Meet Our Dog Trainers
Since 2008, Polite Pooches has been helping dogs and their owners live harmoniously through the use of positive reinforcement training and behavior modification. Our expert and experienced dog trainers make the difference.
Kathy Forthman, Owner & Lead Dog Trainer
MS, CPDT-KA, Certified Fear Free Dog Trainer, Certified Family Dog Mediator (FDM)
Kathy is a Harford County, MD resident involved in and enjoying pet dog manners for the past 18 years. Kathy holds 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 Kathy decided dog training was so much fun she needed to make a career change. In 2014, Kathy became a Certified Professional Dog Trainer- Knowledge Assessed (CPDT-KA) through the Certification for Professional Dog Trainers. Kathy is also a Canine Good Citizen (CGC) Evaluator and a Certified Fear Free Trainer. In 2023, Kathy became a Family Dog Mediator through Kim Brophey’s groundbreaking LEGS model of integrated canine science. She has 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. Her current Standard Poodles are Jenny, a retired breeding dog who is 5 and Mya, an 8 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. Mya recently became a therapy dog through Pets on Wheels.
Susan Beckius,
Dog Trainer
CPDT-KA
Taking her own dog through a Basic Class in 2010 sparked Susan’s interest in dog training. Shortly thereafter she started training dogs and puppies at PetSmart, and by late 2012 earned her Professional Dog Trainer certificate. As the lead trainer, Susan taught Puppy through Advanced classes, private training sessions, and qualified as a Canine Good Citizen (CGC) Evaluator. She currently teaches Puppy and Basic Dog Training classes for Polite Pooches, and continues her work with clients in private sessions. Susan resides in Darlington, MD with her family and two rescue dogs, Millie and Ellie.
Maria Montgomery, Dog Trainer
CPDT-KSA
Maria started her training journey over 16 years ago with her own dog Carli as a Red Cross Volunteer team for wounded warriors in El Paso, TX. When she moved to Maryland in 2009, she began training at PetSmart, became a Canine Good Citizen (CGC) Evaluator, and a Certified Professional Dog Trainer – Knowledge and Skills Assessed (CPDT-KSA). For seven years, she worked at the Maryland SPCA as their lead trainer where she taught a variety of classes, specializing in dogs with “big feelings” (reactivity). Her biggest focus is working on building relationships between the people and their dogs. She currently resides in Aberdeen and continues to volunteer with shelter organizations.
Jo Belcher, Assistant Dog Trainer
Assisting with Polite Pooches group classes since 2016, Jo began as a dog loving volunteer who quickly became a vital part of the dog training team. Jo attends Harford Community College and enjoys helping with group manners classes. She hopes to train service and therapy dogs one day.
Sharon Wagner, Assistant Dog Trainer
Sharon is a proud dog Momma of two Labrador Retrievers: Cedar and Finley which all participated in Puppy Right Start and completed Basic Manners with Polite Pooches. Sharon graduated from Villa Julie with a degree in Teacher Education, and Towson University with a Bachelor’s degree in Business. Most days you will find her walking her dogs; she often makes home-made doggie treats and toys. Sharon has had the pleasure of sharing her life with many “wigglebutts” and couldn’t imagine life without their unconditional love and companionship. Sharon began assisting with classes in 2019.
Tammy Lowman, Assistant Dog Trainer
Tammy’s previous and current dogs all participated in Polite Pooches training classes earning their CGC and taking many agility classes. Her dogs are also therapy dogs for Pets on Wheels. Her current dog family includes a 9 year old Golden Retriever, a 3 year old Shepherd mix and a 4 month old Golden Retriever. Tammy loves learning about dog behavior and training. Tammy also makes our awesome snuffle mats and “place” mats!
Jody Sheckells, Assistant Dog Trainer and Photographer
Jody was introduced to Polite Pooches when she enrolled her newest four legged family member, Echo, in Basic Manners. Jody is a banker by day, amazing photographer by night (Captured Jems LLC). She has been taking amazing photographs of our class participants since 2018. She also assists with many Puppy Right Start and Basic Manners classes. Jody has a Labrador mix named Echo, and is involved with fundraising for rescue groups and police working dog safety.
Polite Pooches Dog Training Center
A safe environment for people and their pets with plenty of room for social distancing. We opened our dedicated puppy and dog training space in 2021 to provide a fun environment for basic, intermediate and advanced group dog training as well as private classes.
