Fix the cause, not the symptom
Pat evaluates the core issue behind a behavior and corrects that. You save time and money, and you end up with a well-adjusted dog instead of a managed problem.
Lakeland and Polk County, Florida. Since 1992.
Results where others have failed.
Pat Stitzel, The Dog Man, is Polk County's dog behaviorist. He finds the real cause of your dog's behavior and fixes it, often in a single session. Then he teaches you how to keep it that way.
- Experience
- 35+ years
- Specialty
- German Shepherds
- Method
- No shock collars, clickers or treats
If your dog runs the house, call The Dog Man.
From everyday bad habits to serious aggression, Pat handles the problems that make life with a dog hard. Call with your issue and get your answer.
Behavior modification- Aggression toward people or dogs
- Lunging and barking on the leash
- Biting, nipping and mouthing
- Jumping on guests
- Pulling on the leash
- Separation anxiety
- Guarding food, toys or furniture
- Housebreaking accidents
- Not coming when called
- Ignoring commands
Train together. Live in harmony.
It takes experience to train with love and an understanding of a dog's basic instincts. Pat teaches you how your dog thinks, so you can lead your home with confidence.
No gimmicks
No shock collars, no clickers and no treats. Your dog learns to listen to you because of trust, understanding and respect, not because of a device or a pocket full of food.
You train together
Pat trains your dog and then trains you. You learn how your dog processes information, so the results hold at home long after the session ends.
Every dog is different
All breeds, all ages, large or small. Each session is shaped around your dog, your household and the issue in front of you.
Training programs
All programs
Behavior modification and aggression
Aggression, reactivity, biting, anxiety and the problems other trainers could not fix.
Puppy training
Start right. House manners, leash skills, boundaries and confidence for puppies.
Adult dog obedience
Obedience and manners for adult dogs, rescues and dogs with a history.
German Shepherd training
Specialist training for German Shepherds since 1992, from puppies to protection.
Group manners
Playdates not much fun? Social skills and manners around other dogs.
In-home training
Can’t come to the training center? The Dog Man will come to you.
Meet Pat Stitzel.
Pat has trained dogs for more than 35 years and has specialized in German Shepherds since 1992. He owned, bred and trained Shepherds on his Shepherd Ranch in Orlando before bringing his practice to Polk County, where he became the trainer people call when nothing else has worked.
He is passionate about dogs, and dogs love him back. His goal is simple: a well-balanced, well-mannered and content dog, and an owner who knows how to keep it that way.
How it works
Call with your issue
Tell Pat what is going on. He gives you a straight answer about how he can help and books a session.
Watch your dog respond
Pat evaluates the core issue and corrects it. Most owners see a change in their dog during the first session.
Take the leash
Pat trains you to get the same response at home, with a short daily routine that keeps results lasting.
"I had a new dog. She actually listened to me. Pat is a miracle worker!"
Pat has a gift that can’t be duplicated. My 17 month old lab, Gus, adores him. He teaches them things in such a short time for far less money than most I checked with prior to hiring him.
Within the first five minutes our very rambunctious puppy was sitting, heeling, and staying more than he has ever done in his past ten months of life. Our other puppy caught on even quicker. He is the BEST!
Pat is the real deal. I took my disobedient puppy to learn control. Not only did he train my dog, he trained my wife and I to be responsible dog owners. Highly recommended!
Goldendoodle puppies & training packages
Goldendoodle puppies, bred and raised by The Dog Man and available for purchase with a professional training package. Find your next companion and start your life together with training and guidance from Pat.
Questions owners ask
What is the difference between a dog trainer and a dog behaviorist?
A dog trainer mainly teaches skills such as sit, stay, come and loose-leash walking. A behaviorist focuses on why a dog acts the way it does, and addresses problems such as aggression, fear, reactivity, anxiety and resource guarding. Pat Stitzel works as both. He corrects the underlying cause of a behavior and then teaches the obedience that keeps it corrected.
Do you use shock collars, e-collars or prong collars?
No shock collars. Pat’s method relies on communication, timing and leadership rather than devices. He teaches you to build trust, understanding and respect with your dog without harsh treatment or gimmicks.
Can a behavior problem really be fixed in one session?
Many can. Because Pat identifies the core issue instead of chasing symptoms, owners usually see a different dog during the first session. Lasting results depend on the owner continuing the routine at home, and Pat makes sure you know exactly how to do that. Some complex cases need additional sessions, and Pat will tell you upfront.
My dog has bitten someone. Is it too late?
Usually not. Tell Pat about any bite history when you call so he can plan a safe session. If the aggression appeared suddenly, ask your veterinarian to rule out pain or illness, since medical problems can cause behavior changes.
What areas do you serve?
All of Polk County, including Lakeland, Winter Haven, Bartow, Auburndale, Mulberry, Polk City, Haines City, Davenport, Lake Wales, Eagle Lake and Fort Meade, plus nearby Plant City, Brandon and Valrico. In-home training is available for owners who cannot come to the training center.
On Palmetto Ave in South Lakeland.
Visit the yellow and blue training center at 4210 Palmetto Ave SE, open Tuesday to Saturday from 10 am to 4 pm. In-home training is available across Polk County.
Lakeland · Winter Haven · Bartow · Auburndale · Mulberry · Polk City · Haines City and Davenport · Lake Wales · Eagle Lake and Fort Meade · Plant City, Brandon and Valrico
Enroll your dog today
Tell Pat about your dog and the issue. He answers his own phone and will tell you honestly how he can help.