Dog Trainers & Staff

Our experienced trainers and courteous, attentive staff are dedicated to providing
exceptional dog training and support.

Lisa-Marie Bruce

Owner & Head Trainer

With a background as both a Veterinary Technician and Zoo Keeper, Lisa-Marie has worked with a wide range of animals—from dogs and cats to bears, sea lions, seals, and monkeys. Her diverse experience also includes leading IT departments, teaching high school math, and instructing English and computer skills throughout Latin America.

Lisa-Marie’s journey with Sit Means Sit began when she rescued an anxious and reactive Dutch Shepherd mix named Chucho in Mexico. After several trainers turned him away, Sit Means Sit Southwest Florida stepped in—and the results were life-changing. Inspired by the immediate transformation, Lisa-Marie knew she wanted to bring that same impact to others.

In 2022, she opened Sit Means Sit Long Beach with a mission: to help dog owners build lasting bonds with their pets through confidence, clarity, and effective training. Her passion is helping you enjoy life with a happy, obedient, and well-behaved companion.

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Anthony

Trainer

Anthony grew up in Koreatown, Los Angeles, where his love for animals began with his two family dogs, Harry and Lily. He went on to attend the University of California, Davis, earning a degree in Animal Science with a specialization in Animal Behavior. During his time at UC Davis, Anthony gained valuable hands-on experience working with a wide variety of animals, including dogs, cats, birds, lizards, marine mammals, and livestock.

After graduating, Anthony worked in both the veterinary and grooming industries. While he enjoyed those roles, he soon realized his true passion was in dog training. Since beginning his dog training career in 2024, he has been dedicated to helping dogs and their owners build stronger, more meaningful bonds through clear communication and mutual confidence.

When he’s not training dogs, Anthony enjoys spending time with his bearded dragon, Ube, attending concerts and raves, and exploring new restaurants.

Candice

Trainer

As a young girl, Candice was bitten by a large Doberman, leaving her fearful of all dogs. That fear began to fade when her father brought home a 60-pound Shepherd mix, sparking a lifelong connection with animals.

At just 13 years old, she began her first job as a Kennel Technician at a veterinary hospital in Costa Mesa. Over the following years, she worked in several veterinary hospitals in roles ranging from receptionist to veterinary technician, deepening her love and respect for dogs.

Although her career path eventually led her into the oil and gas industry, dogs remained a central part of her life. She raised breeds from Chihuahuas and Border Collies to Samoyeds, Collies, German Shepherds, and bully breeds.

Her journey with reactive dogs began when she welcomed Vayda, an 80-pound bully mix, into her home. Determined to help her succeed despite the challenges and public perception of bully breeds, she searched for effective training solutions. After unsuccessful experiences with department store trainers, she turned to Sit Means Sit Long Beach for a free evaluation.

In October 2023, Candice began training with SMSLB. By October 2024, she had become the Pack Walk Leader, walking alongside Vayda—now calm, happy, and obedient—and other dogs, including those who were reactive. Witnessing Vayda’s transformation—her ability to be at ease in group settings, her joyful “pitty smile,” and her excitement for group class—inspired Candice to join Lisa-Marie and the SMSLB team as a trainer.

Today, the girl who once feared dogs finds her greatest fulfillment in helping every dog, especially reactive ones, become happy, confident, and obedient.

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