Our Dog Trainers

Marvin Versteeg

Got Sit Owner, Mastermind and Leader of the Pack

Marvin began Got Sit Dog Training in 2007. Through his unique dog training program, he’s been successfully helping canines and their owners develop structured, well-balanced relationships with each other ever since. A firm believer that “there are no bad dogs,” Marvin brings a passion and enthusiasm to his work that is unrivaled. Recognized state-wide for his dog training acumen and expertise, he excels at teaching clients how to establish a reliable communication system with their dog that lasts a lifetime. And to top it off, he makes it easy and fun for everyone involved. Marvin’s extensive experience as a dog trainer and his dynamic presence on stage have resulted in numerous speaking engagements and public appearances. Marvin’s also been featured on KOMO radio, King 5 TV’s Evening Magazine and multiple newspaper articles. The company is consistently nominated on King 5’s Best of Western Washington annual business as one of the area’s best dog training providers.

Corey Versteeg

Got Sit Dog Trainer and Operations Director

Corey joined Got Sit in June of 2014, motivated by the idea of working a family business and getting the opportunity to work with his best friend at the same time. Also appealing was the idea of being on his toes and not doing the same redundant thing over and over. Being able to work with dogs was just a huge plus to the whole thing. Discussing his favorite things about training, Corey said, “There are two main things that always stand out. The first is literally being able to help change and impact people’s lives for the better. With such a dog centric society, especially here in Washington, people really value and cherish their relationships with their dogs, so being able to help contribute to that for the better is a great feeling! The appreciation you feel is very real! The second thing is the dogs themselves. Really helping the dogs learn how they fit into the pack and family dynamic and watching their lives and happiness increase is amazing! It really makes things fun!” Describing his two dogs, Corey said, “I have two dogs. Dexter is a 10 yr old Westie/poodle mix. He was adopted at 8 months old and has now fully embraced the retirement life after working a lot of years with me in Got Sit. He loves his relaxation time and cuddles, while also having a love for gnawing on his bones occasionally. My other dog is the workhorse red lab named Copper. He has been with us since 8 weeks old and he is now 5. He is an absolute workaholic with no off switch. He loves life and everything in it, but the ball is at the top of the list! He recently has a new found love for dock diving, but really he just wants to work and play and continue to enjoy life!”

Hunter joined Got Sit in the summer of 2018 as he wanted to help people create a better relationship with their dogs and help people be the best dog owners they could possibly be - joining the family business was and added bonus. His favorite part about training is seeing the progression lesson by lesson and being able to help better people’s understanding of their animal. Hunter’s dog is a Coltriever (Border Collie/Golden Retriever) named Lokai, who he describes saying, “She is a ball of energy and loves learning new tricks as she’s a pure athlete. She’s the best friend a man could ask for!”

AJ has been part of the Got Sit dog training team since March of 2014 and has always been in the animal world from growing up on a farm lifestyle in Lake Stevens to working at Bridges Pets for 6 years helping customers with reptiles and fish. AJ joined Got Sit because he knew he wanted to stay in the world of helping humans and animals coexist and what he loves most about being a trainer is teaching humans how to be the best they can be to meet their dog’s needs and most of all have a positive relationship as we know that good reliable dogs get to have more fun and in return get more freedom to be a dog. AJ’s dog “kids” Cleopatra (Great Dane Mastiff) and Garnett (Golden retriever St.Bernard) have made a huge impact on his life and he wouldn’t have it any other way. Both of them were last of their litters so he didn’t have any options and they were stuck with him. But, getting them at around 5 months they came with their insecurities and adjustments they had to figure out together. In return it made their bond strong - they keep AJ in line and together they meet each other’s needs through love, play and companionship.

Hillary joined Got Sit in 2012, first as a client and then as a trainer. She’s a wellspring of enthusiasm when it comes to dogs and dog training. She exudes positivity. Hillary brings over 20 years of customer service experience to Got Sit’s clients. Hillary is a certified CGC Evaluator, allowing her to administer the Canine Good Citizen, AKC S.T.A.R. Puppy, AKC Community Canine (advanced CGC) and AKC Urban CGC programs. She’s adept at grasping client’s concerns, providing spot-on solutions and ensuring both dog and owner master the Got Sit training. Her exuberant personality and unwavering enthusiasm for her work is infectious making in-home sessions and group classes fun and upbeat. When Hillary isn’t leading classes, she continues her ongoing animal behavior studies. She also joins our other trainers at home shows and other venues as a member of the Got Sit demonstration team. When time permits, she volunteers at local animal shelters. As an avid Doberman Pinscher lover, Hillary has lovingly owned multiple and brought them into the Got Sit family as her work dogs. Her first Got Sit pup was Sunoco, who joined the team after mastering the training as a puppy in 2012. With his calm demeanor and welcoming nature, Sunoco helped other dogs and their owners learn to think outside the leash. Her second Got Sit pup was Bristol, a firecracker with a strong drive that loved to learn new tricks and getting to work that also brought joy to those around her with her snuggly personality. May they both rest in peace. The latest Doberman addition to the team is Quinton, aka Baby Q or just Q. The stars aligned for Hillary and Quinton to bond and they were meant for each other and the Got Sit family.

Jeffrey joined the Got Sit dog training ranks in October of 2022, becoming a trainer because he has a love for dogs and people and he was stoked to get to work with his dog after going through the training together as a client. His favorite thing about being a dog trainer is the variety and characteristics of different dogs and the challenges they bring to the table. Jeffrey’s dog is Snowy, an Alaskan Husky/German Shepherd that he and his wife rescued from the Everett Shelter in March of 2022. And, in keeping with his name, Snowy is 99% white but has one black spot on his hip!

Alicia grew up around all kinds of animals and had a childhood fascination with dog breeds and training. As a client-turned trainer, she officially joined in August of 2021. Her goal is to help families bring the best out in their dog while making training fun! Got Sit’s ethos is centered around bringing your dog into the life you have which translates to training as you live and unlocking a new level of relationship when you start to really understand your dog. Ultimately, what led Alicia to dog training was adopting Kevin. In her words, “Kevin was a trial by fire experience and wore a muzzle for the first ten months that had him. Got Sit taught me to understand the causes of his reactive behavior. The experience made me realize any dog can thrive if given the right tools. It’s really easy to get stuck in focusing on what you want your dog to stop doing. I love reminding people to show their dog what they want from them, and then watching that clarity clear frustration away on both ends of the leash. I also love to continuously learn and find that each dog has a lesson for me, too! I became a dog trainer to help other people who are at their wits end with their dog learn to unravel the best parts of their best friend! Kevin is a rescue pup from Texas. I call him my mystery mix. I’ve never done his DNA, but he is a one man band with his vocalizations. Maybe there’s shepherd/husky in there? Who knows- but there’s definitely a whole-lotta personality! He loves to greet people and show off his skills, and he loves to come with me to lessons and show dogs how to be calm around other dogs. We look forward to seeing you in lessons and at group class! You may even catch us participating in some group classes…We both like it, and it’s a great way to work his brain, practice our skills, and make him nice and sleepy. If you see us around, come say hi!”

Tatum joined Got Sit in 2022 to help manage the growing business behind the scenes. As an avid dog lover, Tatum believes in the work the Got Sit team does and is happy to support by offering her administrative strengths. Tatum’s dog is a lively, rambunctious, loving and adoring chocolate Labrador with so much personality he has two first names - Tucker Cooper.