Business Details
33 Years
experience
Expert Dog Training in Northern NJ
Sit & Stay Dog Training has been a trusted leader in professional dog training across Northern New Jersey since 1993. Founded on the principles of positive reinforcement and humane training methods, we specialize in creating customized solutions for dog owners facing urban and suburban challenges. Our services include group classes in Hoboken and Nutley, private in-home training, online courses, and therapy dog certification. With over three decades of experience, we combine scientific understanding of canine behavior with practical, real-world applications to foster stronger bonds between pets and their families. Our team works closely with veterinarians and industry experts to ensure our techniques remain at the forefront of ethical dog training.We prioritize clear communication, consistent training, and addressing the emotional needs of both dogs and their owners. Our proven track record includes resolving complex behavioral issues and preparing dogs for specialized roles in therapeutic environments. As lifelong advocates for animal welfare, we emphasize education, patience, and adaptability in every training program. Our commitment to excellence has made us a go-to resource for thousands of satisfied clients throughout Bergen, Hudson, Essex, and surrounding counties.
Services
Puppy Kindergarten
Basic Dog Training
Advanced Dog Training
In-Home Training
Online Dog Training
Therapy Dog Training
Behavior Counseling
CGC Certification
Leash Training
Housebreaking
Details
- Year established: 1993
Highlights and features
- 30+ years of specialized dog training in Northern NJ
- Certified in positive reinforcement techniques
- Proven track record resolving complex behavior issues
- Expertise in Northern NJ's diverse training environments
- Customized training plans for urban and suburban settings
Associations and certifications
- AKC Canine Good Citizen
- Bright and Beautiful Therapy Dogs
What people say
Positive reinforcement techniques
Patient and kind approach
Proven behavior improvements
Veterinarian-recommended trainer
Lifelong training skills
Services
Puppy Kindergarten
Our Puppy Kindergarten program focuses on early socialization, housebreaking, and basic obedience for puppies aged 2-4 months. Through positive reinforcement techniques, we teach essential skills like crate training, boundary setting, and proper social behavior. This six-week course helps prevent future behavioral issues while building a strong foundation for lifelong learning in urban environments.
In-Home Training
Customized in-home training addresses specific behavioral challenges in your dog's natural environment. Our trainers work one-on-one with families to resolve issues like separation anxiety, leash pulling, and resource guarding. This personalized approach ensures practical solutions that fit your household's unique needs and lifestyle while strengthening your bond with your pet.
Therapy Dog Training
We prepare dogs and handlers for therapy work through specialized training programs that emphasize temperament control and obedience. Our certified evaluators prepare teams for Bright and Beautiful Therapy Dogs certification, focusing on calm behavior around strangers, medical equipment, and stressful environments. Graduates often serve in nursing homes, hospitals, and schools across Northern NJ.
Online Training
Remote training sessions provide expert guidance through video calls and phone consultations. This service covers basic obedience, behavior modification, and pre-puppy counseling while offering flexible scheduling. Clients receive follow-up resources including training videos and personalized plans to ensure consistent progress regardless of location.
Advanced Training
Our advanced training program prepares dogs for AKC Canine Good Citizen certification and therapy dog evaluations. The six-week course builds on basic obedience with complex commands, public access training, and specialized behavior modification. This intensive program develops reliable off-leash control and proper conduct in distracting environments.
People
Joana Watsky
Owner
Joana Watsky has trained dogs professionally since 1993, specializing in positive reinforcement methods. She studied under ASPCA experts and PhD behaviorists, earning certifications in therapy dog evaluation. Her work with local veterinarians and media appearances establish her as Northern NJ's leading dog behavior specialist.
Questions
What is positive dog training?
Positive training uses rewards to reinforce good behavior rather than punishment. We focus on building trust through treats, praise, and clear communication to create lasting behavioral changes without fear or force.
How long has Sit and Stay been in business?
Joana Watsky has provided dog training services in Northern NJ since 1993, helping thousands of clients with obedience training and behavior modification using humane methods.
Do you offer in-home training sessions?
Yes, we provide private in-home training throughout Northern NJ. This allows us to address specific household challenges and train dogs in their natural environment for better results.
What areas do you serve?
We serve all Northern NJ communities including Bergen, Hudson, Essex, Passaic, Union, and Morris counties with training facilities in Hoboken and Nutley.
Can you help with behavior problems?
Our positive training methods effectively address issues like excessive barking, separation anxiety, and leash pulling. We create customized plans to modify unwanted behaviors through reinforcement techniques.
Do you train therapy dogs?
Yes, we offer therapy dog training and certification through Bright and Beautiful Therapy Dogs. Our program prepares dogs and handlers for work in healthcare facilities and schools across Northern NJ.
