Success Story
Stubborn teenager to confident family dog
Nika came to Sit Happens as a young, strong-willed dog entering the “teenage phase” — one of the most challenging times for dog owners. She was smart, energetic, stubborn, and determined to make her own choices. Her family described her perfectly:
A good dog… with BIG opinions.
Trainer
James
Sit Happens St. Augustine
DOGS
Nika
2-year-old Miniature Schnauzer
James is awesome. Nika, Dave and I have learned alot on how to train Nika and be consistent. She is still a pup, teenager and stubborn, we have learned to be good leaders and do it over and over so it sticks with her. She has learned and so have we. Nika is easier to deal with and we know we are doing it the right way. […]
Pam S.
St. Augustine, FL
Challenges
What dog training challenges did we face?
All dog training situations are unique, and this one was no different.
Issues Nika faced:
- Impulse control
- Blowing off commands
- Demanding barking
- Doorway chaos
- Pulling or rushing through thresholds
- Reacting to outside noises
- Difficulty holding place
- Testing boundaries with both parents
She wasn’t a “bad dog.” She was a teenager with no rules… yet.
And that’s exactly where James shines.
Training Goals
What dog training goals did we have for Nika?
Together, the family and James set clear priorities:
- Build consistent leadership for both mom and dad
- Teach Nika to follow through the FIRST time
- Stop vocalizing, demanding, and pushing
- Improve impulse control indoors & outdoors
- Fix threshold manners (doorbell, front door, garage, etc.)
- Build calm, predictable walks
- Create crate structure and reset routines
- Teach the family how to communicate the same way
Training Approach
Our tailored dog training plan
Erika focused on building structure, confidence, and calm routines for both dogs and Mom.
Establishing Communication
#1
James conditioned the collar, taught Nika Come, Sit, and Place, and began setting expectations for both parents.
Mom and dad immediately saw how clearly Nika responded when expectations were consistent.
Doorways & Walk Prep
#2
In this lesson, James introduced:
- Silent recall
- Sit–Come–Place sequencing
- Doorway thresholds
- Greeting guests calmly
- Redirecting Nika to place when the camera alert or doorbell goes off
This was a HUGE breakthrough because the family finally learned how to control Nika’s energy before she exploded.
Doorbell Etiquette
#3
This was one of the most important lessons.
Nika used to explode when the doorbell rang.
James implemented a tailored protocol:
- Cleaned up stimulus response
- Taught the family how to reset Nika instead of repeating commands
- Showed dad exactly how to guide her using the remote
- Fixed place command positioning
- Eliminated accidental “tapping to nag”
- Taught mom and dad to use the kennel as a reset
Impulse Control
#4
Here, James expanded on Nika’s training:
- Place duration
- Crate-to-place transitions
- Threshold impulse control
- Using the porch place board
- Resetting Nika calmly when she blew off commands
James also coached the family through over-reliance on leash pressure and vocal cues –
teaching them to lead with timing and clarity.
Slowing the Humans Down
#5
Nika isn’t the only one who needed coaching; mom and dad tend to move FAST.
James reframed the entire approach:
- Walk pace
- Threshold slow-downs
- Porch place work
- Reactivity to Laszlo
- Remote timing
- Not allowing Nika to power through corrections
Nika even nipped mom once during this phase — which James correctly explained was frustration and overexcitement, not aggression. He immediately adjusted criteria and reset expectations.
Exposure to Other Dogs
#6
At Treaty Park, Nika showed MASSIVE improvement.
She reacted far less to other dogs, and Mom and dad were shocked by how smooth the walk was.
The Breakthrough Walk
#7
At the park, multiple dogs passed by — and Nika performed beautifully:
- Quick corrections
- Fast recovery
- No blowing through commands
- Increased confidence
- Clear communication from parents
Dad shared that the previous night, Nika passed THREE dogs and didn’t react.
Mom said Nika is now a joy to walk, not a chore.
The Results
How are they doing today?
In the end, Nika seemed like a completely differnt dog.
This wasn’t just dog training, this was family leadership training, and Nika thrived because of it.
James is awesome. Nika, Dave and I have learned alot on how to train Nika and be consistent. She is still a pup, teenager and stubborn, we have learned to be good leaders and do it over and over so it sticks with her. She has learned and so have we. Nika is easier to deal with and we know we are doing it the right way. […]
Breakthrough moments
- Responding to commands immediately
- Holding place for long durations
- Walking calmly and politely
- Staying neutral around dogs
- Resetting with crate structure
- Being a predictable, enjoyable family dog
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.