Happy white and black dog running through field of yellow dandelions
Mexico, New York · Training with understanding

Good dogs.
Great company.
A life well shared.

Positive, science-based training that starts with understanding your dog. Because the best changes happen together.

Good dogs. Real life. Individual attention.
HELPING DOGS & PEOPLE SINCE 2010POSITIVE REINFORCEMENTPRIVATE & SMALL-GROUP TRAINING
A path for every personality

Real-life skills.
More tail-wagging moments.

From first steps to fresh starts, discover training built around the dog in front of you.

A thoughtful place to start

What would make life
better together?

Choose what’s on your mind. Kathy can help you confirm the right fit.

Select a goal to explore a suggested starting point.
Woman with reddish-blonde hair smiling while holding a brown dog outdoors
Meet your trainer

A lifelong love of dogs.
A thoughtful way forward.

Hi, I’m Kathy Shumway Lawton. I help dogs and their people understand one another, communicate clearly, and enjoy everyday life together.

Every dog brings a different story. My job is to listen, understand what’s behind the behavior, and help you find a path that feels right for your family.

Kathy
Better together, one step at a time

Less guesswork.
More understanding.

01

Let’s meet.

Share your goals and your dog’s story. New clients begin with an owner orientation; behavioral concerns start with a consultation.

02

Find your approach.

Choose a program with Kathy’s guidance, with practical skills and positive reinforcement at its heart.

03

Bring it into everyday life.

Practice together, build confidence, and strengthen the connection you share beyond each lesson.

From dogs’ favorite people

Kind words.
Meaningful connections.

“
Not only is Kathleen knowledgeable and professional, she is very patient & kind with dogs and their owners alike.
Patty Benedetto
“
Kathleen Shumway is professional, knowledgeable, compassionate and dedicated to her students and their owners.
Cathie Cich
“
Kathleen Shumway is one of the kindest, most caring dog trainers I’ve had the pleasure of meeting and working with.
Kim DeMarr-Petrie

Excerpts from client testimonials on the original website.

Black and tan German Shepherd lying on sandy beach with ocean in background
Your next chapter starts here

A little understanding.
A whole new connection.

Tell Kathy about your dog, your everyday challenges, and the life you’d love to share.