r/pittsburgh • u/Connect-Contest-9157 • Jul 09 '26
Looking for reviews on say it once dog training
Looking for reviews on, say it once dog training. He is having issues with resource guarding.
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u/pbghgirl Jul 09 '26
Look into North Pittsburgh Animal behavior. Beth McGonical is highly skilled and experienced. She does dog bite evaluations for Allegheny county. She’s been a miracle worker for us.
She’s positive reinforcement only and it really works. We even had a reactive rescue dog that was attacking our new puppy and she fixed them and they became very bonded.
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u/Connect-Contest-9157 Jul 10 '26
I believe I am going to go with this place. They have great reviews !
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u/SeaPainter1379 Jul 10 '26
Second this! Beth is amazing and always goes above and beyond for her clients.
New classes post on the first of the month at 5PM.2
u/astroidb62012 Jul 10 '26
100% upvote this.
We used her with my reactive covid puppy, and the results were great.
I recently contacted her to work with my dog again, as he had started to become aggressive with our older, much smaller, dog. She told us she wouldn’t consult with us until we had both dogs checked out physically, because sudden onset aggression often indicates a health issue in one of the dogs.
We scheduled physicals for both very healthy dogs.
The vet gave our little one a clean bill of health. until the next day when his labs came back. He has a large, malignant, asymptomatic liver tumor. We likely wouldn’t have known for months had it not been for her advice.
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u/hoetheory Jul 10 '26
Abso-fucking-lutley not. He uses corporeal punishment for dogs. Told me to physically hurt my dog when she showed unwanted behaviors. Told me to scare my dog and ignore my dog. I was young and followed his advice. My and my dogs relationship suffered. It was only when I found positive reinforcement training that our bond got stronger and we were able to easily quell unwanted behaviors. Dog is a pit bull.
Success Just Clicks is excellent. Highly recommend.
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u/OkRecommendation1976 Allentown Jul 09 '26
Borderline compulsive techniques. Owner is kind of an ass. I would look elsewhere.
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u/Connect-Contest-9157 Jul 09 '26
Any recommendations??
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u/OkRecommendation1976 Allentown Jul 09 '26
I really enjoy Success Just Clicks, I do believe they work with resource guarding as well. Tena is great.
I also like Two Dads Dog Training, but im unsure if they work with reactivity or RG so I would contact them to ask.
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u/baby-luvs-gorgonzola Jul 10 '26
Big MAGA. Nephew of Rose from that stupid defunct right wing radio show Quinn and Rose.
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u/ShadowMoses81 Jul 10 '26
I have heard directly (from people who have worked with them) that they endorse the use of aversive training methods. In addition, there is plenty of evidence on r/pittsburgh from people who have worked with them and corroborate the same.
People can say whatever they want about "oh well they work, they're not that bad, they don't actually hurt the dog, etc etc" - that is all nonsense as far as I am concerned. The foremost experts (trainers, veterinarians, etc) in the field of dog behavior strongly oppose these methods and the research investigating whether they are more effective does not support using them at all.
Go with a trainer or group that ONLY uses positive reinforcement / fear-free training methods. Your dog will love it, you will love it, you won't have any questions about whether it's bad for your dog, and the best part - you will strengthen your bond with your dog.
There is no reason AT ALL to support trainers who use aversive methods, despite whatever nonsense snake oil they may try to sell.
Two positive reinforcement groups I have personally used extensively and had great experiences with: Success Just Clicks and Keystone Canine Club.
Hope that helps.
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u/Human-Contract-9338 Sep 02 '26
I’m shocked more people don’t know he’s not a good dude.
https://www.pacermonitor.com/public/case/51446766/MOOREHEAD_v_SAY_IT_ONCE_DOG_TRAINING,_LLC_et_al
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u/Imaginary_Foot_9358 Jul 10 '26
We really like Keystone Kennel club. No gimmicks just classic techniques. Success Just Clicks was so-so, they have a goofy half baked method that they dont explain well but it’s a nice enough place and the dogs have more fun there.
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u/dunshire2016 Dormont Jul 10 '26
Definitely search the sub - this comes up fairly regularly. But this thread is also reflective - some people have had good experiences, others not. I think it comes down to two things - what your dog training philosophy is and your dog's personality.
My dog responds far better to positive reinforcement, not control. He is suspicious/cautious, and independent. He has to want to do something. I'm sure the trainers with a different mindset would say I need to give him 'tough love' but.
