NO PITCH. NO GUESSWORK.
In-Home Dog Training in St. Augustine, FL
We train dogs in the place they live, with the people who love them most: you. Help is here.
- Call now. A trainer answers, seven days a week.
- Meet with a trainer and make a plan.
- Train. We get to work bringing you and your best friend closer together.
10,000+ dogs trained • Proudly serving St. Augustine since 2011 • 70+ years of combined experience
Here’s what’s next
What Happens Next
It happened. Your dog took you over the edge, and you Googled dog trainers in St. Augustine. Whether “it” was jumping, barking, pulling, pottying in the house, or just wanting to get your new puppy off on the right paw, you made the call.
And as soon as you did, that sick feeling in the pit of your stomach kicked in. I don’t want to get sold. We get it. So here’s what’s next.
Call
The call is about gathering information, for both of us. The typical things first: your name, zip code and phone number. Then it’s all about you. Oh, and your dog. Why are you calling? When did this start? Then the part we all dread: setting up the appointment.
Meet
We don’t care who you are, no one wants a stranger in their living room selling them the latest and greatest widget. That’s why we send a trainer to your home, not a salesperson. Your trainer will ask questions, watch you and your dog interact together, get to know you both, and most importantly, give you real answers to your actual issues.
Unless the latest hurricane is outside your door or the heat index is outpacing your air conditioning, your trainer will take you outside to show you what a Sit Happens trained dog looks like. They’ll demonstrate all the things you’ll learn.
Then you’ll head back inside to answer your questions and talk about what you just saw. Next comes the part that’s usually the most stressful, because talking about money always feels like a sale. With us, it’s a short explanation of what a 3, 5 or 7 lesson program covers, then one question: which works best for you?
You can sign up, think about it, or tell us to pack sand as you throw us out of your home. Any answer that’s right for you is good with us. Either way, we’ll leave the visit and you’ll have some tips you can use right away.
Train
The consultation and the first lesson are two completely different worlds. Meeting your trainer was interactive and fun. Lesson one is more like the first day of school, only you’re a grown-up and you really don’t want to go back to school.
To be blunt, the first few lessons are hard. They’re confusing, they don’t make sense, and to top it off, your dog is going to get it way faster than you. That’s why we recommend multiple lessons. The learning curve is about one lesson for your dog and, hopefully, three or four for you. And it gets worse: there’s homework. I don’t know about you, but I’m a grown-up. I don’t do homework.
All we ask is that you don’t quit, and push through those first few weeks. There’s a wonderful world just around the corner, and you and your dog will walk there together.
That’s when you’ll really love what happens next.
It’s as easy as 1-2-3
Call
A trainer answers, seven days a week. Tell us what’s going on with your dog, and we’ll set up your free in-home consultation.
Meet
A trainer, never a salesperson, comes to your home, meets your dog, and shows you how our training works with their own well-trained dog. By the end of the visit, you’ll have a plan we made together. Love it or leave it, there’s never any pressure.
Train
Your trainer comes to your home for every private lesson and teaches in plain language you’ll actually use. You can expect to see changes from the very first session. Your trainer will support you every step of the way.
Our services
How we support you and your dog
Our skilled trainers address behavioral challenges, build obedience skills, and guide puppies through proper socialization.
Behavioral Training
For when your dog or puppy is struggling to act calmly in their environment.
Learn MoreDog Training
Has your dog struggled with problem behaviors? Our dog training services will sort them right out.
Learn MoreLeash Training
Are walks with your dog harder than they should be? They may need some dedicated leash training.
Learn MoreObedience Training
Does your dog ignore basic commands like “sit” and “stay”? They may need some obedience training.
Learn MorePotty Training
If your puppy or dog been having accidents in the house, they may need some potty training.
Learn MorePuppy Training
Puppies need dog training to learn how to behave, socialize, and navigate the world around them.
Learn MoreSocialization Training
If your dog is reactive around people or other animals, they may need some socialization training.
Learn MoreTestimonials
Reviews from past clients
Read 90+ Google reviews from Sit Happens clients. Puppy training, obedience, behavior transformation stories!
We highly recommend Erika!
Recently, I survived a domestic violence relationship that changed my life. Once safe, I realized how much had been taken from me, and that Finn had been deeply affected too. He witnessed abuse toward me firsthand—things no dog should ever see or hear. He experienced a world that taught him people and things around us could be dangerous.
