New Year, New Habits: Obedience Training for Dogs in Seattle

It’s January in Seattle.

The Christmas lights are finally down (except that one house in Ballard that’s hanging onto the dream). You’ve made your resolutions—eat better, move more, maybe read an actual book that doesn’t have "how to be productive" in the title.

And then there’s your dog.

Your adorable, lovable, completely chaotic dog. Still acting like every walk is an emergency. Still jumping on your guests like they’re his long-lost littermates. Still ignoring commands like you’re whispering secrets to the wind.

If that hits a little too close to home, don’t worry. You’re not alone. And you’re not a bad dog parent. But January is a perfect time to admit something:

Your dog needs obedience training. And so do you.

Let’s Talk About the Real Problem

Most people don’t call for training because their dog doesn’t know “sit.” They call because their dog:

• Only sits when there’s food involved

• Jumps on Grandma and nearly ends her

• Loses their mind when the doorbell rings

• Treats “stay” like an optional life philosophy

This isn’t about basic commands. It’s about life. Your life. Your sanity. The fact that you haven’t had a peaceful walk around Green Lake since 2022.

At Got Sit Dog Training, we don’t believe in fluff. We believe in real-world obedience that holds up on wet sidewalks, in off-leash parks, and during that awkward moment when your neighbor rounds the corner with a stroller, two toddlers, and a teacup poodle.

We’re not training for the 'Gram. We’re training for life in Seattle—rain, noise, squirrels and all.

Why January Is the Time to Start

Everyone loves a fresh start. New year, new planner, new gym membership you’ll use twice. But your dog? They’re still operating on last year’s programming.

If you want better behavior this year, you’ve got to build better habits now.

Starting obedience training in January sets the tone for the rest of the year. It helps you:

• Create consistent routines

• Curb those old habits before they stick any harder

• Burn off that cabin fever (for both of you)

• Set boundaries in the home when routines are shifting

Plus, let’s face it—Seattle winters are brutal. You’re already home more. Why not use this time to turn your home into a classroom instead of a battleground?

The Obedience Skills Every Seattle Dog Needs

You live in Seattle. That means your dog needs to navigate:

• Tight sidewalks

• Coffee shop patios

• Off-leash dog parks where the chaos is dialed to eleven

• Trail hikes where other dogs are off-leash but definitely not trained

Your dog isn’t just learning to “sit.” They’re learning:

• Impulse control – No more lunging at joggers or barking at wind

• Reliable recall – So you’re not chasing them through Discovery Park like an unpaid stunt double

• Place command – Because sometimes the best thing a dog can do is just... chill

• Threshold manners – No bolting through doors or leaping into traffic

• Focused leash walking – Because you’re not trying to dislocate your shoulder every time you go around the block

Obedience training means freedom. The kind where you trust your dog in real-life situations—not just when they’re alone in the living room with nothing to distract them but that one sock they keep trying to steal.

You’re Not Just Training the Dog

Here’s something no one tells you: you’re part of the training, too.

If your dog’s not listening, part of the problem might be the way you’re communicating. And no, repeating “sit” louder each time isn’t actually a technique.

At Got Sit, we work with both ends of the leash. We show you how to:

• Give clear, consistent commands

• Reward the right behaviors

• Create structure that helps your dog thrive

• Stop reinforcing bad habits without realizing it

We’re not judging you. We’re guiding you. Patiently, one step at a time—just like we do with your dog.

Seattle Dogs, Seattle Solutions

We live here. We know the weather. We know the distractions. We know your dog isn’t barking at the wind because they’re rude—they’re overstimulated, undertrained, and probably bored.

That’s why our training is built for the Pacific Northwest. That includes:

• Real-world training in your home, your yard, your favorite parks

• Sessions customized for your daily routine—not a generic script

• Troubleshooting for specific Seattle challenges like rainy-day restlessness and leash-reactive dogs in tight urban spaces

Whether you’re in Capitol Hill, West Seattle, or somewhere quieter like View Ridge, our team is ready to meet you where you are.

Meet the Trainers (Yes, We’re Human Too)

Our team is made up of trainers who live and work in the Seattle area. People like:

• Marvin Versteeg, who’s basically the Yoda of dog behavior

• Corey Versteeg and Copper, the duo that brings calm to the chaos

• Hunter & Lokai, who’ve turned many a leash-puller into a loyal trail buddy

• Hillary, AJ, Alicia, Jeffrey, and Tatum, each paired with a dog who’s part therapist, part teammate

We’ve worked with first-time puppy parents, seasoned dog owners, and even folks who swore they’d “tried everything.” (They hadn’t.)

What Success Looks Like

Success isn’t about perfection. It’s about progress. It’s about:

• A walk that doesn’t feel like a wrestling match

• A dinner party where your dog stays in place instead of circling the table like a shark

• A vet visit that doesn’t end with you apologizing to the staff

• A bond with your dog that’s rooted in trust, not frustration

Obedience training gives you a dog you can take anywhere—and enjoy doing it.

Ready to Train?

If you’re in Seattle and ready to trade chaos for calm, now is the time. Start the year with intention—for yourself and for your dog.

Call Got Sit Dog Training at (425) 405-5748 and let’s get your dog on track for a year of growth, calm walks, and visitors who don’t get tackled at the front door.

We’ll come to you, work with you, and help you and your dog build habits that last far beyond January.

Because good dogs don’t just happen. They’re trained—with time, patience, and the right guide by your side.