GET YOUR LIFE BACK
St. Augustine’s Most Trusted Dog Training Experts
St. Augustine’s highest-rated dog training team with 14+ years of proven results and 70+ five-star reviews. We specialize in obedience and behavior solutions for dogs and puppies of all ages.
- Private in-home training
- Backed by canine cognitive science
- World-class, certified trainers
10,000+ dogs trained • Proudly serving St. Augustine since 2011 • 70+ years of combined experience
Problems we solve
Private dog training, from the comfort of your St. Augustine home
We dig deep to uncover the root cause of your dog’s behavior and build a custom training plan that helps them feel calm and confident.
We know how frustrating it can be when your dog misbehaves or ignores your commands. As fellow dog lovers, we want you to understand that your pup isn’t being defiant on purpose, they’re simply acting on instinct.
That’s exactly why our trainers are here. We’ll quickly pinpoint what’s triggering your dog’s struggles. Once we identify those underlying causes, we’ll guide you through the process of building a calmer, happier life together, for both you and your four-legged family member.
Dog training issues:
How it works
Get in touch today
A certified trainer will visit your home to assess your dog’s behavior, recommend a tailored training plan, and demonstrate techniques with their own dog.
We come to you
Your trainer comes directly to you for each session. You’ll notice improvements starting from the very first lesson.
Enjoy life with your dog again
Soon you’ll be doing the things you love, visiting the park, having guests over, relaxing at home…without the stress of problem behaviors.
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
See over 70+ real results from Sit Happens clients. Puppy training, obedience, behavior transformation stories!
I can’t give enough praise to this company. We are thrilled with what we have achieved and learned and we aren’t even done yet. The staff is super friendly and the scheduling is accommodating. Thanks for all the hard work we can’t wait to continue and learn!
Testimonials
Reviews from St. Augustine clients
Browse 70+ genuine success stories from Sit Happens families, puppy foundations, obedience wins, and complete behavioral turnarounds.
Our Process
Dog training methods rooted in canine psychology
At Sit Happens, our dog training in St. Augustine is built on evidence-based, humane techniques. We focus on lasting behavioral change through approaches like:
- Positive reinforcement
- Strengthening the bond between you and your dog
- Canine cognitive science (identifying the real reason for your dog’s behavior)
- Building healthy habits
Conventional training often tries to suppress problem behaviors without addressing their source. We do things differently: our St. Augustine dog training specialists get inside your dog’s head to understand what’s throwing them off balance.
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
Ken’s love for dogs started before he could even walk, and it’s been his calling ever since. Born and raised in Chicagoland, he moved to St. Augustine after marrying his best friend in 2011.
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
You bet! Sit Happens is the most established dog training provider in the St. Augustine area with over 14 years in business and 10,000+ dogs trained. We’re experienced in working with puppies and dogs of all life stages and have catered to more than 250 breeds.
Sit Happens is the leading dog training provider in the St. Augustine area, and we also proudly serve Tampa and St. Augustine. 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. Each of our trainers goes through a rigorous 90-day certification course. We only hire trainers with extensive prior experience who pass our thorough vetting process. Each of our trainers also carries their own professional accreditations and affiliations. They are required to undergo 100+ hours of continued education each year to stay up-to-date on the latest science-backed methods.
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.
Yes, we can either train each of your dogs individually or hold private group sessions with all of your dogs together. Each of our trainers can work with up to five dogs at a time.
Yes. In order to keep you, your dog, and your trainer safe, we kindly ask that you ensure that your dog has received all their vaccinations.
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.
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.
Puppy & Dog Training in St. Augustine, FL
Sit Happens offers customized programs, from first sit to off-leash freedom.
Read Article
Beyond the Leash: A Smarter Approach to Dog Training in St. Augustine, FL
At Sit Happens Dog Training in St. Augustine, we believe great training goes far beyond teaching commands. “Beyond the Leash” is about helping dog owners develop a clear, confident relationship with their dogs that works in everyday life, not just during training sessions.
Read Article