Welcome to SitDropStay Adelaide
Dog Training Adelaide - Premium Dog Training And Dog Behaviour Training That Creates Lasting Change
Adelaide’s Most Trusted And Experienced Dog Trainer And Dog Behaviour Specialist
Helping you understand why your dog’s behaviour is happening, not just how to stop it.
Living with a dog that constantly barks, pulls on the lead, reacts to other dogs, becomes anxious when left alone or behaves aggressively can be exhausting.
You’ve probably already tried advice from friends, watched countless videos or attended obedience classes, yet the behaviour keeps returning.
That’s because, in many cases, the behaviour your dog is displaying isn’t the real problem.
It’s your dog’s way of responding to a world they don’t yet know how to navigate.
For more than 35 years, I’ve helped thousands of Adelaide families move beyond simply managing unwanted behaviours by understanding what is driving them in the first place.
Working with you in your own home and everyday environment, I’ll help you better understand your dog, improve your communication and create the conditions in which calm, trust and lasting behaviour change can naturally emerge.
No weekly classes. No one-size-fits-all programs. No irrelevant training
Just real training and practical guidance that works in real life, built on more than three decades of professional experience helping dogs and the people who love them.
Book your consultation today and start creating the relationship your dog has been waiting for.
“Wow, what a revelation! George is the real deal and provides immediate results.” – ★★★★★ – M. Lambros – Adelaide
No words can describe how amazing the 2 hrs of training George provided for our 7 months German Shepherd was. – ★★★★★ – K. Mousa – Adelaide
Please do yourself a favour and seek George’s guidance through sitdropstay a decision you won’t regret. ★★★★★ Kerry and Benson – Adelaide
Why Families—and Fellow Professionals—Trust SitDropStay
For more than 35 years, I’ve dedicated my life to understanding dogs, behaviour and the remarkable relationship they share with us.
What began as a career training government working dogs gradually became something much bigger.
Early in my career, I believed that teaching dogs new behaviours (training) was the key to success. But after working with thousands of dogs and their owners over more than three decades, I came to realise something far more important.
Behaviour symptoms are rarely the real problem. More often, they reflect the conditions a dog has been living in. When those conditions begin to change, behaviour often changes naturally.
More often, it’s a dog’s attempt to solve a problem, communicate uncertainty or make sense of the world around them.
That understanding transformed the way I work.
Today, families from across Adelaide and throughout Australia seek my help not simply because of my experience, but because of the way that experience has shaped my understanding of dogs, people and the relationship they share.
Trusted Experience at a Glance
| 35+ Years | Thousands of Dogs Helped | In-Home Specialist | Trusted by Professionals |
|---|---|---|---|
| Professional experience | Behaviour consultations across Australia | Real solutions in real-life environments | Military, government, veterinarians and fellow trainers |
My professional background includes:
✓ More than 35 years’ professional experience helping dogs and their owners.
✓ Thousands of successful behaviour consultations across Australia.
✓ Former Federal Police (Australian Protective Service) Dog Handler and Trainer.
✓ Former advisor to Police, Correctional Services, Military and Government Working Dog Units.
✓ Trusted by veterinarians, rescue organisations and animal professionals.
✓ Mentored dog trainers who have gone on to establish successful dog training businesses of their own.
✓ Featured on television, presented educational seminars and contributed to public education programs.
✓ Developed a behaviour-first philosophy that focuses on understanding why dogs behave the way they do, rather than simply teaching obedience or suppressing unwanted behaviours.
Trusted by the People Who Know Dogs
One of the greatest privileges of my career has been earning the trust of people whose own professions revolve around working with dogs.
When experienced handlers, trainers and behaviour professionals ask for my help with their own dogs, I see it as one of the highest compliments I can receive.
“We are considered by many to be leaders in the field of dog training, but on several occasions with both work and home dogs I have used George’s services because his general knowledge of animal behaviour far outstrips ours.”
Military Police Dog Handler
Royal Australian Air Force
“I have trained with many dog trainers from around Australia and overseas and can say without a shadow of doubt that George is the best in his field I have seen.
Bob Yeo – Correctional Services Dog Handler, Adelaide
That trust is something I never take for granted.
Whether I’m working with a first-time puppy owner, a family struggling with aggression, or another experienced dog professional, my goal is always the same:
To understand what the dog is experiencing.
