Cecelia Sumner
A lifelong animal lover. I have been helping dogs, cats and other pets since 2001, and I moved my practice to Chestertown, on Maryland's Upper Eastern Shore, in 2026.
My philosophy
Pet training is both an art and a science. My extensive experience has taught me to be fluid in the art of training, and my certifications demonstrate that I understand the science underneath it.
My goal is to make training both effective and enjoyable, for you and for your pet. I am not interested in a dog who complies because he is worried about what happens if he does not. I want a dog who participates, and an owner who understands why he does what he does.
Everything I do is built on positive reinforcement. No shock collars, no prong collars, no intimidation.
Experience
Beyond my certifications, competition has been another way to measure and refine my training abilities. For 15 years I competed in canine agility, earning titles with dogs of several different breeds.
Today I focus on canine scent sports with my rescue dog Duke, officially known as Put Up Your Dukes, NW2, L1I, L1C, SWE, DDI, DDCN2, VI2, DDCI, IA, CA, DDCS. Training and competing with Duke continues to inspire my work and deepens my understanding of how dogs learn, grow and thrive.
Qualifications
CPDT-KSA
Certified Professional Dog Trainer — Knowledge and Skills Assessed
CBCC-KA
Certified Behavior Consultant Canine — Knowledge Assessed
These credentials require me to adhere to a strict code of ethics, maintain ongoing continuing education, and follow humane training standards and best practices.
The CBCC-KA is the one that matters for hard cases. It requires 300 documented hours of behavior consulting in fear, phobias, compulsive behavior, anxiety and aggression, and a proctored 200 question examination.
I am also a former Director of the Certification Council for Professional Dog Trainers, the body that grants those certifications. I did not only sit the exams. I helped govern the organization that writes them.
I am an AKC Canine Good Citizen Evaluator, #13985, so I can administer and certify the CGC test myself.
Best Behavior Pet Training is fully licensed and insured.
New here, and glad to be
I am building a practice on the Upper Shore from the ground up. If you are a veterinarian, a shelter, a rescue or a groomer and you would like to know who you are sending people to, I would rather meet you before you need me.