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Dog Trainers & Staff

Our experienced trainers and courteous, attentive staff are dedicated to providing
exceptional dog training and support.

Daniel & Jessica Strong

The Heart & Drive Behind Sit Means Sit Elkton and Wilmington

At Sit Means Sit, we’re not just dog trainers-we’re problem solvers. Our mission? Helping dogs and their owners create a life with more freedom, less frustration, and lasting results.

Who We Are
We’re Daniel and Jessica Strong married for over 14 years, parents to six incredible kids, and owners of four amazing dogs. We’ve worked together in the SMS world for the past five years, and in August 2024, we took full ownership of Sit Means Sit Elkton and Wilmington.

Daniel grew up with dogs-training, playing, and understanding them from an early age. Jessica? Not so much. That contrast gives us a unique perspective: we understand both the struggles and successes of dog ownership, whether you’re an experienced handler or bringing home your first pup.

Our Family & Pack
Life in our home is full of energy, adventure, and, of course, training. Our four dogs aren’t just part of the family-they’re part of our mission. They help demonstrate training techniques, show what’s possible with the right guidance, and remind us daily why we do what we do.

Why We Do This
We get it-owning a dog should be enjoyable, not stressful. Struggling with leash pulling? Jumping? Reactivity? We’ve seen it all, and we know how to fix it. Our goal is to simplify training, build confidence, and give you the tools you need to succeed-whether that means walking your dog without frustration or bringing them into any environment with total control.

At Sit Means Sit, you’re not just signing up for dog training-you’re joining a community. Let’s get to work!

Kasey Jean

Location Manager

Kasey joined Sit Means Sit as a client first when she brought her 2 year old boxer Adonis in to help with his insecurity. Having trained racehorses for over a decade, working with the trainers of Sit Means Sit renewed her love of training animals. And having found success with her own dogs Adonis and Marvel, she wants to help others build the same confident relationship with their dogs. She can now do things with Adonis she didn’t think we’re possible and wants other to experience the same.

Heather Mendala

Certified Dog Trainer

With over 15 years of experience in dog care, Heather brings a wealth of expertise to Sit Means Sit. She has a background in boarding and rescue facilities and has also worked as a veterinary technician assistant. A certified AKC proctor, Heather leads many of our Star Puppy and CGC classes. Known for her calm, patient, and confident training style, Heather excels in working with elderly clients and helping anxious dogs build confidence. She finds great joy in strengthening the bond between owners and their furry companions. Outside of work, Heather enjoys spending time with her American Staffie, Evelyn, who is also an anxious dog. She loves family time, visiting breweries and wineries, and watching football on Sundays. Fun Fact: At a young age, Heather’s passion for animal care grew from her grandmother’s shared interests, ultimately leading her to choose this career path.

Hailey

Certified Dog Trainer

Hailey has always had a passion for working with animals. For the past 10 years, she has worked in shelters and veterinary offices while studying animal behavior at the University of Delaware. She finds joy in helping pet owners strengthen their bond with their pets through training, watching those relationships thrive. Hailey and her Alaskan Klee Kai, Dakota, love hiking on weekends and running errands together. She also shares her home with a Chesapeake Bay Retriever, a Shiba Inu, and two Great Danes.

Fun Fact: Hailey minored in Wildlife Ecology at the University of Delaware and can identify most native birds by sight and sound! She is also interested in training dogs to assist with wildlife research, specifically to help locate animals affected by habitat loss.

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