Reviews (7)
Stephanie Cannone
Oct 23, 2021
Report
I cannot recommend Joana enough! I recently had her over for an in home session with my puppy Bowser. Im not exaggerating when I say I've noticed huge improvements immediately. He's walking so much better and listening to commands and is eager to learn. In just a few days, we've gotten to the point where with just one hand movement and a noise, he excitingly goes running into his crate. It's so amazing! I'm having so much fun working with him and training him now. I can't wait to take her group classes! 10/10 highly recommend. So glad I took the time to research trainers and found Joana.
Clint Galac
May 22, 2021
Report
Joana was great in teaching proper communication between me and my puppy. Her lessons and training methods reinforce a positive and fruitful relationship between my puppy and I. She is very responsive with emails and is understanding when life happens and is willing to accommodate a make-up lesson over zoom. She has survived well through Covid and is compliant with Covid state protocol. She offers more than just puppy basics and will help you with any of your furbaby's needs. Joana is a great trainer for dogs and humans alike.
Sandra Sung Garcia
May 17, 2021
Report
I am a new puppy owner of a 3 month old, that my family had for 3 weeks. Literally spent 2 months before puppy pick up researching dog training, puppy behaviors, positive training, watched every me vs the dog/ Zak George / simpawticos you tube vids. Purchased all the gear in advance and after 2 weeks into training I was so tired. And worried I wasn't getting anywhere. My friend recommended Joana and I was a bit reluctant to reach out at first because of all the prep work I put in and the money I had already spent but it was 150% worth it!
Very professional and gave me confidence and my family confidence that our pup was not being ruined and he would grow up to be quite a fine adult doggie. She corrected some bad habits that I assumed were correct from watching videos. She taught and clarified training techniques that just can't be learned from a prerecorded vid that is meant for the masses. I couldn't be happier with my private training session with Joana and my pup has been so good since then, I joke that she either fixed him or broke him. Lol 5 thumbs up! Even if you've done your homework, the real time personal training with YOUR pup makes a real difference.
Very professional and gave me confidence and my family confidence that our pup was not being ruined and he would grow up to be quite a fine adult doggie. She corrected some bad habits that I assumed were correct from watching videos. She taught and clarified training techniques that just can't be learned from a prerecorded vid that is meant for the masses. I couldn't be happier with my private training session with Joana and my pup has been so good since then, I joke that she either fixed him or broke him. Lol 5 thumbs up! Even if you've done your homework, the real time personal training with YOUR pup makes a real difference.
Tori Magat
Feb 09, 2021
Report
Joana is and so knowledgeable and I definitely trusted her with our 8 month old labradoodle. She was able to correct his leash pulling and gave us so many helpful tips regarding other unwanted behavior. Definitely recommend her and the positive reinforcement training!
Lisa Albro
Jun 15, 2020
Report
When we adopted our puppy and were having issues with mouthing, getting him to walk on a leash, and separation anxiety. On the recommendation of another dog owner we knew, we called Sit and Stay. Joana came to our house to work with us, and her calm, expert instruction helped us to get past those issues. She had reasonable solutions, backed by good information, for every question I asked her. Plus, my dog responded very well to her.
We brought our boy to obedience classes with Sit and Stay a few months later and once again, were impressed with Joana's professionalism, expertise, and abilities. I follow Sit and Stay's Facebook page for ongoing sound advice on keeping my dog healthy and keeping him - and us - safe and happy. I've even reached out to Joana on a few occasions with questions over the years, and she has always been responsive and helpful.
Our "puppy" is now nine years old, and I rely on Joana's advice and recommendations as he ages. We will work with her with any other dogs we bring into our family and we recommend her to anyone looking for a true, caring, professional.
We brought our boy to obedience classes with Sit and Stay a few months later and once again, were impressed with Joana's professionalism, expertise, and abilities. I follow Sit and Stay's Facebook page for ongoing sound advice on keeping my dog healthy and keeping him - and us - safe and happy. I've even reached out to Joana on a few occasions with questions over the years, and she has always been responsive and helpful.
Our "puppy" is now nine years old, and I rely on Joana's advice and recommendations as he ages. We will work with her with any other dogs we bring into our family and we recommend her to anyone looking for a true, caring, professional.
Trisha Mainiero
Jan 16, 2020
Report
Joana is an absolutely amazing trainer! She uses only positive reinforcement and teaches you to be be a better dog parent. I'm about to take my 3rd dog for puppy basics very soon and cant' wait to work with her again!
Morgan Gertler
Mar 19, 2019
Report
There is no one else I trust more when it comes to my dogs wellbeing than Joana. She has worked with us for our shelter/emaciated/no previous training dog, and our well adjusted puppy. I really owe everything I know about dogs to her. She's taught me how to advocate for their health, proper socialization as well as space when they need it. (Learning how to speak up when someone is being too friendly or touchy with my dog who clearly doesn't like it) She's recommended vets and specialists who have all been AMAZING doctors (with fantastic bedside manner) and supported/helped us navigate some very scary health issues my one dog has had. Plus, she follows her own advice. She's a true dog lover and a dog owner herself. Her in home trainings are game changers and her classes are really great for bonding with and teaching your dog in a social environment.
