Meet Michael Homan of Sit Means Sit Dog Training

Today we’d like to introduce you to Michael Homan.

Hi Michael, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
My journey with Sit Means Sit began as a customer after encountering Paul Pollock and his trainers at the RV Show at the IX Center. At first, I was skeptical they could help his two challenging dogs: Dozer, a rescued Basset mix who showed aggression toward strangers, and Penny, an extremely energetic chocolate Lab puppy. After witnessing a remarkable demonstration in which a trainer successfully worked with Dozer, I decided to give the training program a try.

Through Sit Means Sit’s training methods, both dogs underwent incredible transformations. Dozer overcame his fear-based aggression and developed the confidence to share his affectionate nature with others, while Penny learned valuable self-control and off-leash obedience. The success was so profound that Penny even accompanied me to my nursing job, bringing joy to patients.

Inspired by these results, I joined Paul’s team as a trainer and eventually pursued franchise ownership, completing my certification at the Sit Means Sit Dog Training and Business Franchise Ownership school in Las Vegas, NV. In 2014, I relocated from Dorset, Ohio, in Ashtabula to Fairview Park, and started working from home with my Son. About a year later, we moved into a small facility in Fairview Park. Two years later, we had outgrown that facility and moved to a larger one with a Boarding/kennel facility in North Ridgeville. In 2019, we moved to our current location in Amherst, Ohio. A 2400 sq ft training center, to better accommodate clients and group classes. Today, my personal experience with the program’s effectiveness drives my passion for helping other pet owners achieve their dreams of having well-behaved, confident canine companions.

Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
For the most part, it has been a smooth journey. As in any service industry, the economy can take a toll on business. There have been ups and downs along the way that I have had to navigate and grow.

Appreciate you sharing that. What should we know about Sit Means Sit Dog Training?
Sit Means Sit was founded in 1998 with a focus on attention-based training methods. While it has been used to train police dogs, service dogs, therapy dogs, and personal protection dogs, the core of the mission today is in helping every family have a happy, loving, confident pet.

Our founder, Fred Hassen, is among the top credentialed, award-winning, and successful dog trainers in the world. Most recently, in 2025, Fred was crowned the PSA Level 3 World Champion. On top of that, Fred is 100% hands-on involved with each trainer and franchise owner in the Sit Means Sit community. They learn from the best, and so will your dog.

An untrained dog can be destructive and even dangerous. At best, they are left in a crate as the rest of the family enjoys their day. At worst, they will destroy thousands of dollars of household property.

A well-trained dog is the right of every household. Our basic obedience training system delivers holistic, lasting change in a matter of days. It empowers you, as the owner, to have control and immediate communication with your pet.

So maybe we end on discussing what matters most to you and why?
Here at Sit Mens Sit Cleveland-Westside. We consider our clients family. We look forward to and take great pride in hearing their success stories and seeing them grow in group classes and adventures with their dogs. We are planning new interactions and events on our client’s only social media pages.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://dogtrainingcleveland.com/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/sitmeanssitclevelandwestside
• Youtube: @sitmeanssitcleveland-wests6659