About us
Every dog has potential. It just takes the right approach.
Real Training for Real Life,
Giving you the skills and confidence to enjoy your dog wherever life takes you..
60 years.
Two trainers.
One mission.
At Zero to Sit, we believe dog training is about more than obedience, it’s about building trust, confidence, and a stronger bond between dogs and their owners. Founded by Bret and Lianne, our training approach combines real-world experience, clear communication, and personalized guidance to help every dog become a calm, reliable companion both at home and in everyday life.
Address Unwanted Behaviors
where they naturally occur
Build Confidence Around Distractions
people, dogs, noises, and more
Create Calm, Reliable Habits
at home and out in the world.
1:1 Personalized Coaching
every step of the way.
Experience That Goes Beyond Dog Training.
Dogs have been a lifelong passion of mine, and for more than 24 years I've dedicated my career to helping owners build better relationships with their dogs through clear communication, trust, and balanced training. Whether I'm helping with a new puppy, behavior challenges, or advanced obedience, I genuinely enjoy seeing dogs and owners succeed together.
In 2013, my partner Lianne Shinton and I founded IQ K9 Training in San Diego. What started as a small two-person operation grew into a highly respected business with multiple trainers we personally mentored from the ground up. Over the years, we built a reputation for practical, real-world training and maintained a flawless record of positive reviews before selling the company in 2022 to our head trainer, who continues to operate it successfully today.
Before focusing full-time on professional dog training, I spent many years competing in high-level dog sports, including flyball and dock diving at national and world championship levels. I was a member of the world champion flyball team Touch N' Go before transitioning into dock diving, where I competed for more than a decade with some of the top dogs in the sport.
Address Unwanted Behaviors
where they naturally occur
Build Confidence Around Distractions
people, dogs, noises, and more
Create Calm, Reliable Habits
at home and out in the world.
1:1 Personalized Coaching
every step of the way.
Some of my most notable dogs include Soldier, a 2× DockDogs World Champion and 2020 DockDogs Hall of Fame inductee, Flirt, the 2018 Nitro Speed Retrieve World Champion, and Kegger, known for exceptional speed and distance performances, including one of the fastest Dueling Dogs times ever recorded.
I've also continued to expand my knowledge through training seminars across the country and hands-on experience with dogs of all breeds, temperaments, and behavior challenges. I'm an AKC Canine Good Citizen & S.T.A.R. Puppy Evaluator, Certified Instructor in Pet First Aid & CPR, and former official trainer for the SoCal Labrador Retriever Rescue.
At Zero to Sit Dog Training, my goal is simple: to help owners feel more confident, connected, and able to enjoy life with their dogs through calm, practical, real-world training that fits naturally into everyday life.
Achievements
2022 Top Ranked Dueling Dogs — Kegger
2020 DockDogs Hall of Fame — Soldier
2019 Top Ranked Veteran Big Air DockDogs — Soldier
2018 Nitro Speed Retrieve DockDogs World Champion — Flirt
2018 Big Air Veteran Dock Dogs World Champion — Soldier
2018 Top Ranked Big Air Veteran — Soldier
2018 Top Ranked Iron Dog Gladiator DockDogs — Flirt
2017 Top Ranked Big Air DockDogs Mix Breed — Soldier
2016 Top Ranked Big Air DockDogs Mix Breed — Soldier
2016 Speed Retrieve Nitro DockDogs World Champion — Soldier
2007 U-FLI Champion Division 1
2006 U-FlLI Champion Division 1
A lifelong passion for dogs.
Most people don't dream about simply having a "well-trained dog"—they dream about freedom. They imagine peaceful walks instead of stressful pulling, calm evenings when guests come over, and the ability to enjoy camping trips, beach days, coffee shops, neighborhood strolls, and off-leash adventures with a dog they can truly enjoy living life with.
But for many dog owners, reality feels very different. Barking, anxiety, chaos, leash pulling, overstimulation, or a lack of confidence can leave people feeling frustrated, embarrassed, overwhelmed, or disconnected from the dog they love. Helping people bridge that gap is why I do what I do.
For over 35 years, I've helped people transform stressful relationships with their dogs into calm, connected partnerships built for real life. My passion goes far beyond teaching obedience. I'm deeply committed to helping people create a lifestyle with their dog that feels natural, enjoyable, and full of possibility.
Address Unwanted Behaviors
where they naturally occur
Build Confidence Around Distractions
people, dogs, noises, and more
Create Calm, Reliable Habits
at home and out in the world.
1:1 Personalized Coaching
every step of the way.
At Zero to Sit Dog Training, I focus on practical, real-world training that becomes part of everyday life. Through simple habits, clear communication, confidence-building exercises, and calm structure, I help dogs and their owners learn how to move through the world together successfully.
Whether I'm working with a new puppy, an anxious or timid dog, behavioral challenges, or owners striving for off-leash reliability and adventure, my goal is always the same: to help people feel more confident, capable, and connected with their dog every step of the way. I believe training should support everyday living, not just create obedience in controlled settings.
Over the years, I've trained and competed at the highest levels of dog sports, earning multiple national championships and two World Championship titles. I've also had the honor of representing the United States twice at the Mondioring World Championships.
I am a Certified Master Dog Trainer through the National K9 School for Dog Trainers, have studied under the Michael Ellis School for Dog Trainers, and am a member of the International Association of Canine Professionals.
I don't believe training should feel like constantly managing problems. It should feel like freedom, trust, confidence, and the ability to bring your dog into more of your life instead of leaving them behind.
Zero To Sit
Dog Training
At Zero to Sit, we believe dog training is about more than obedience, it’s about building trust, confidence, and a stronger bond between dogs and their owners. Founded by Bret and Lianne, our training approach combines real-world experience, clear communication, and personalized guidance to help every dog become a calm, reliable companion both at home and in everyday life.
Ready to transform your dog's behavior?
Book your free consultation today and take the first step toward a calmer, more confident companion.
Book your free consultation.
Tell us about your dog. We'll show you exactly how we'll get you to a calm, confident, well-behaved companion fast.
Pet Biz Experts LLC DBA Zero To Sit Dog Training
© 2026 Pet Biz Experts LLC DBA Zero To Sit Dog Training. All Rights Reserved