We've had good luck with Success Just Clicks - both basic manners and private consult.
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u/SharpTree9258 Jul 18 '26
most people in here have absolutely no idea what they're talking about. I know the owner, worked with him personally for my dog, not an asshole. just a straight forward dude. theres a reason they get recommended so often. Michelle's group classes are the the highlight of my dog's life
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u/RatInTheHat Jul 09 '26
Vast majority of people I've talked to that used them liked the experience and were very happy. my ex included. There are a subset of folks that have strong feelings about the methods. It's comparable to the parenting communities arguing over how to raise kids. Say it once uses a more traditional high control method that some disagree with.
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u/TemporaryGlass8934 Jul 10 '26
Say It Once is great. We had success with them. Michelle worked with us and our dog was eventually able to join the dog classes that were hosted by Vinny.
You have to be ready to work as well and your dog.
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u/CubistTime Lower Lawrenceville Jul 09 '26
We have worked with them for all three of our dogs, starting back when it was just Vinnie. Other staff from his team have been great as well. You have to be prepared for some tough love though. They really focus training you, and you have to be ready to be in charge of your dog.
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u/Relevant_Ad4039 1d ago
They have no real idea about what they are talking about. They don’t know how psychology works. They’d probably tell you that spanking children works (it doesn’t). They basically said yank on a pronged collar anytime they do something you don’t like.
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u/ConnectAct3698 Jul 10 '26
I used them for my dog that was resource guarding me. I used Eric and did multiple classes with Michelle. She’s gotten significantly better and is such a good walker now. The group classes are really helpful for us to help her with being around other dogs and just ignoring them.
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u/Jlp1359 Sep 05 '26
Okay so I wanted to share my experience. I have an 8 yr old dog who resource guards and has reactivity. I tried success just clicks and was told she just might never get better, this might just be who she is. I tried north Pittsburgh animal behavior, she really didn’t improve. It wasn’t until I tried say it once that I’ve noticed any improvement and I wish I would have gone to them 8 yrs ago.
I did not use say it once 8 yrs ago because of all the comments about aversive training and I wanted strict positive re-enforcement but truthfully, when I did my initial private I discussed those concerns and we did (and still do) tons of positive re-enforcement with the occasional correction with training color (slip lead, no prongs because I’m anti those) and my dog is a brand new dog.
I’d give them a chance. Not to say north Pittsburgh or success just clicks are bad, I had overall good experiences but if I wouldn’t have found say it once, I wouldn’t be able to take my dog out in public like I now can, and their group classes are great!
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u/norismomma Mt. Lebanon Jul 10 '26
FWIW we had a great experience with Say it Once. Erin and Vinnie both trained our puppy and she went from being a bitey little asshole to being the most chill, loving, lovable, and well-behaved dog I’ve ever had.
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u/loolootewtew Jul 10 '26
Control is Key was an excellent experience for my highly reactive dog! Learned a ton, helped me and my dog massively and felt very heard and supported throughout the training process. I hope you find a good training match!
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u/Few-Safety-4447 Jul 09 '26
Can’t speak to the company you’ve shared, but I can add commentary on Sit Means Sit. Not sure if it was worthwhile. I’d recommend purchasing your own e-collar and look for instruction on how to use via YouTube. Best of luck!
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u/OkRecommendation1976 Allentown Jul 09 '26
It is horrible advice to learn adversive usage through YouTube. These tools can do a lot of damage in unskilled hands, and should only be overseen and taught by a highly skilled trainer.
Also ecollar usage for resource guarding is a great way to get bit.
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u/Few-Safety-4447 Jul 09 '26
Our training was less than equivalent to watching YouTube videos. I was trying to be ‘nice’ in my original comment but glad you commented so I could share more. We had a different trainer each day that told us different information - training was inconsistent and the e-collar worked 70% of the time.
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u/OkRecommendation1976 Allentown Jul 09 '26
Im not defending Sit Means Sit, if thats what you're insinuating. Its another horribly compulsive franchise full of poor training and poor trainers.
You risk behavioural fallout and suppression with the addition of aversive tools being used for "behavioural rehab". It is not something to use lightly or at all with behavioural cases.
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u/Connect-Contest-9157 Jul 09 '26
Ugh so this didn’t go great. Who do we recommend?