At Give a Sit, we believe in building strong, positive relationships between you and your dog through force-free, positive reinforcement training. Our in-home dog training services are designed to fit your unique needs, with courses that range from Puppy Prep to Basic & Advanced Obedience, as well as Behavior Adjustment/Modification Training (BAT). Whatever your goals, we’ve got a course to guide you and your dog toward success.
Led by Elle, our passionate owner and certified trainer, you can trust that you’re receiving the highest standard of dog training. Elle is certified by the Pet Professional Guild (PPG), Fear Free Pets, and the Certification Council for Professional Dog Trainers (CCPDT). Additionally, Elle is certified in Pet CPR and First Aid through Pet Tech, ensuring your dog’s safety is always a top priority.
At Give a Sit, we focus on bridging the communication gap between you and your dog, helping both of you understand each other better. By teaching clear cues and guiding you through effective boundary-setting, we empower you to foster lasting good behavior and a harmonious bond with your furry friend.
“Obedience is not about having a robotic dog, rather teaching a dog to make good decisions with and without guidance.”
The dog training industry is largely unregulated, meaning anyone can claim to be a dog trainer and charge for their services. But behavior is complex—and effective training goes far beyond just basic commands. Certified trainers undergo rigorous testing to demonstrate their understanding of canine behavior, learning theory, body language, and much more.
At Give a Sit, our lead trainer, Elle, is a highly qualified professional with certifications from some of the most respected organizations in the industry. She has passed comprehensive testing by the Pet Professional Guild (PPG) and Certification Council for Professional Dog Trainers (CCPDT), is Fear Free Pets certified to handle fear-based behaviors in both veterinary and grooming settings, and has earned certification from the American Kennel Club (AKC) as an official evaluator. Additionally, Elle holds certification in Pet CPR and First Aid from PetTech.
To ensure she remains at the forefront of training practices, Elle is committed to continued education and completes yearly Continuing Education Units (CEUs)—guaranteeing that your dog is receiving the most up-to-date, science-backed training available.
We teach Communication
Forget outdated theories like the "Alpha" mentality or the need to be the "leader of the pack." Owning a dog isn’t about control—it’s about guardianship. As guardians, it’s our responsibility to help our dogs navigate the world they’ve entered and, most importantly, to make it a safe and enriching place for them.
At Give a Sit, we believe that communication is a two-way street. Understanding what your dog is trying to tell you, especially through canine body language, is key to building a strong and trusting relationship. We focus on teaching you how to recognize your dog’s needs and help them overcome challenges like fear, stress, and lack of enrichment—issues that often show up as so-called “bad behavior.”
Our trainers are science-based professionals with a deep love for understanding canine behavior. We are committed to putting your dog’s physical and emotional well-being first, ensuring that they thrive in a safe, positive environment. At Give a Sit, we don’t just train dogs—we empower guardians to be their dog’s most trusted ally.
Elle Williams PCT-A FFCPT, Victoria Stilwell Master Trainer and Star of It’s Me or the Dog!, and Holly Stephans ABCDT
“In a constantly evolving profession like dog training, its vital trainers work together harmoniously to learn and grow from one another. “ Elle PCT-A, FFCPT
We Are Force-Free! Reward-Based Training for a Stronger Bond
At Give a Sit, we’re proud to practice force-free, reward-based training. Over the past decade, dog training has shifted from outdated, adversive methods (like shock collars, prong collars, and physical punishment) to more humane, science-backed techniques focused on positive reinforcement. Research has shown that this approach not only strengthens the bond between humans and dogs but also fosters a dog’s desire to listen, learn, and please, leading to a happier and healthier relationship.
We firmly believe in treating dogs with kindness, respect, and patience—and we will never use E-Collars, Shock Collars, or Prong Collars.
Training in Your Home, Where It Matters Most
In-home training is one of the most effective ways to meet your dog’s specific needs. The home is where your dog should first learn essential behaviors, setting the stage for real-world obedience. Once your dog has mastered Basic Obedience in the home, they may move on to Advanced Obedience, which focuses on handling distractions in public settings. Our Advanced Obedience classes adhere to the standards of the Canine Good Citizen certification, ensuring your dog excels in social situations, around other people and dogs, and in places like the vet and groomer.
Specialized Behavior Modification Training and Behavior Adjustment Training (B.A.T)
For more complex issues, we offer Behavior Modification Training, designed for dogs facing specific behavior challenges. Whether it’s separation anxiety, leash reactivity, resource guarding, or fear-based aggression, we’re here to help. These classes are tailored to individual needs, giving both dogs and their guardians ample time to practice and make lasting progress.