To help the owner understand why.
And together create the conditions in which calm, trust and lasting behaviour change naturally emerge.
Because after more than thirty-five years, I’ve come to believe that real expertise isn’t measured by how many dogs you’ve trained.
It’s measured by how deeply you’ve come to understand them.
“I can’t thank you enough for the transformational work you’ve done with Cooper. Your breadth and depth of understanding of dogs is most impressive. Your understanding of human behaviour makes what you offer so cutting edge. Above all, your professionalism and open nature make you a leader of leaders in your industry.”
“I was surprised how much I learned about myself during our session. I realised I was meeting my own needs through Cooper, which disempowered both of us. Only when I understood Cooper’s model of the world could I truly meet his needs.”
Priscilla Bokhara
Personal Growth Specialist
“I can’t tell you how impressed we are with the work George did on both our dogs—and on us. We have two very different dogs, yet both have changed dramatically. Nothing short of a miracle.”
Annette & Cliff
Adelaide
“All I can say is WHAT A REVELATION. You have effectively saved Basil from being put to death.”
Gary & Tina Low
Brisbane
“I LOVE YOU!”
“It’s only been one week since you’ve been here and I have only three words for you… I LOVE YOU! Can you guess how Bella is doing? David and I are amazed. Thank you so much for spending the extra time with us. You are amazing!”
Jodi Cali
Canberra
Lasting Change Begins With the Right Conditions
For many years, I believed my role was to change dogs. Like many trainers, I focused on teaching new behaviours, correcting unwanted ones and finding techniques that would produce better results. But after more than 35 years working with thousands of dogs and their owners, I came to realise that lasting behaviour change doesn’t come from controlling behaviour alone. It comes from understanding the conditions that gave rise to it in the first place.
Dogs don’t become calmer because we force them to be calm. They become calmer when they feel safe, understood and no longer responsible for solving problems that belong to us. They don’t learn to trust because we simply ask them to. Trust develops naturally when life becomes more predictable, communication becomes clearer and the people around them become calmer, more consistent and easier to understand.
That’s why my focus today isn’t simply on changing behaviour. It’s on helping you create the conditions in which calm, trust and cooperation can naturally emerge. When those conditions begin to change, behaviour often changes with them—not because the dog has been forced to behave differently, but because they no longer need the old behaviour to cope with the world around them.
Private And In-Home Dog Training Adelaide
At SitDropStay Dog Training Adelaide we understand that many people don’t have the time to attend dog training classes or puppy classes. Nor is it the most effective or appropriate way to train your dog. Dog training needs to be fast, effective, convenient and humane, and based around you and your dog’s needs.
SitDropStay Adelaide provides personalized, private and in-home dog training and puppy training tailored to your dog’s unique needs and your lifestyle. Our expert dog trainer, George Lygidakis, combines over 35 years of experience with a deep understanding of human and dog behaviour, helping you create a calm, well-behaved, and happy dog.
At SitDropStay, our dog trainers specialise in empowering dog owners to create the dog they have always wanted. And by working with you in your home and everyday environment, we address the root cause of unwanted behaviour and create lasting, real-world results.
We work directly in your home, local parks, or other real-life settings, ensuring your dog learns practical obedience and good behaviour in the environment where it matters most.
What We Help With
We work with everyday dog training challenges, including:
- Over- excitement
- Hyperactivity
- Anxiety
- Recall
- Destructive chewing.
- Dog aggression.
- People aggression.
- Lead pulling.
- Separation anxiety.
- Begging.
- Chasing.
- Jumping up on people.
- Mouthing, nipping and biting.
- Digging.
- Walking off leash
- Reactivity
- Excessive Barking
- Puppy Training Issues
- General attitude and focus
If your dog is experiencing more complex or ongoing issues such as reactivity, anxiety or aggression, you can explore our Dog Behaviour Training Adelaide page for more specialised support.
Real Results, Not Just Training
Most of our Adelaide clients come to us after trying other trainers, classes or advice that didn’t work. What we do is different.
We don’t just teach dog training commands and tricks for treats —
We change the way your dog experiences the world.
That’s why many clients see a shift from the very first session.
One-On-One Dog Training Adelaide That Works In Real Life
Unlike group classes, George provides private, one-on-one dog training in Adelaide conducted in real life environments where behaviour actually happens — your home, local park, beach, or public spaces.