Finn is a 4.5-year-old Bernese Mountain Dog. Before this, he loved everyone and every dog. I could take him anywhere without worrying. He was happy, carefree, trusting, and gentle.
Then we moved into our new apartment abruptly to start over. It was heavily populated, and I saw just how deeply his trauma had changed him.
Finn no longer trusted people or dogs. He became reactive and aggressive, not allowing anyone near me. People became afraid of him, and the judgment was incredibly difficult to carry.
My life became centered around avoiding people. I planned our routes and times outside, watching constantly for others. Every time I opened our door, anxiety washed over me. I stopped feeling like I was simply taking my dog for a walk; I felt like I was walking into a situation I had to survive.
After only one week, Finn had an altercation with another resident. I knew I needed help.
The following week, we met our trainer, James.
From the beginning, I was completely honest with him about what both Finn and I had been through. James never judged me. Instead, he listened and took the time to understand both of us. He didn’t just see Finn as a dog with behavioral problems; he saw a dog who had been through trauma, and an owner trying desperately to put the pieces of her life back together. He created a program centered around both of us.
Week after week, I watched something change. Sometimes the progress was so small someone else might not have noticed, but I noticed. A little less tension. A little more trust. A little more confidence. Slowly, Finn and I started taking our lives back.
James gave me something I didn’t realize I had lost: hope. Today, Finn is no longer people reactive and is able to regulate his reactivity to dogs. He listens to me and trusts me. I no longer feel like I have to avoid people, dogs, or entire routes just to make it through a walk. I feel like his owner again. I am in charge—not because I control him, but because he trusts me enough to let me lead. Finn has learned to trust the world again, and I have learned how to better understand, communicate, and be the owner he needs.
I meant what I said when I told James that Finn will never be the same dog he was before. His trauma will always be a part of him. So will mine. But maybe being “the same” was never the goal.
Finn has grown into a stronger, more confident version of himself, and I have become a stronger, more capable owner.
James took something born out of fear, trauma, and pain and helped us turn it into strength. He didn’t just train my dog. He helped give me a piece of my life back.
James, from the bottom of our hearts, thank you. Thank you for seeing Finn. Thank you for seeing me. Thank you for never judging us, and for giving us patience when we needed it and hope when we had very little left. You have been a blessing to our little family, and we will genuinely miss seeing you every week. As much as we will miss you, though, we truly hope we never have to see you again. Because that means we’re okay. But if we ever need help again, there is no question who we will call.
Thank you for helping us find our way back to each other.
With all our hearts, Finn & Jyllian 🐾
From week one, where Abel was scared of almost everything, very hesitant to do anything, and refused to even go out the front door, to week seven where he now excitedly walks through the front door when called and goes on full walks wagging his tail the entire time—it’s been an incredible transformation.
The difference we’ve seen has been amazing. Our only regret is not starting sooner—those first couple of years could have been so much easier if we had. Highly recommend to anyone who’s on the fence!
We quickly learned Bogey wasn’t feeling safe with visitors to his new home. It definitely was unexpected because he was such a sweet boy to us, we didn’t consider his anxiety over visitors. Bogey was found wondering the street on a very cold night. He was underweight and had worms. His age is approximately 18 months old and we had no clue how he had been treated and cared for during those 18 months. His foster family sang his praises. He was great with kids and other dogs. This was all we knew.
Right away, during our consultation, James was able to evaluate Bogeys behavior and pair us with a trainer he felt confident in. James listened and provided us with valuable insight during the consultation. It was a great experience and made us feel much better about the challenge Bogey was presenting. We were matched with trainer Erika and I’m SO GRATEFUL we got to work with her. She was amazing.
