optimism, and kindness. After just ONE WEEK with Halle, Rhea was calmer. I could walk her safely and confidently. Week after week, friends and neighbors were astonished at Rhea's (and my) transformation. Today, my 2.5 yr old 'Big Girl' can sit calmly, just inches from other dogs with her only focus being on me. She can sit and watch (albeit, still with a strong urge to pounce!) while ducklings cross the street. We've moved from suburban home to urban apartment and she's thriving. I know beyond any doubt that without Halle, Ethan, Cassie and team, I wouldn't have been able to safely keep Rhea. In short, Sit Means Sit trainers are *uniquely* talented, skilled, and committed. They lead without judgment (truly, so much love and compassion), with humor and consistency. Classes are fun! AND/BUT/ALSO... more than technical excellence, SMS offered Rhea, my family, and me a safe-haven and extended community we didn't even know we needed. During one of the most challenging periods of my life, the team became part of my village; committed to us and our success for as long as it took. I feel like Halle + Ethan are an honorary part of my family that didn't just change my life or my dog's life, but our altered our future together. #forevergrateful

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    Regina Perata Avatar Regina Perata
    July 13, 2025

  • I can’t say enough good things about working with Kaylee! I came in feeling hesitant and a little embarrassed after trying other trainings with my dog and still struggling. From the start, Kaylee made me feel comfortable and supported. She helped me build confidence not only in my dog’s abilities but in my own. I have a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel, and I wasn’t sure how a smaller dog would do in this kind of training environment, but Kaylee proved that with the right guidance and encouragement, we could absolutely succeed. Her calm, positive approach and clear direction have made such a difference for both of us. Thanks to Kaylee, I now feel confident handling real-world situations with my dog and know how to set us both up for success. Highly recommend her and especially if you’ve struggled before or just need that extra bit of reassurance and guidance!

    Megan Ayers Avatar Megan Ayers
    October 9, 2025

    I love taking my German Shepard to the classes they have. They take their time and help whenever we need.

    Tai Nguyen Avatar Tai Nguyen
    October 5, 2025

    We are so grateful for Kaylee’s training with our dog, Bindi! Her optimism, resilience, and passion for what she does really shine through in every session. Kaylee worked with us as a team, showing so much support and patience while helping us learn how to better communicate with Bindi. Thanks to her guidance, our bond and training with Bindi have grown so much. Highly recommend Kaylee to anyone looking for a trainer who truly cares!

    Ryan Da best Avatar Ryan Da best
    September 17, 2025

  • We cannot say enough great things about our experience with Kayla and the training team! The transformation in our dog, Maggie, has been truly night and day. Before training, we struggled to feel confident taking her out, but now she has turned into such an incredible, well-behaved dog that we feel comfortable bringing her places. Because of the work Kayla put in with us, Maggie now gets to enjoy a much more freeing lifestyle, and we have so much more peace of mind as her owners. Investing in this training was one of the best decisions we’ve ever made for our family, we are beyond thankful for the guidance, patience, and dedication that made all the difference.

    Sofia Metzler Avatar Sofia Metzler
    August 20, 2025

    Sit means sit was transformative for my dog Winston. Miranda was so patient with my spouse and I when transitioning the commands over to us. I was reluctant initially as my dog was almost 2 years old. I thought he was where I wanted him to be, and then he started acting out. I can now walk him without a leash, send him to place, he heals on command. That said, you must do your homework, it takes more than one day a week. You must be engaged with your baby when he or she is not at sit means sit. He’s a different dog thanks to sit and sit. Best investment I’ve made in a long time. Big thanks to Miranda. She is amazing.

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    Richard Maxwell Avatar Richard Maxwell
    September 13, 2025

    We took our 2 year old golden doodle Atlas here for a board and train. He was a very nervous and anxious dog when we would go out for walks. After they built a foundation and helped us learn the training techniques we’ve been able to enjoy taking our dog out on walks around the neighborhood and not have the previous barking and anxiousness. We are very thankful for all their help and can’t wait start tackling group class! Also the collar is a very helpful and useful tool that’s akin to a TENS unit muscle stimulator common in therapy settings for people. It stimulates the muscle in order to alert the dogs attention to the owner for a positive response rather than a traditional shock collar. Overall we extremely happy and pleased with our experience!

    Jesse Pleskovitch Avatar Jesse Pleskovitch
    September 18, 2025

WHY CHOOSE SIT MEANS SIT

The most important thing to our trainers is happiness for everyone — dogs and owners alike. Owning a dog that struggles with aggression or constantly bounces off the walls strains everyone’s quality of life. That’s why the team at Sit Means Sit Portland works tirelessly to succeed.

