GET YOUR LIFE BACK
The Best Dog Trainer in Jacksonville, FL
The top-rated dog trainer in Jacksonville with 14+ years experience & 700+ 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 Jacksonville 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
Contact us now
We’ll send a certified trainer to your home to identify the root cause of your dog’s behavior, recommend a personalized training plan, and give a live demonstration with their own dog.
We come to you
Your trainer will conveniently come to you for every lesson. You’ll see positive changes as soon as Day 1.
We work with you to solve your dog’s problems
You’ll begin to do things you enjoy with your dog: go to the park, visit loved ones, relax at home without problem behaviors. Your trainer will be there to guide 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.
View ServiceDog Training
Has your dog struggled with problem behaviors? Our dog training services will sort them right out.
View ServiceLeash Training
Are walks with your dog harder than they should be? They may need some dedicated leash training.
View ServiceObedience Training
Does your dog ignore basic commands like “sit” and “stay”? They may need some obedience training.
View ServicePotty Training
If your puppy or dog been having accidents in the house, they may need some potty training.
View ServicePuppy Training
Puppies need dog training to learn how to behave, socialize, and navigate the world around them.
View ServiceSocialization Training
If your dog is reactive around people or other animals, they may need some socialization training.
View ServiceTestimonials
Reviews from past clients
See over 700+ real results from Sit Happens clients. Puppy training, obedience, behavior transformation stories!




Fast forward to now and we can take her to stores, to the park, or on a daily walk no matter the time of day or who’s around. I no longer have to wait for no one to be outside just to walk her, and I don’t have to stress about distractions. She’s also doing so much better when guests come over and settles much faster each time.
We’re so happy with how far she’s come and beyond thankful for the training and support Kendra has given us. Couldn’t recommend her enough! 😄🐾


Samuel also took the time to educate us as owners, explaining not just what to do but why it works. That made all the difference in keeping the training consistent at home. We’ve seen real progress in our dog’s behavior, and we feel much more confident as handlers.
Highly recommend Sit Happens and Samuel for anyone looking for effective, compassionate, and Knowledgeable training!
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 Jacksonville dog trainers
Meet Jacksonville’s expert dog trainers. Certified professionals with 10+ years experience. Specializing in puppies, obedience, behavior modification.
View All Our TrainersAlex Abreu
Alex is a retired Navy veteran who brings over 12 years of experience as a dog trainer. His journey began with training working dogs in patrol, detection, and obedience, giving him a solid foundation in understanding canine behavior.
Dave Stellato
Dave Stellato is more than just a state-renowned dog trainer and behaviorist— he’s a connector, bringing people and their dogs closer through Sit Happens’ distinctive training system.
Jorge Marban
At Sit Happens, Jorge is committed to helping pet owners build strong, balanced relationships with their dogs. His goal is simple: to make sure every dog and owner enjoys the rewards of a well-trained partnership.
The best Jacksonville Dog Trainer
Let us help you take your life back.
Our staff of Jacksonville dog trainers not only answer your calls, but are also equipped to answer all of your dog training questions, too.
Available every day from 9am to 7pm.
Call us today:
+1 (904) 248-8309
FAQ
Frequently asked questions
You bet! Sit Happens is the most established dog training provider in the Jacksonville 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 Jacksonville 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 Jacksonville’s top trainers. Puppy tips, obedience techniques, and behavior modification solutions.
Puppy & Dog Training in Jacksonville, FL
Sit Happens offers customized programs, from first sit to off-leash freedom.
Read ArticleThink Outside the Leash: A New Perspective on Dog Training in Jacksonville, FL
Sit Happens helps you think outside the leash—building trust, structure, and a real bond with your dog.
Read ArticleIs Your Sunshine State Pup Feeling a Little… Stormy? (Good News: They’re Not Broken!)
Think you have a broken dog? We say “no”, just imbalance. Learn how compatibility, stimulation, and structure fix behavior fast.
Read Article







