Training Levels

(Private Lessons)

These levels are designed for owners who want to be hands-on with the training process.

 Puppy Preschool (Foundation)

 

  • Focus: Engagement, socialization, crate training, potty schedule, and "soft" markers (Yes/No).

  • Commands: Sit, Down, Place, and name recognition.

  • Format: 4 sessions (weekly).

  • Pricing: $300

 

 

Level 1: Basic Manners (On-Leash Reliability)

 

  • Focus: Loose leash walking, impulse control, and duration (staying put until released).

  • Commands: Heel, Stay, Leave-it, and Come (on-leash).

  • Format: 5–6 sessions  (weekly).

  • Pricing: $450

 

Level 2: Intermediate Skills (Distraction Work)

 

  • Focus: Introducing higher distractions (other dogs, squirrels, busy areas). Introduction to tools (e-collar/prong) for communication.

  • Commands: All Level 2 commands with 15–30 foot distance.

  • Format: 5 sessions (weekly).

  • Level 1 required before taking this course

  • Pricing: $500

 

Level 3: Advanced Off-Leash (Total Freedom)

 

  • Focus: 100% off-leash recall and "place" under heavy distraction. This is your "Sit Happens" signature level.

 

  • Commands: Off-leash Heel, Emergency Recall, and "Out."

 

  • Format: 6 sessions (some conducted in public parks/stores) weekly.

 

  • Pricing: $950

 

  • At lest 2 years of age and at least level 1 is required

Includes: High-quality E-Collar (e.g., Mini Educator) and training leash.

 

Board & Train: The Ultimate Training Experience

Professional Training While They Stay & Play

Our Board & Train programs are the most effective way to reach your goals. Your dog lives with our professional trainers in a structured environment, receiving multiple daily 1-on-1 sessions, socialized play, and consistent behavior conditioning. Whether you are starting a new puppy or looking for total off-leash freedom, we do the heavy lifting for you.

Our Residency Programs

THE 1-WEEK "FUNDAMENTALS  Price: $550 Best For: Puppies (16 weeks+) or dogs needing a behavior reset. Focus: Crate training, house manners, name recognition, and leash engagement.

THE 2-WEEK "ESSENTIAL OBEDIENCE Price: $950 Best For: Dogs needing solid on-leash manners and impulse control. Focus: No jumping, no door bolting, loose leash walking, and Sit/Down/Stay with distractions.

THE 3-WEEK "OFF-LEASH ELITE

Required to have completed at least one of our other programs to attend and at least 2 years of age.

Price: $1950 Best For: Owners wanting total freedom and reliable recall in any environment. Focus: Full off-leash communication, advanced distance commands, and e-collar conditioning (includes high-quality e-collar).

What’s Included in Every Stay?

 

  • Immersive 24/7 Learning: Training doesn't stop after the session; your dog learns to make better choices all day long.

 

  • Customized Training Plan: We use a balanced approach tailored specifically to your dog's temperament and your lifestyle.

 

  • Daily Enrichment: Plenty of exercise and supervised socialization with our daycare pack.

 

  • The "Transfer" Session: A 90-minute 1-on-1 session when you pick your dog up to show you exactly how to maintain their new skills.

 

  • Lifetime Support: Access to our trainers for follow-up questions to ensure the training sticks for good.


 

"Is Board & Train right for me?"

 

  • You have a busy schedule and can't do the initial repetitions.

  • You are struggling with a specific behavior like leash pulling or poor recall.

  • You want the fastest, most reliable results possible.

 

Frequently Asked Questions

 

Where will my dog be staying? Your dog will stay at our professional facility located at 137 North St NW in Warren, Ohio. Our center is climate-controlled, safe, and monitored. We pride ourselves on maintaining a clean, structured environment where your dog feels secure and focused.

What is "Balanced Training"? At Sit Happens, we believe in clear communication. We use a balanced approach, which means we provide high-value rewards for the behaviors we want (like Sit or Heel) and clear, fair corrections for the behaviors we don’t want (like jumping or lunging). This creates a dog that understands exactly what is expected of them.

Can I visit my dog during their stay? Yes! We understand how much you miss your pup. We allow owner visits by appointment only. We schedule these strategically to ensure they don't disrupt your dog’s learning momentum or trigger homesickness during critical training phases. Please contact us at least 48 hours in advance to pull your dog's training schedule and find a time that works best.

What do I need to bring for my dog's stay? We ask that you bring enough of their regular food for the duration of their stay (to avoid tummy upset), any necessary medications, and a copy of their current vaccination records. We provide all the professional training tools, bedding, and bowls.

Is my dog too old (or too young) for Board & Train? We accept puppies as young as 16 weeks (once they have their full rounds of vaccinations). As for older dogs, as long as they are in good health and mobile enough to enjoy the training, they are never too old to learn new manners!

Will the training "stick" once my dog comes home? The training is only half the battle—the other half is you! That is why every program includes a detailed "Go-Home" session where we teach you how to maintain the training. As long as you follow the structure we provide, your dog will continue to excel.

What if I need help after the program is over? We stand by our work. All our Board & Train programs come with lifetime support. If you run into a snag or a new behavior pops up, just give us a call or send an email—we are here to help for the life of your dog.

Why Choose Sit Happens?

 

Unlike standard boarding, our Board & Train guests are treated like family. Located right here in Warren, OH, we provide a safe, clean, and professional environment where "Balanced Training" means clear communication and real-world results.

"We don't just train dogs; we build better relationships between dogs and their owners."