Through specialized board-and-train and day train options that meet each dog’s unique needs, our devoted dog trainers use attention-based training techniques paired with positive reinforcement. Our trainers provide ongoing support through one-on-one lessons and group classes to help dogs and their owners through real-life challenges to reach their full potential.

Sit Means Sit Dog Training specializes in behavioral challenges such as aggression towards people and dogs, separation anxiety, fear and submission issues, leash reactivity, and high-energy puppies. After completing their training program, dogs are invited to attend ongoing group classes designed to provide support in highly distracting environments, offer a safe space to practice learned skills, and explore fun challenges like tricks, games, and advanced obedience.

In our free consultation, we design a program to fit each dog and owner’s goals. Our unique lifetime warranty lets trainers build a lasting relationship with their clients. There’s no dog we can’t train, from a 150-pound Mastiff to a 5-pound Pomeranian. Reach your top goals with our trainers today.

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Our Team

BOBBY

HEAD TRAINER

Bobby has a passion for excellence in training that delivers proven results. Since joining Sit Means Sit, he has trained dogs professionally in Oregon, Washington, Colorado, Nevada and New York, working alongside some of the best dog trainers in the country.

Bobby’s been working with dogs here in Portland since 2011, delivering quality training that strengthens the bond between people and “man’s best friend.” His goal of training is to teach owners they can do more with their dog than they ever thought possible. Experience has shown him that dogs are never too old to change and that there is always hope — even when the situation seems most dire.
Bobby has three dogs with three very different personalities: a black lab named Jaws, a Belgian malinois named Loki and a papillon named JuneBug. Each dog’s unique characteristics add fun and adventure to everyday life.

BRIAN

HEAD TRAINER

Always a dog owner, it wasn’t until college that Brian took interest in the psychology and obedience training of dogs. A college roommate’s unruly dog became the perfect chance to apply classical and operant conditioning theories he learned about in the classroom. That interest grew into a true passion.

In addition to his college degree, Brian earned certification as a Canine Training and Behavior Specialist through the Triple Crown Training Academy in Texas, where he worked with fresh puppies and hyper-sensitive, aggressive dogs alike.

Sit Means Sit Dog Training changed the way Brian trains dogs. Never before has he been able to get such fast results from dogs and owners alike. It’s the dream of every dog trainer to be able to consistently produce a happy, tail-wagging, obedient dog that fully integrates into their owner’s life. Building obedience becomes self-rewarding for both owner and dog, and strengthens the relationship. As dogs become more trustworthy, the possibilities become endless.

JESSICA

HEAD TRAINING CONSULTANT

Jessica’s journey with Sit Means Sit Dog Training began as a client in 2013, when she sought help for her newly adopted German Shepherd/Shar Pei named Marcy. She quickly found Marcy to be unpredictable and aggressive, making life with her furry best friend sad and restrictive.

As clients, Jess and Marcy worked hard. Her panting, pending lawsuit of a dog soon turned into a companion she could trust on adventures across the Pacific Northwest.
In the summer of 2016, Jess joined the Sit Means Sit team, eager to help families overcome similar struggles and reach the same goals with their own dogs. She is fueled by seeing hundreds of dogs and owners whose quality of life is so vastly improved by Sit Means Sit Dog Training — just like her and Marcy.
Now she has an Australian Cattle Dog named Otter with energy as boundless as her own.

HALLE

OPERATIONS MANAGER & LEAD TRAINER

Halle is no stranger to animals and their behavior. Since childhood, she has been an avid horseback rider and rode competitively through high school, ultimately teaching horseback riding education and lessons.

She came to Portland after graduating from the Metropolitan State University of Denver with a degree in Integrative Healthcare. Her expertise in health especially focuses on root causes, rather than just treating symptoms. That approach perfectly mirrors Sit Means Sit: To understand what causes dogs to react in certain ways, and how to help them through their struggles and create meaningful change. She joined the Sit Means Sit team in 2020, bringing with her a holistic approach to training and behavior.

A fun fact about Halle: she’s a sponsored skateboarder. When she’s not skateboarding or training dogs, you’ll find her exploring Oregon’s green forests and foggy coasts with her cattle dog mix, Buck.

MIRANDA

LEAD TRAINER

Miranda’s unexpected passion for dog training began with Buster, a black cattle dog mix she found running around the streets of Hillsboro, chasing cars and biting tires. She spent two weeks trying to find his owner, during which Buster peed in her bed, chewed up everything and caused mayhem. “Don’t get attached to this dog,” Miranda told her husband. But when they finally found Buster’s owner, he was an old man who had a heart attack and let Buster out into the streets for fear he would not survive in the house alone. Miranda knew she couldn’t give Buster up after that.

