GET YOUR LIFE BACK
The Best Dog Trainer in Tampa, FL
The top-rated dog trainer in Tampa with 14+ years experience & 80+ 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 Tampa since 2011 • 70+ years of combined experience
Problems we solve
Private dog training, from the comfort of your Tampa home
We identify the real reason behind your dog’s behavior and create a training plan that brings calm, structure, and balance back into your home.
When a dog won’t listen, reacts intensely, or struggles with everyday situations, it’s exhausting. Most dogs aren’t being stubborn or “bad.” They’re responding to confusion, stress, overstimulation, or unmet needs.
Our certified trainers work with you one-on-one to uncover what’s driving your dog’s behavior. Once we understand the root cause, we guide you through a clear, step-by-step training plan designed to create lasting change.
Dog training issues:
How it works
Contact us now
We’ll schedule a consultation and send a certified trainer to your home. During your first visit, we identify the root cause of your dog’s behavior, recommend a personalized training plan, and demonstrate techniques tailored to your dog.
We come to you
All sessions are held in your home and neighborhood — where real-world behaviors happen.
Many clients see positive changes starting on Day 1.
We work with you to solve your dog’s problems
As training progresses, life gets easier. Walks become enjoyable. Guests feel welcome. Your dog settles calmly at home. Your trainer supports you every step of the way.
Our services
How we help Tampa dogs and their families
Our expert trainers resolve behavior issues, build reliable obedience, and help puppies develop healthy social skills.
Behavioral Training
For when your dog or puppy is struggling to act calmly in their environment.
Learn MoreDog Training
Has your dog struggled with problem behaviors? Our dog training services will sort them right out.
Learn MoreLeash Training
Are walks with your dog harder than they should be? They may need some dedicated leash training.
Learn MoreObedience Training
Does your dog ignore basic commands like “sit” and “stay”? They may need some obedience training.
Learn MorePotty Training
If your puppy or dog been having accidents in the house, they may need some potty training.
Learn MorePuppy Training
Puppies need dog training to learn how to behave, socialize, and navigate the world around them.
Learn MoreSocialization Training
If your dog is reactive around people or other animals, they may need some socialization training.
Learn MoreTestimonials
Reviews from past clients
See over 80+ real results from Sit Happens clients. Puppy training, obedience, behavior transformation stories!
Working with Jenna has been one of the best investments I’ve ever made for my dog, Gertie.
From the moment Jenna walked through the door, it was obvious I was watching a true professional. Within minutes she had established an incredible connection with Gertie. She has a calm, confident presence that immediately earned Gertie’s trust while also setting clear expectations. It was amazing to watch. Jenna doesn’t just know how to train dogs. She genuinely understands them.
Gertie is a rescue who came into my life when she was about a year and a half old. I’ve owned a dachshund before, but Gertie’s personality is completely different, and I quickly realized she needed an approach that was tailored specifically to her. Jenna recognized that right away. She took the time to understand Gertie’s temperament and adjusted her training accordingly. Watching Gertie become more focused, confident, and responsive has been incredibly rewarding.
What I appreciated just as much was that Jenna wasn’t only training Gertie. She was teaching me how to communicate with her. Every lesson was practical, easy to understand, and something I could continue working on between visits. She explained not only what to do, but why it worked. That gave me the confidence to reinforce everything we learned long after each session ended.
Another huge advantage is that Jenna comes directly to my home in Sun City Center, Florida. Training Gertie in the environment where she actually lives made the sessions far more effective than I expected.
The results have honestly exceeded every expectation I had. Gertie is happier, more attentive, and a joy to work with. The bond between us is stronger because of everything Jenna taught us.
Jenna is knowledgeable, patient, professional, and genuinely passionate about what she does. Those qualities show in every interaction. If you’re looking for someone who truly cares about both the dog and the owner, I cannot recommend Jenna and SIT Happens highly enough.
Thank you, Jenna, for everything you’ve done for Gertie and for me. I would recommend Jenna without hesitation to anyone who wants a better relationship with their dog.
Our dog has become so much calmer and more disciplined. I highly recommend Sit Happens!
Thank you Jenna!
Our training was successful!
Recommended to two friends who are working through the process and pleased.
Our Process
Dog training backed by canine cognitive science
At Sit Happens, we use humane, evidence-based training methods designed to create lasting behavioral change, not short-term compliance.
- Positive reinforcement
- Strengthening the dog–owner relationship
- Canine cognitive science (understanding why behaviors occur)
- Building consistent, healthy habits
Traditional training often suppresses behaviors without addressing what causes them. We take a different approach, we identify what’s throwing your dog off-balance and teach them how to adapt, self-regulate, and succeed in real-world situations.
Meet the team
Our certified Tampa dog trainers
Meet Sit Happens’ professional dog trainers serving the Tampa area. Our team specializes in puppies, obedience, and behavior modification using proven training systems.
View All Our Trainers
Jenna Cofer
Jenna’s love for animals began early. By 11, she was already begging her parents for a dog. By the time she was high school aged, she was already working in various dog daycare and boarding facilities. She was also active in FFA, working with chickens and heifers.
Ken Wille
Ken’s love for dogs started before he could even walk, and it’s been his calling ever since. Born and raised in Chicagoland, he moved to Tampa after marrying his best friend in 2011.
Kendra Roop
Kendra has spent the last 5+ years working professionally with dogs and their owners, and it shows in her energetic and passionate approach to training.
Tampa’s trusted in-home dog training team
Let us help you take your life back.
Our trainers are available daily from 9am–7pm and are happy to answer your training questions before you get started.
Call us today:
+1 (813) 695-9430
FAQ
Frequently asked questions
You bet! Sit Happens is the most established dog training provider in the Tampa 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 Tampa 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 Sit Happens trainers. Puppy tips, obedience guidance, and behavior solutions tailored to real-life dog ownership.
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