Success Story
Training two reactive puppies in Denver, CO
Bella and Gabe’s owners loved their dogs deeply but were struggling with nonstop barking, reactivity, and difficulty with greetings and impulse control.
Everyday activities like guests arriving, stepping outside, or simply hearing noises would trigger a barking spiral — especially since Gabe would feed off of Bella’s barking, amplifying the chaos instantly.
Trainer
Logan
Sit Happens Denver
DOGS
Gabe
2-year-old Golden Retriever
Bella
3-month-old Australian Shepherd
“Both Logan and Ashley have been super helpful training my younger dog Gabe to not bark and get used to hearing noises and being calm at his spot. […] Highly recommend — yes, it’s expensive, but worth it!”
Kendra R.
Denver, CO
Challenges
What dog training challenges did we face?
All dog training situations are unique, and this one was no different.
Here were the goals for Gabe & Bella:
- Reduce reactivity
- Improve greetings
- Build impulse control
- Teach both dogs how to be bored (relax on command)
- Successfully complete field trips in real-world environments
Initial assessment
How were things when we arrived?
With all of our dog training clients, we like to start by evaluating the environment first.
Here’s what happened when Logan arrived:
- Both dogs barked immediately at door openings
- Bella tended to trigger Gabe, causing him to follow her lead
- Neither dog had reliable impulse control
- Doorways, greetings, and threshold manners were major stress points
- They needed real-world proofing beyond the home
This wasn’t aggression. It was excitement + reactivity + zero structure: a perfect match for Sit Happens’ style of training.
Training Approach
Our tailored dog training plan
Jorge focused on building structure, confidence, and calm routines for both dogs and Mom.
Breaking the Bark Cycle
#1
Logan started by…
- Introducing the come sit place command
- Teaching the owners how to gain focus quickly
- Working on popping the leash correctly for communication
- Using the rule of three: guide → redirect → reinforce
- Creating distractions
The big discovery: Gabe fed off Bella’s barking. Once Bella stopped reacting, Gabe improved dramatically.
Greeting Manners
#2
This session focused on:
- Teaching both dogs to wait for permission
- Walking through doorways without pulling or reacting
- Automatic sits at thresholds
- Outside place training with the ability to hold the command even when hearing Bella inside
Gabe ignored people walking by and even ignored a bunny sitting only 3 feet away —
something unthinkable weeks earlier.
The Kid’s Park
#3
Logan took the dogs to a park full of real-world distractions – kids playing soccer, families walking, high-energy noises.
- At first Gabe barked early on
- But with structure he settled quickly
- Later in the session he barely reacted at all
- Both dogs were challenged with each step and passed every rep
The Orchard
#4
This was a breakthrough day:
- Both dogs worked the orchard confidently
- They navigated crowds, noises, people, and movement
- They stayed on task and responded to cues quickly
- Once they warmed up, they had fun with the work
Three parks total — and the owner was extremely happy with the progress.
The Market
#5
This was the most stimulating environment so far, yet the dogs did great:
- They followed commands
- They stayed engaged
- They held place despite distractions
- They ignored people around them
- They practiced calm walking through high-pressure spaces
The Results
How are they doing today?
After the completion of the Sit Happens 4-week dog training program, Gus and Skye are doing great.
Bella
- Learned neutrality around distractions
- Barking reduced drastically
- Stopped triggering Gabe
- Improved greetings and door manners
Gabe
- Reduced barking and following Bella’s reactions
- Much calmer at home and in public
- Learned to settle on place
- Thrived on field trips
The best Denver Dog Trainer
Let us help you take your life back.
Our Denver dog training staff doesn’t just take your calls…they’re fully equipped to answer all your training questions too.
Available every day from 9am to 7pm.
Call us today:
+1 (720) 386-5333
FAQ
Frequently asked questions
You bet! Sit Happens is the most established dog training provider in the Denver 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 Denver 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.