Success Story
Nervous Chihuahua to Social Butterfly
Elle’s family reached out to Sit Happens because their tiny 5-lb chihuahua had a world that was
much too small. Elle was sweet, loving, and bonded to her owners — but outside the home, she
became overwhelmed.
She barked at guests, reacted to noises, panicked around new people, and struggled with the
confidence to go anywhere new.
Trainer
Jenna
Sit Happens Tampa
DOGS
Elle
8-year-old Chihuahua
My husband and I contacted Jenna from Sit Happens with the goal of reducing unnecessary barking and socialization for our chihuahua, Elle. […] For our last session she was able to stay at a restaurant table and let people pet her and walk around which is major process! We look forward to continuing the practice that Jenna taught us with Elle!
Baylie C.
Tampa, FL
Initial Consultation
What dog training challenges did we face?
During the initial evaluation, Jenna immediately saw the pattern:
- Elle defaulted to barking the moment she felt unsure
- She needed basic leash skills and structured exposure
- She used height (couches, ottomans, furniture) to “manage” guests
- She had never really been asked to settle or hold boundaries
- Most behaviors were fear-based, not aggression
- Mom and dad loved her deeply, but their reassurance fed the anxiety.
Elle had the perfect personality for progress — she just needed leadership, repetition, and
exposure in a controlled way.
Training Goals
What was our dog training plan?
Elle had lived most of her life getting her way, hopping on furniture, taking high ground around
guests, and calling a lot of the shots. None of this made her a bad dog — just a nervous dog
without structure.
Her family’s goals were clear:
- Stop barking at guests
- Be able to attend public places
- Stop reacting outside
- Build overall confidence
Blackberry enrolled in our 7-lesson program to build these foundations.
Training Approach
The dog training journey
Jenna focused on building structure, confidence, and calm routines for both dogs and Mom.
Boundaries at Home
#1
Jenna worked with Elle’s mom to reset household structure:
- Doorway rules and waiting at thresholds
- No more seeking high ground to watch guests
- Placed Elle on a designated spot to learn calmness
- Reintroduced crate rules and calm settling
- Removed the ottoman “lookout post” that enabled alert behavior
Elle resisted at first (as expected), but with repetition she began to calm much faster.
Leash Training
#2
This session focused entirely on foundational communication:
- Conditioning Elle to the leash and CSP
- Helping her understand pressure/release
- Preventing panic when guided around the room
Elle tried to lash out a few times — not out of aggression, but fear. When the behavior didn’t “work,” she backed down and began following the guidance.
Jenna coached mom and dad through reps, and Elle responded better to them as they gained confidence.
The Pet Supermarket
#3
This was a big leap for Elle — her first real outing.
At Pet Supermarket:
- She worked on loose leash walking
- Practiced ignoring noises and movement
- Encountered strangers
- Navigated aisles she wasn’t used to
She did incredibly well for her first time out.
No barking. No lunging. No reacting to other customers or dogs.
At the end, a stranger attempted to pet her. Elle gave a small muzzle punch — not a bite, no sound, no escalation — simply a “I’m uncomfortable” signal. A huge improvement from where she started.
Jenna advised taking her out at least one more time before the next lesson to reinforce her new confidence.
More Public Outings
#4
This was the big milestone day.
Half the session took place at a restaurant, and Elle was a rockstar:
- Stayed on her bed
- Did not bark once
- Let two different people pet her
- Ignored foot traffic and movement around the table
This alone was a major breakthrough for an anxious, reactive chihuahua who previously
couldn’t handle noise or new people.
At the park afterward, she was tired but still performed beautifully while working on long-line recall and de-escalation skills.
The Results
How are they doing today?
By the end of the program, Elle was a completely different dog.
By the end of training, Elle had:
- Dramatically reduced barking
- Ability to go out in public places
- Confidence around strangers
- Calm behavior at a restaurant
- Improved leash communication
- Less fear-driven reactivity
- A peaceful home environment
Elle’s transformation is the perfect example of what happens when structure meets love — the
Sit Happens way.
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.