As an ABC Certified Dog Trainer, I am qualified to assist you in achieving some or all of the following goals with your pet:

1. Preventing behavior problems.

I can help you teach your dog proper housebreaking methods and to avoid accidents. You will learn how to curtail chewing and to prevent unruly behavior in your home.

2. Learning to listen and obey.

My program will teach you how to communicate humanely and effectively with your pet.

You will learn to teach your dog to:

  • sit
  • stay
  • lie down
  • come
  • focus
  • heel
  • wait
  • “leave it”
  • obey personal space
  • calmly greet people
  • stay off the furniture
  • show manners with other dogs

3. Solving behavior problems.

While an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure, many dogs already have existing behavior challenges. Using reasonable and effective methods, I will help you solve common problem behaviors such as:

  • nipping
  • jumping
  • chewing
  • lunging
  • digging
  • barking
  • unruly behavior
  • chasing cars, etc.
  • accidents
  • lack of boundaries
  • unsocial behavior
  • begging

4. Listening around distractions.

Once your dog’s foundation of understanding has been taught, it becomes critical for your pet to learn to listen around distractions, such as other dogs, people, small animals, and cars. Proper control around these distractions could save your dog’s life. I will show you how to work with your dog around distractions so that you have the power to save your dog.

About the owner…

Shannon Sumner has always loved dogs.  While growing up in Abington, Pennsylvania, she spent all the time she could with her mixed breed, Lucy; however, with every opportunity Shannon found herself around any dog she could find.  Helping homeless and lost dogs became a lifetime passion for Shannon.

Shannon attended the University of Maryland, where she earned both a bachelor’s degree in English Language/Literature and in Secondary Education.  While teaching high school English in Maryland, Shannon earned her Master’s degree from Johns Hopkins University.  She continued to teach adolescents, but she soon realized that her true passion was working with her two dogs, Cheerio, a Golden Retriever, and Tasha, a Basset Hound.  Since her love of dogs continued to grow, Shannon decided to pursue her true interest and enroll in the Animal Behavior College (ABC) of Northridge, California.

After moving back to Pennsylvania  and having a wonderful little baby, Tyson, Shannon decided that she was ready to work with dogs on a full-time basis.  After completing her certification through ABC and becoming a member of the Association of Pet Dog Trainers, Shannon opened her own puppy and dog training business, Polite Paws, LLCTM.  It was her dream come true! Now after several years of training and having a beautiful daughter, Lexie, Shannon is happier than ever.