As an experienced dog trainer Adelaide George tailors every session to your:
- Lifestyle and environment
- Dog’s unique personality and traits
- Personal goals and challenges
If you’ve tried other dog training methods without success – or your ready for deeper more meaningful results – George can help.
Puppy Training Adelaide – Build Obedience & Confidence
Raising a puppy the right way sets the foundation for a lifetime of good behaviour. SitDropStay Adelaide’s in home puppy training focuses on confidence, socialisation, and early behavioural guidance.
We teach and empower you to consciously create the dog you expect and have always wanted, Our approach ensures both a strong bond, and a calm, well mannered and respectful dog that you can take anywhere with confidence.
Your Investment in Real Change
Most dog training focuses on ongoing sessions, weekly classes or long-term programs.
Our approach is different.
In many cases, we create a significant shift in the very first session — because we focus on what’s actually driving the behaviour, not just managing it.
Behaviour Transformation Session
$450 ($350 for puppies under 6 months)
✔ 2.5 – 3 hour in-home session
✔ Help with training issues and behaviour challenges
✔ Lead walking, recall, obedience and real-life control
✔ Barking, anxiety, reactivity or aggression
✔ Practical guidance you can apply immediately
✔ Clear plan moving forward
Whether your dog needs better training, clearer direction, or help with problem behaviour — this session covers it
Additional Consults
If needed, 60-minute follow-up sessions are available at $150 per session to build consistency and continue your progress.
Please note: We highly encourage one or two follow ups so we can come back and see how you’re adjusting, and make any changes necessary for the best results.
Extra sessions can be for anything you’d like to work on, such as:
- polishing up or more support for any original issues
- advanced training
- addressing other problem behaviours
- meet ups in public places (have your trainer go with you to the vet, cafe or beach)
- more advanced owner coaching (emotion, energy, body language, leadership)
- support with integration of another pet into your household
- more advanced off lead training – feel confident knowing your dog will come back around distractions
Book Your Session Or Call Us Now
Dog Training Adelaide – Areas We Service
George provides private, at home dog training and dog behaviour consultations across Adelaide, including:
- Coastal Suburbs: Glenelg, Semaphore, Henley Beach, Brighton, West Beach, Seaford, Aldinga Beach
- Eastern suburbs: Norwood, Burnside, Unley
- Western Suburbs: Prospect, Croydon, West Lakes
- North East Adelaide: including Modbury and Tea Tree Gully
- Northern Adelaide: including Mawson Lakes, Salisbury and Gawler
- Southern Adelaide: including Aldinga & Port Noarlunga
- Adelaide Hills: including Mount Barker, Oakbank, Woodside, Bridgewater, Stirling & Aldgate
- Barossa Valley: including Angaston, Nuriootpa, Tanunda, Gawler and Williamstown
Trusted by Dog Owners Across Adelaide
SitDropStay has helped hundreds of dog owners across Adelaide develop calmer, more balanced relationships with their dogs.
Many of the families who contact us are dealing with behaviour challenges such as barking, reactivity, aggression, pulling on the lead or puppy development issues. Through practical guidance and clearer direction, we help owners understand what is driving their dog’s behaviour and how to create lasting change.
Our goal is always the same: helping both dog and owner feel calmer, more confident and connected.
More Success Stories
We saw such a difference in the session and couldn’t believe the things we learnt.
George really knows what he’s talking about and 100% worth the money. Would recommend him to everyone! – ★★★★★ – Taylah Hall – Adelaide
It isn’t just a dog training session, it’s understanding, it’s kindness, it’s connection. I feel like I got so much out of this session for not just Willow but myself.
A patient, kind and caring man.- ★★★★★ – Taryn Holgate – Adelaide
SitDropStay also offers private dog training services in
Brisbane, Cairns, Central Coast, Gold Coast, Melbourne and Sunshine Coast
Related Articles
The Importance Of Lifestyle Based Dog Training
In Home Dog Training V Group Classes: Which One Is Best For You
Advertiser Article Featuring Our Head Trainer
Dog Training Adelaide — Why Some Dogs Improve… And Others Don’t
Why Choose In-home Private Dog Training In Adelaide?
At SitDropStay Dog Training Adelaide, we believe that lifestyle based, private dog training is the most effective way to create lasting behaviour change.
