GET YOUR LIFE BACK
The Best Dog Trainer in St. Augustine, FL
The top-rated dog trainer in St. Augustine with 14+ years experience & 70+ 5-star reviews. Professional training for dogs and puppies with obedience and behavior issues.
- Private in-home training
- Backed by canine cognitive science
- World-class, certified trainers
10,000+ dogs trained • Serving St. Augustine since 2011 • 70+ years of combined experience
Problems we solve
Private dog training, from the comfort of your own home
We’ll find the underlying cause of your dog’s behavior and design a training plan to put them at ease.
We understand how distressing it can be when your dog acts out or won’t listen. As a pet lover, it’s important for you to know that your dog isn’t trying to be difficult, they just act on their instinct.
That’s where our trainers come in. We’ll quickly uncover the root of your dog’s struggles. Once we’ve identified the triggers, we’ll take you along the journey of creating a happier, more peaceful life for your dog— and for you, too.
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 help you and your dog
Our expert trainers solve behavior problems, teach obedience, & help socialize puppies.
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!
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😉
Even after our sessions have ended, Erika keeps in touch and makes sure that we have everything we need to make sure all I’ve lives her best life!! Money well spent 1000 times over.
Our Process
Dog training techniques backed by canine cognitive science
At Sit Happens, our training methods are evidence-based and humane. We focus on creating lifelong behavioral changes through techniques 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
Traditional dog training tries to mute problem behaviors instead of addressing their root cause. We take a different approach— our trainers get inside your dog’s head to understand what’s throwing them off-balance. Rather than just cover up behaviors, we teach your dog how to adapt and thrive in everyday situations.
Meet the team
Our world-class, certified St. Augustine dog trainers
Meet St. Augustine’s expert dog trainers. Certified professionals with 10+ years experience. Specializing in puppies, obedience, behavior modification.
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.
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