Polite Pooches - CCPDT Certified Private Dog Trainer - Forest Hill, MD
I provide positive reinforcement, fear free training for puppies and dogs in Harford County, Maryland. I offer both group classes and private training.
MS, CPDT-KA, Certified Fear Free Dog Trainer, Certified Family Dog Mediator (FDM).
I'm a Harford County, MD resident involved in and enjoying pet dog manners for the past 18 years. I hold a BS in Psychology from Bloomsburg University of Pennsylvania and MS in Industrial/Organizational Psychology from the University of Baltimore. After spending 30 years in corporate Human Resources, I decided dog training was so much fun that I needed to make a career change. In 2014, I became a Certified Professional Dog Trainer- Knowledge Assessed (CPDT-KA) through the Certification for Professional Dog Trainers. I'm also a Canine Good Citizen (CGC) Evaluator and a Certified Fear Free Trainer. I've owned five Standard Poodles. Hershey, Lacey & Marley, who all passed in 2020/2021, achieved their CGC certification, and were visiting dogs at a local nursing home for 10 years. My current Standard Poodles are Jenny, a retired breeding dog who is 4 and Mya, a 7 year old former puppy mill breeding momma adopted through a rescue. Jenny has earned her AKC CGC title as well as her Trick Dog Novice (TKN) title.
Please contact and book my private dog training services on Petworks. Thank You.
- Certified
- Insured
- Online Sessions
Pricing Packages
How do you serve precious pets?
- Dog Trainer
- Puppy Trainer
- Dog Obedience Training
- Dog Trainer
What training tools do you use?
- Back-clip Harness
- Barriers
- Clicker
- Front-clip Harness
- Head Collar
- Leash
- Long Line
- Martingale Collar
- Praise/Affection
- Toys
- Treats
Which training type do you employ to encourage paw-sitive behaviors?
- Pet Behavior Modification
- Dog Obedience Training
- Dog Therapy Training
What part of the animal kingdom do you serve?
- Dogs
Pet Certifications
- American Kennel Club Canine Good Citizen Approved Evaluator (AKC CGC)
- Certified Professional Dog Trainer (CPDT-KA)
- Fear Free Certified Professional
- International Association of Animal Behavior Consultants (IAABC)
Proud member of...
- Association of Professional Dog Trainers (APDT)
- International Association of Animal Behavior Consultants (IAABC)
- Pet Professional Guild (PPG)
Which part of the country do you serve pets?
Maryland, United States
What year did you begin serving pets?
2008
SERVICE AREA: Within 100 miles, including Maryland, United States
Distinction
How do you serve precious pets?
- Dog Trainer
- Puppy Trainer
- Dog Obedience Training
- Dog Trainer
What training tools do you use?
- Back-clip Harness
- Barriers
- Clicker
- Front-clip Harness
- Head Collar
- Leash
- Long Line
- Martingale Collar
- Praise/Affection
- Toys
- Treats
Which training type do you employ to encourage paw-sitive behaviors?
- Pet Behavior Modification
- Dog Obedience Training
- Dog Therapy Training
What part of the animal kingdom do you serve?
- Dogs
Pet Certifications
- American Kennel Club Canine Good Citizen Approved Evaluator (AKC CGC)
- Certified Professional Dog Trainer (CPDT-KA)
- Fear Free Certified Professional
- International Association of Animal Behavior Consultants (IAABC)
Proud member of...
- Association of Professional Dog Trainers (APDT)
- International Association of Animal Behavior Consultants (IAABC)
- Pet Professional Guild (PPG)
Which part of the country do you serve pets?
Maryland, United States
What year did you begin serving pets?
2008
🐾 About Kathy Forthman – Expert Mobile Dog Trainer based in Forest Hill, MD
Kathy is a trusted professional dog trainer in Forest Hill, MD, dedicated to helping dogs and their families build lasting, trusting relationships. With years of hands-on experience working with dogs of all sizes...from playful puppies to seasoned seniors, Kathy Forthman uses positive, effective, science-informed techniques to make training enjoyable, rewarding, and results-driven for you and your dog.
🏙️ Personalized Training Right at Your Home
Living in a busy urban or suburban environment can bring unique challenges for dogs - distractions, new neighbors, and varying routines. Kathy Forthman’s canine training services bring expert guidance directly to your door, providing flexible schedules, personalized attention, and safe, fun walks and training sessions for dogs of all energy levels.
🐶 Obedience & Manners – Teaching reliable commands and respectful behavior
📏 Leash & Walking Confidence – Ending pulling, lunging, and stress during walks
🧠 Behavior Modification – Addressing fear, anxiety, reactivity, or unwanted behaviors
🐾 Puppy Foundations - Socialization and good habit development from the start
❤️ Transforming Your Dog’s Life - and Yours
Training is about more than obedience. It’s about connection, trust, and confidence. When your dog understands expectations and communicates clearly, everyday life becomes calmer and more joyful. Imagine stress-free walks, confident greetings at home, and a deeper bond built on love, patience, and understanding. Kathy Forthman is dedicated to helping you and your dog experience this transformation.
📘 Training Tools & Techniques
Kathy Forthman uses customized, positive methods tailored to each dog’s needs:
🎯 Clicker or reward-based reinforcement
🦴 Treats, toys, and praise for motivation
🐾 Safe harnesses and leashes for structured practice
🧠 Behavior plans focused on sustainable, long-term results
These techniques strengthen good habits, reduce problem behaviors, and make training fun for your dog.
📌 Book a Session With Kathy Forthman Today
Ready to see lasting results with your dog? Book a virtual or mobile dog training session with Kathy Forthman in Forest Hill, Harford County, Bel Air, Aberdeen, Edgewood, Joppatowne, Belcamp, Fallston, Kingsville, Perry Hall, Middle River, Towson, MD at your convenience.
Whether you’re tackling basic obedience, leash issues, or more complex behavioral concerns, expert guidance is just a click away. Explore verified reviews, request quotes, and start your journey toward a happier, more harmonious life with your four-legged companion!
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