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 — Certified Dog Trainer in Forest Hill, Maryland
Kathy Forthman is a certified dog trainer serving Forest Hill, Harford County, and surrounding areas including Bel Air, Aberdeen, Edgewood, Joppatowne, Belcamp, Fallston, Kingsville, Perry Hall, Middle River, Towson, dedicated to helping dogs and their families build lasting, trusting relationships. Using positive, science-based methods tailored to each dog's age, temperament, and specific challenges, Kathy makes training effective, enjoyable, and built to last.
❤️ The best dog trainers don't just train dogs — they teach you how to communicate with yours. Kathy brings that philosophy to every session, working alongside you and your dog to build trust, consistency, and real, lasting results.
What Kathy Can Help With
Obedience & manners — reliable commands and respectful behavior at home and in public. Leash & walking confidence — ending pulling, lunging, and stress on walks. Behavior modification — addressing reactivity, anxiety, fear, and aggression. New dog foundations — building good habits and confidence from the start.
Why Book Kathy on PetWorks?
Verified, certified professional with credentials you can trust. Personalized one-on-one sessions — in-home, mobile, or on-site. Force-free, positive reinforcement methods that are humane and proven. A judgment-free approach focused on the wellbeing of both you and your dog. Backed by real reviews from pet parents across Harford County and Bel Air, Aberdeen, Edgewood, Joppatowne, Belcamp, Fallston, Kingsville, Perry Hall, Middle River, Towson.
How Booking Kathy on PetWorks Works
Booking Kathy is secure and straightforward.
Review Services: Browse Kathy's training packages and services listed on this page and choose the one that fits your dog's needs.
Click "Book Now" or "Request Quote": If you see a package that fits, you can book directly. If your situation is unique or you'd like to discuss your dog's specific challenges first, click "Request Quote" to start a conversation with Kathy.
Secure Payment: All payments are processed securely through PetWorks. We accept Visa, Mastercard, American Express, Discover, Apple Pay, Google Pay, and Klarna. Your payment is held safely and only released once the booking is confirmed.
PetWorks Care Coverage: Every booking includes PetWorks Care Coverage, giving you peace of mind and access to our dedicated concierge team if you ever need support.
Connect & Schedule: Once your booking is initiated, you'll use the PetWorks Inbox to coordinate the best time and location for your session and share any details about your dog that will help Kathy prepare.
Ready to get started? Browse Kathy's verified reviews, compare credentials, and book confidently on PetWorks — serving Forest Hill, MD and the surrounding Harford County area.
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