Success Story
Bringing peace to a stubborn, reactive Schnauzer
Oakley came into the program as a highly intelligent, very stubborn dog who had learned to make all of his own decisions. He was demanding, reactive, vocal, impulsive, and had very little structure in place at home.
Trainer
Erika
Sit Happens St. Augustine
DOGS
Oakley
2-year-old Miniature Schnauzer
Erika was amazing to work with. She ensured we knew how to do the training sessions and our dog was comfortable doing them. The reason we sought out training is because our miniature schnauzer is dog reactive and very stubborn. We wanted some expert guidance on how to resolve this problem and watching him walk by other dogs peacefully has been something we can enjoy and even start taking him in public with us. […]
Alyah B.
St. Augustine, FL
Challenges
What dog training challenges did we face?
All dog training situations are unique, and this one was no different.
Issues Oakley faced:
- Demand barking
- Whining for attention
- Doorway chaos
- Lunging and reacting outside
- Poor leash engagement
- Making his own choices instead of following direction
- Difficulty holding commands
- Stubborn refusal during sit & place
Mom and dad loved him dearly, but he was running the household.
They needed a trainer who could match Oakley intellectually and emotionally, and Erika was
the perfect fit.
Training Goals
What dog training goals did we have for Oakley?
Together, the family and Erika set clear priorities:
- Impulse control
- Reduce reactivity (especially outside & around dogs)
- Build reliable on-leash communication
- Improve crate transitions
- Decrease whining, demand barking, and control-seeking behavior
- Create a structured, predictable daily system
- Build long-term walkability and public behavior
Training Approach
Our tailored dog training plan
Erika focused on building structure, confidence, and calm routines for both dogs and Mom.
Building Structure
#1
Oakley began the session barking nonstop inside his crate. Erika covered him, allowed him to settle, and introduced calm structure immediately.
- Introducing & fitting the e-collar correctly
- Teaching the owners how to use taps and communication
- Going over kennel exit rules
- Teaching CSP (Come–Sit–Place)
- Correcting demand barking
- Implementing feeding boundaries
- Removing free feeding
- Correcting jumping & vocalizing
Introducing New Rules
#2
Oakley responded well but needed firm boundaries. He was persistent, opinionated, and eager to take control, but Erika began channeling that intelligence into structure.
- Controlled doorway movement
- Repetition of come–sit–place outside
- Managing Oakley’s rush to the door
- Polite stair routines
- Beginning outdoor neutrality in real environments
Working With Dad
#3
Dad had not been involved due to work, but Erika got him up to speed.
Oakley performed beautifully:
- Immediate improvement in heel
- Excellent settling
- Clean leash engagement
- Reactive behaviors dropping off quickly
- Learned tug-stop and leash-line precision
- ● Worked calmly around multiple dogs
Managing Stubborn Moments
#4
Oakley had a harder day, more stubborn, more distracted, but Erika used it as a chance to tighten criteria.
Some wins included:
- Working through sniffing distractions
- Sidewalk line drills
- Recall through excitement
- Breaking his pattern of “deciding what he wants”
Tag Team Training Session
#5
Oakley came out spicy and opinionated, so Erika and James raised expectations.
They worked on:
- Stricter kennel-exit criteria
- Interrupting reactions BEFORE activation
- Faster response times
- Tougher leash pops
- Rebuilding thresholds
- Re-call during excitement
- Working through whining triggered by Laszlo
Oakley met the challenge and performed incredibly well once he realized the structure was non-negotiable.
The Dog Park
#6
At the park…
- Oakley was able to settle on place
- Worked around multiple dogs
- Practiced walking next to fence line distractions
- Only occasional whining; zero reactivity
- Mom was shocked at how composed he was
- Oakley even held positions near husky-type dogs that previously triggered him
The progress was undeniable!
The Public Walk
#7
At another park, more dogs than ever were present.
Oakley’s achievements:
- Held sit through multiple dogs approaching
- Only barked once and immediately corrected
- Beautiful heel with both mom & dad
- Zero reactivity where there used to be explosive responses
- Mom was ecstatic
- Dad said walking him is “no longer a chore: it’s finally enjoyable”
Oakley’s freedom increased because his obedience became reliable.
His stubborn, reactive, impulsive tendencies turned into controlled, thoughtful behavior.
The Results
How are they doing today?
Oakley became the dog his family always knew he could be — intelligent, driven, and capable, but now under control and enjoying life within structure.
Erika was amazing to work with. She ensured we knew how to do the training sessions and our dog was comfortable doing them. The reason we sought out training is because our miniature schnauzer is dog reactive and very stubborn. We wanted some expert guidance on how to resolve this problem and watching him walk by other dogs peacefully has been something we can enjoy and even start taking him in public with us. Great program and great trainers. […]
Breakthrough moments
- Reliable leash manners
- Reactivity dramatically reduced
- Polite greetings
- Improved crate behavior
- Quiet behavior replacing barking & whining
- Owners fully confident and in sync
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.