Polite Pooches Positive Dog Training

If you're reading this review, you need to enroll your dog at Polite Pooches right now! :) THIS IS THE BEST DOG TRAINING SCHOOL!!! Kathy and Sharon are truly wonderful, highly knowledgeable, professional, and kind individuals who truly put your dog's health and interests first. Our family moved from Alberta, Canada with our dog, Bori who is a Canadian-government certified service dog. We were unsure of where to go as we just moved here and were scared to trust anyone with our dog. Kathy was highly recommended by literally EVERYONE. The entire Harford county and even trainers in DC know her!! That's how good she is!!! The first moment Bori walked in the doors, Kathy was so welcoming and excited. Not to mention, we are obsessed with their classes and Bori has been in 2 different series of their training classes. The way that they come up with a variety of games, exercises, learning activities... it is phenomenal. Kathy also sends out a review in a follow up email of all the skills you can work on at home. Also I love the way she provides direct feedback. I always know what to work on with Bori and myself! Now Bori's favorite place is literally Polite Pooches. She goes nuts in the car as soon as she knows we have arrived! Look at this wonderful photoshoot they even set up for the dogs with a professional photographer. Bori has finished Focus & Fun, Intermediate Training, and because Kathy is an AKC evaluator, Bori is now working on her Performer trick title. Check out Bori's IG: @boritheservicedog - we rave about Kathy and Sharon all the time in her stories. Needless to say, no need to think twice. ENROLL YOUR DOG AT POLITE POOCHES. IT IS THE BEST DECISION YOU'LL MAKE FOR YOUR DOG!!! <3 We love you Kathy and Sharon.

This is the second time that we have had a private training session at Polite Pooches with Kathy. The first time was with my older beagle, who has since passed, and we went more to learn training ideas that would also be enrichment for him. Recently, we went with our newly adopted pit mix, and we are using the easy techniques to teach him how to be a more well mannered boy. Kathy even recommended a new harness and leash (leash is being ordered) that we could purchase through her, and we are already seeing a difference with the harness. Overall, Kathy’s knowledge and skills have now helped us twice, and we are very grateful for Polite Pooches.

My husband and I and our dog Lexi had a private training session with Kathy at Polite Pooches. It was very helpful. Our dog Lexi is 9 months old. We were having some minor issues with her recognizing our commands. Additionally, she was resistant to having us put on her harness. Kathy was very thorough in reviewing and teaching us how to encourage Lexi to listen and cooperate. Our specific concerns were biting and nipping, barking, jumping, begging, and going crazy when visitors arrived at our door. John and I attended the puppy class as well as the manners class offered at Polite Pooches. We had a basic understanding of rewards to receive desired behavior. Kathy reinforced what we had already learned and addressed our new concerns as well. Kathy provided us with detailed notes about our session as well as additional articles about our specific concerns. Kathy was excellent at demonstrating one on one how to conduct specific training sessions for Lexi. She answered all of our questions and was quick to say we could follow up with email if we had additional questions or concerns. Kathy's approach is gentle and knowledgeable. There is no fear in training our dog at Polite Pooches. Kathy truly loves her job and loves dogs. I highly recommend her approach to training your dog or puppy.

Kathy and her team do an AMAZING job. Working as a veterinary technician, I see everyday how important it is to work, socialize, and form a positive association/relationship with our dogs. Kathy and her team did a great job with my girl Freya! Freya started out timid and uncertain in new environments, by the end of “Puppy Right Start Classes”, she proudly performed new and old skills in front of the class! But this class is great for all puppies, shy, energetic, or even for early signs of other unwanted behaviors. Kathy and her team’s positive approach has really helped Freya open up. Kathy also sends out helpful information via email if you felt like you missed anything in class! It’s certainly a safe space and she is eager to answer any questions you have. We can’t wait to start Basic Manners :)