From jumping on guests to walking like a champ—our training turns good boys and girls into great ones.

















At Sit Means Sit South Orange County, we have made it our mission to help dogs and dog owners develop strong, lasting bonds by teaching obedience training with proven, science-backed methods. We serve San Clemente, San Juan Capistrano, Rancho Santa Margarita, Mission Viejo, Lake Forest, and other South Orange County communities south of Newport Beach.
If you’re struggling with leash pulling, excessive barking, chewing, or even fear and aggression, know that you’re not alone. Other dogs all over the place are working on the same issues. Thankfully, they (and you) don’t have to do it alone. Whether we come to your neighborhood or you meet us at our facility, our team of professional dog trainers is ready and excited to show you just what your pup is capable of.
The start of this process is always a free in-home consultation. This allows our trainer to take stock of your dog’s behavior, learn about your goals, and introduce you to our training methods. We want you to be informed and comfortable before beginning the journey.
With our collective years of experience, we’ve seen it all. We’ve helped even aggressive dogs overcome extreme challenges and become happy, confident, and calm companions that can go anywhere and do anything. We’re so confident in our ability to help you that we offer ongoing support with our Lifetime Training Guarantee and group classes, just in case you run into any problems and you need a little assistance from time to time.
Our customizable programs and expert team are exactly what you need to transform your beloved pet into a well-behaved dog that can get the most out of life.
Private Lessons are the perfect training approach for those who want to be directly involved in the outcome of their dog's journey. As the owner, you always play a role, but with private lessons, you're there, learning alongside your dog, taking it in, and growing a deeper understanding of training with each training session.
Though all dogs can learn, teaching a puppy isn't the same as teaching an older dog. We've created a special Puppy Socialization and Development course just for pups in their first 20 weeks. The first 20 weeks are so important for your dog's development. By starting them off on the right paw, you're preventing behavioral issues before they begin.
The Day Train Program is incredible for busy pet parents who can't put in the time that Private Lessons or the JumpStart program require. This program slides right into your schedule without taxing you and without eliminating positive results. All you do is drop your dog off in the morning and pick them up in the evening. It's that simple!
Without a doubt, the Board and Train Program provides the most results in the least amount of time. We understand that it's hard to leave your dog for 10-20 days, but if you're leaving town anyway, or if your schedule is insane, or if you need quick, lasting change, give this program a chance. Your dog will spend 40 hours a week getting the best treatment of their life.
Group Classes are a wonderful way for you to connect with other well-behaved dogs and their owners. Additionally, these classes provide you with a chance to practice all the training you and your pup worked so hard for, and you get to do it in a way that's safe and has plenty of real-world distractions to work with. This is for clients who have already completed one of our training programs.
Some pets dream of achieving more. If you decide you want it, we provide support for families that want to go beyond the good dog stage and move into something powerful and extremely meaningful. We have a dedicated team of therapy dogs, service dogs, and their handlers who have all worked very hard to achieve certifications. You could even go on to earn the AKC Canine Good Citizen award.
Beyond our training programs, we also help your dog or puppy overcome specific behaviors and emotional challenges—leading to a happier, healthier life.
You might not think that socialization is something correct, but it matters a lot. The more you work with other humans and dogs,...
Though reactivity and aggression are not the same thing, reactivity can often become aggression if it isn’t dealt with. That’s why it’s so...
It’s not uncommon to see off-leash walking marketed as the end-all achievement for dog owners. While it is an incredible thing to grasp...
If your dog is bolting every time a squirrel rustles a leaf, you need help. It doesn’t make sense, and it doesn’t work...
Some people don’t think anxiety and/or fear are worth correcting, but we know better. Fear of other dogs, new people, and different settings...
At Sit Means Sit South Orange County, our unwavering passion for dogs and families makes us stand out from the crowd. We don’t just have fun and encourage where we can, we specialize in providing services that are backed by experience, science, and knowledge. We listen to your goals, pay attention to your dog’s personality, and get you results that last a lifetime.
Proven Training – Your dog’s education will result in training that survives the real world.
Custom Programs – We will tailor the program to your dog’s breed, personality, and lifestyle goals.
Ongoing Support – The training doesn’t stop when they know tricks. We’re with you every step of the way, even after the program has ended.
Stronger Bond – Animals require trust and boundaries to have confidence. We help you get there with your dog.
Our goals is to provide respectful, practical, and results-driven training. We’ve figured out what it takes to help dogs get the most out of their lives by providing them with the opportunities they need to learn and excel. Training is what gives your dog that calm confidence that lets you take them anywhere. When they know their boundaries, they know they can trust you, and communication is clear and consistent, dogs thrive.
Our training approach is rooted in establishing positive communication and preparing for life in the real world. In our eyes, no dog is out of reach. There isn’t a breed, size, age, or behavioral history that we will refuse to help.
From the smallest Chihuahua to the biggest Mastiff, we decided that every dog deserved a chance to become the best version of themselves. That’s why we founded Sit Means Sit South Orange County. We’ve become a place that any dog can come to and receive help from passionate, well-informed people.
Our team brings it all to the table: years of hands-on experience, a love for dogs, and a desire to see families come together around their pets. From aggression to something as basic as potty training, we’re here to help and to take you on a journey that will transform your life into something amazing.
Check out a few videos to see our dog trainers at work!
Learn Why Dog owners choose Sit Means Sit Dog Training
We proudly serve the following areas in San Clemente & Mission Viejo.