When the Navy sent Miranda and her husband to Hawaii for three years, Miranda left Oregon with a goal: Fix Buster. She spent those three years working with dogs in a facility and training Buster on her own. She had no idea what she was doing, and did everything wrong. Then she learned what she was doing, and did everything right. When she landed back in Oregon, she was proud to show off the dog Buster has become — a trustworthy, successful, good dog. Sometimes it’s hard to see the light and the end of the tunnel, but Miranda learned that with enough hard work and the proper guidance, the light is always there.

She joined the Sit Means Sit team in the Spring of 2017 with the goal of showing other owners that light. She also owns a dog named Penelope, as well as cats, chickens and other birds.

MATT

TRAINER

Hailing from Hawaii, Matt’s love for dogs began when he first visited the humane society as a child. Although he grew up without a canine companion, a college friend’s request for dog sitting reignited Matt’s love for dogs. What began as a casual gig evolved into a calling. Balancing political science studies with dog sitting, Matt discovered his passion leaned towards the latter.

Outside of work, Matt fills his time with sports, gym sessions, and exploring every corner of Portland with his faithful companion, Noodle, in tow. Matt is committed to ensuring that dogs can be part of every adventure.

ETHAN

TRAINER

Ethan was raised in Colorado by a mother who taught him to be an advocate for animals. They lived on a ranch where Ethan helped take care of cattle, pigs, sheep, chickens and ducks, goats and alpacas. His favorite part of each day was caring for the livestock guardian dogs — two Great Pyrenees named Zaz and Zuzu. He helped raise their two litters of puppies and a passion for working with dogs was born.

After joining Sit Means Sit Portland, Ethan adopted a big, goofy Pit Bull/Lab mix named Pac — a street dog from California. Pac was afraid of men and has a few battle scars from his time on the streets, but his particularly cute snaggletooth won Ethan over. Ethan made it his mission to build Pac’s confidence and give him the guidance to be successful in his new life. Together, they are on a mission to show that no matter what’s in a pup’s backstory, their quality of life can skyrocket with training.

Ethan loves producing music, watching movies, and exploring Oregon with Pac. He stays in close contact with his family in Colorado, talking almost every day.

KAYLEE

TRAINER

Kaylee has only ever known one career: Working with animals. While she started school to become an interior designer, she quickly realized her passion has always been in the animal field — literally. She began competitively showing her horse, Maverick, in 4-H when she was 12 years old. Maverick wasn’t her only animal growing up. There were dogs, cats, bunnies, rats, lizards, fish and birds. She’s never known a life without animals.

But it wasn’t until she joined the Sit Means Sit team that Kaylee understood how much animals truly enhance life. Growing up with a people- and dog-reactive dog, she knows first-hand the struggle of taking dogs with behavioral challenges on trips, inviting friends into the home, or going on a simple walk. She works hard so that families can take their beloved pups out and about, and enjoy doing it. Kaylee has a strong desire to help better people’s lives alongside their animal companions.

Outside of work, Kaylee competitively shows her newly adopted horse, Goose, and builds on her own training journey with her Pittie, Peanut.

CASSIE

OFFICE MANAGER & CLIENT SUPPORT

Cassie started her career with Sit Means Sit in January 2016 after almost a decade of managing restaurants. She felt it was time for a change, so when she moved to Portland from New York, she took the opportunity to start over. Cassie spent several years as a dog trainer before moving to her current role as Office Manager and Client Support.

Cassie has always had a passion for dogs, and her goals at Sit Means Sit include fine-tuning her craft, spreading her love of animals and helping clients build a lasting bond with their own pets through training.

KAYLA

SOCIAL MEDIA & CONTENT MANAGER

As one of Sit Means Sit Portland’s original employees, Kayla started as a hard-working kennel technician before transitioning into the office where she now serves as Social Media Manager, Office Assistant and Swiss Army Knife.

Kayla manages the Facebook and Instagram pages, editing all training videos and posts. By showcasing the fun side of the team and emphasizing the transformative impact that training can have on a dog’s life, she creates a positive, welcoming space where clients can share their successes and be inspired to begin their own training journeys.

KAYLA

TRAINING CONSULTANT

With her positive attitude and natural affinity for animals, Kayla’s success as a dog trainer is no surprise. Through hard work, dedication, and enthusiasm for learning, she has quickly established herself as an exceptional trainer after joining the Sit Means Sit team in early 2022. Kayla finds that the best part of her job comes from helping clients understand and communicate better with their dogs, fostering a stronger bond that leads to happier and healthier canine-human relationships.

In her spare time, you’ll find Kayla pursuing her passions and honing her skills as a trainer by working with her Rottweiler, Koda, on new tricks. She is always seeking new challenges to enrich their bond and create a more fulfilling life for both of them!