Because of Bogeys uncertainty with visitors, Erika could not safely handle him without a muzzle. Unfortunately we could not find an adequate fitting muzzle for our boy. Bully problems. But this did not stop Erika, she walked us through each phase of training, with patience and grace. We went from his reactivity while in the crate to him not reacting while in the crate. Then in the next phase we were able to teach Bogey how to come out of the crate, with manners. He learned to place right out the gate and with a little extra work he was coming and sitting. She had to teach all of this to us, all while not being able to handle Bogey! Talk about knowing your stuff! She offered so much insight into the family dynamics and how our pet fits into that. She helped our six year old by offering her things she could do help teach Bogey his manners. She was able to do so much with so little! She’s a true professional and can’t say enough about her intelligence as it relates to the psychology of the dog. I’m also thrilled to say that Bogey was a new man by the end of the training, on our last session Erika was able to pet and play with Bogey! And so was James! We could not be happier with the progress we made in just 7 weeks! Bogey is now becoming the gentleman he was always meant to be and allowing us to have visitors!! And as a perk to that, he also knows how to place, comes when I call, and sits most of the time when I ask. We’re still working on that one😉
Testimonials
Reviews from St. Augustine clients
Browse genuine success stories from Sit Happens families, puppy foundations, obedience wins, and complete behavioral turnarounds.
How we train
No magic. No mystery. Just a method that works.
Every dog does what it does for a reason. Your trainer’s first job is figuring out why your dog jumps, pulls or won’t come when called, then teaching you how to change it.
When your dog gets it right, they hear “Yes!” followed by praise and excitement, so they want to do it again.
And because every lesson happens in your home, your dog learns right where the problems happen.
Instead of masking symptoms, we teach your dog how to adapt and thrive in real-world situations.
Meet the team
Certified dog training professionals serving St. Augustine
Introducing St. Augustine’s finest dog trainers. Our certified specialists bring over a decade of hands-on experience in puppy development, obedience instruction, and behavioral rehabilitation.
View All Our Trainers
Erika Fontana
Erika has lived in Florida since 1994 and animals have always been a big part of her life. Despite getting a degree in psychology, Erika knew she wanted to work with dogs and cats in some way. Her career started by working in shelters for many years because of her passion for animal welfare.
James Rutland
James, a Jacksonville native, joined the Army at 19 and served for 12 years before retiring from his service. His life took a meaningful turn when he received a service dog, which not only improved his quality of life but also sparked a new sense of purpose.
Ken Wille
Meet Ken Wille, manager and certified dog trainer at Sit Happens. Army veteran and experienced business leader helping families and their dogs thrive.
The best St. Augustine Dog Trainer
Ready to enjoy life with your dog again?
Our St. Augustine dog training staff doesn’t just answer phones—they’re equipped to address all your training questions, too.
We’re here for you every day from 9am to 7pm.
Call us today:
+1 (904) 590-1789
FAQ
Frequently asked questions
A Sit Happens trainer, never a salesperson, comes to your home. They ask about your dog, watch you and your dog interact, and, weather permitting, take you outside to demonstrate with their own trained dog what your dog will learn. Back inside, they answer your questions and explain what a 3, 5 or 7 lesson program covers, then ask once which works best for you. Whether you sign up or not, you’ll have tips you can use right away.
Sometimes, and it’s always your choice. We show you how we use one during the free in-home consultation, then you decide. When we use one, it’s set to the lowest level your dog can feel, and the tap is paired with your dog’s name at the exact same time, so it simply means “come to me.”
No. Using the collar for any kind of punishment or correction is not tolerated with our trainers. The tap means “come to me,” followed by praise and excitement, and that’s all it’s ever used for.
Sit Happens is the leading dog training provider in the St. Augustine area. But we’re more than just another dog trainer— we’ve earned our reputation for a reason. While typical training might focus on getting your dog to follow commands, we go beyond the basics. Our approach is all about your dog’s overall wellbeing, helping them feel comfortable in their environment and strengthening their bond with you.
We make sure you and your family are part of the process, giving you hands-on lessons and exercises to practice with your dog between sessions. This way, you’re not just teaching your dog commands— you’re building an unbreakable bond with your furry friend.
Yes, the cost of private dog training is comparable to group dog training, yet it’s twice as effective. In a group training setting, your dog has to overcome the distraction of other dogs they don’t know while still trying to learn the basics. Private training offers an array of additional benefits, including flexible scheduling, personalized lessons, and one-on-one attention from the trainer.
Of course. One major advantage of private training is that it fits into your lifestyle. Other training services make you drive to a facility on a strict schedule and charge extra for the flexibility of in-home lessons. At Sit Happens, all of our training plans are designed to work within your schedule.
reviews
Knowledge Center
Learn how to train your dog
Expert advice from St. Augustine’s top trainers. Puppy tips, obedience techniques, and behavior modification solutions.
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