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. Mya, her 5th Standard passed in 2026, she was also a therapy dog through Pets on Wheels. Her current Standard Poodle is Jenny, a retired breeding dog who is 8. Jenny has earned her AKC CGC title as well as her Trick Dog Novice (TKN) title. Kathy also fosters bunnies through the House Rabbit Society of MD/DC/VA.
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.
Jo Belcher, Assistant Dog Trainer
Jo started as an assistant at Polite Pooches in 2015. He grew up with cats and a mixed breed rescue dog named Butterscotch. His favorite dogs to work with are the more challenging ones. Jo currently is dogless but enjoys training and interacting with all of our client dogs. Jo currently has 3 cats.
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 10 year old Golden Retriever, a 4 year old Shepherd mix and a 2 year old Golden Retriever. Tammy loves learning about dog behavior and training. Tammy also makes our awesome snuffle mats and “place” mats!
Affiliate Dog Trainers
Maria Montgomery, CPDT-KSA
Maria teaches our AKC Tricks class as well as specialty seminars on Separation Distress and Jumpers Anonymous. Maria has her own training business which offers private in-home or Zoom sessions www.plumpointpooch.com
Erin McCourt, DVM
Erin teaches our Rally classes, as well as hosts monthly “Rally Run Through’s” as extra practice for our Rally students. Erin is a veterinarian at Hickory Vet Hospital and competes in many dog sports with her Doberman Pinschers Atlas and Lyric.
Christine Adair, CNWI
Christine teaches our K9 Nosework classes, and hosts K9 Nosework Events at Polite Pooches Christine began competing in K9 Nosework a few years ago with her Poodle mix who needed a confidence boost. She has gone on to competing in NACSW at the Elite level. She is happy to share what she has learned with others.
Jody Sheckells, Assistant Dog Trainer and Photographer
Jody was introduced to Polite Pooches when she enrolled her dog 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 classes when needed.
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.
Jenny and Mya
Polite Pooches Kathy Forthman rated Sniffspot list of Best Maryland positive reinforcement trainers