Benefits include:
- Faster results than group classes
- No unnecessary or impractical commands
- Real world training in your actual environment
- Sessions tailored to your lifestyle
- Owner coaching and empowerment not just dog training
- The whole family can be involved.
If you’re searching for puppy training near me or dog training near me – we come to you.
Client Testimonial
SitDropStay is by far the best. We were concerned about her behaviour becoming more aggressive. She just about had full run of the house and we didn’t realise.
No other trainers seemed to hit the mark for what we needed with our husky. Once George enlightened us to our behaviour, our little husky dramatically changed her behaviour right in front of our eyes.
No pulling on a walk, bouncing all over the house and furniture, fights to leave the kitchen, pushing through the doors to go first.
George was very present, calm and reassuring with all of us. Rare to have such a high calibre specialist come to your home where a much more realistic assessment of environment, people and dog behaviour can occur. He also knew which tools were best for our situation and taught us how to apply them correctly and consistently.
We are still in awe of the changes in our puppy. Don’t waste your money on ‘classes’ that are generic for dog behaviour. SitDropStay is by far the best place for dog and people behaviour.
Thank you so much George for making such a major impact to our home environment with our unique little husky. ★★★★★ – Heather F – Adelaide
Client Testiomonial
Enjoyed a great session with understanding the bond between dog and owner and how to achieve this in a positive manner.
Client Testimonial
Frequently Asked Questions
Dog Training Adelaide – Frequently Asked Questions
How long does dog training take?
Every dog is different, and the time required depends on the behaviour we are addressing. Some issues improve quickly once the underlying cause is understood, while more complex behaviour problems may require ongoing guidance.
Can aggressive or reactive dogs be trained?
Yes, many aggressive or reactive behaviours improve significantly once the dog understands clear direction and the owner gains confidence managing situations. Behaviour training focuses on understanding the cause of the behaviour and creating a calmer and more stable environment for the dog.
Do you offer private dog training in Adelaide?
Yes. SitDropStay specialises in private dog training consultations, allowing us to work directly with owners and their dogs in real-life situations where behaviour problems occur.
What behaviour problems do you help with?
We regularly help owners dealing with issues such as barking, reactivity towards other dogs, aggression, pulling on the lead, jumping on guests, anxiety and puppy behaviour challenges.
Where do your dog training consultations take place?
Training usually takes place in your home environment or local walking areas. This allows us to work with the dog in the situations where behaviour problems actually occur.
Your Expert Dog Trainer Adelaide - George Lygidakis
George Lygidakis
George Lygidakis, the Head Dog Trainer and Founder of SitDropStay Dog Behaviour & Training, has over 35 years. His extensive experience includes serving as a Police Dog Handler and Trainer with the Australian Protective Service (Federal Police), and helping train and advise other Government Departments like the State Police, Correctional Services and the RAAF Dog sections. In 2005, George established SitDropStay to offer more effective, holistic, and alternative approaches to dog behaviour training.
Throughout his career, George has travelled across Australia, training dogs and mentoring other trainers. He has appeared as a specialist in a series of training episodes on the TV show All About Animals, conducted workshops, and consulted for rescue organizations, foster groups, and veterinary staff.
His expertise extends to breeding; he has successfully bred and shown Rottweilers and is currently breeding working-line German Shepherds from his 30-acre property in the Barossa Valley, South Australia.
George’s unique approach focuses on understanding dog psychology and behaviour, emphasizing the spiritual nature of human-dog relationships and communication. He believes in empowering and coaching owners to develop a calm, confident presence, enabling a deeper connection and more effective communication with their dogs. His methods do not rely on treats, force, or medication but instead foster mutual respect and understanding.
Under George’s leadership, SitDropStay Dog Training has grown into a national organization with a team of hand-picked behaviour specialists across Gold Coast, Brisbane, Sunshine Coast, Melbourne, Central Coast, and Cairns. His dedication to improving the quality of dog training and broadening the understanding of dog behaviour has transformed the lives of countless dogs and their owners throughout Australia.
Get In Contact With SitDropStay Adelaide
Tell Us What’s Going On With Your Dog
We understand how challenging behaviour issues can be, and how important it is to find the right guidance.
Share a few details below and we’ll personally get back to you to discuss your dog and the best way forward.
If you’d prefer to speak directly,
you’re welcome to call us on 1300306887 or 0402 094 120
We personally respond to every enquiry.
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