Dog training and behavior questions, answered

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.

Look for behavior that goes beyond not knowing commands: growling, snapping or biting, lunging at dogs or people, guarding food or furniture, panic when left alone, or a dog that knows commands but ignores them under pressure. If any of these sound familiar, start with a behavior session.

Call (863) 709-6497 or fill in the enrollment form. Pat answers his own phone and will ask about your dog, the issue and your goals. He will tell you honestly what he can do and book a session at the Lakeland training center or at your home.

The training center is at 4210 Palmetto Ave SE, Lakeland, FL 33812. It is open Tuesday to Saturday, 10 am to 4 pm. You can call Monday to Saturday, 9 am to 6 pm.

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.

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.

Treats and clickers can teach a trick, but they often fail when something more interesting than food appears, such as another dog or a squirrel. Pat teaches your dog to respond to you. Dogs trained this way listen because they understand and respect you, not because you are holding food.

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.

No. Pat trains the dog first and then trains you. The session is not finished until your dog responds to you the way it responds to Pat.

About fifteen focused minutes a day. Consistency matters far more than duration, and good manners become the foundation for a long, devoted relationship.

Yes. Dog-to-dog aggression and leash reactivity are among the most common problems Pat resolves. Most cases come down to confusion about leadership, fear or poor impulse control, and each of those can be addressed directly.

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.

Yes. Pat trains all breeds, large or small, including pit bulls, American Bullies, Rottweilers, Dobermans and German Shepherds. Breed does not decide whether a dog can learn.

Yes. Anxiety often improves when a dog has clear structure and a calm leader. Pat will show you how to change the routines around leaving and returning so your dog can settle on its own.

Absolutely. These everyday problems are quick to fix and make the biggest difference to daily life. Many owners leave the first session walking their dog on a loose leash.

As soon as your puppy comes home, usually around eight weeks of age. Early structure prevents nipping, chewing and housebreaking problems from becoming habits.

Pat has specialized in German Shepherd Dogs since 1992 and is known as Polk County’s German Shepherd specialist. He owned, bred and trained Shepherds on his Shepherd Ranch in Orlando before moving to Polk County. He trains every breed.

Yes. Adult and rescue dogs often learn quickly because they can focus for longer. What they need is clear and consistent communication.

Yes. The Dog Man breeds and raises Goldendoodle puppies from parents chosen for temperament, structure and intelligence. Each puppy is available for purchase with a professional training package from Pat. Availability changes with each litter, so see the Goldendoodle puppies page or call (863) 709-6497.

Fill in the reservation form on the Goldendoodle puppies page, or call (863) 709-6497. Pat will follow up to talk about your home, your plans for the puppy and your training package. If no puppies are available right now, you can join the waitlist for the next litter.

Every puppy is available with a professional training package from Pat. The training builds on The Dog Man puppy program: foundation commands, a housebreaking and crate routine, help with nipping and chewing, and coaching for the whole family. Pat will go over the package options and exactly what each includes when you reserve.

Yes. Every puppy is raised by a professional trainer with early socialization and hands-on guidance from day one.

Pricing depends on the program and the issue. Because many problems are resolved in a single session, owners often spend less than they would on a multi-week course. Call (863) 709-6497 for current rates and any specials.

Yes. If you cannot come to the Lakeland training center, Pat can come to you. Call to reserve a date.

Se habla español. Spanish-speaking owners are welcome to call.