Cecelia “Cissy” Sumner

Cecelia Sumner, also known as Cissy, is a lifelong dog owner who became interested in formal training after adopting a dog named Dale in 1999.
Dale presented challenges that her previous pets had not, and she began training using traditional methods but felt uncomfortable with the techniques.
She researched and found training methodologies rooted in scientific facts with data to support them, which she found to be more effective and focused on communication rather than conflict.
This knowledge helped her train Dale and gave her the desire to help others.
She enjoys training dogs to be great pets and companions, and she also enjoys the connection facilitated by competing in dog sports.
She became interested in canine agility after training Dale and has titled Dale and other dogs of various breeds and sizes in AKC, USDAA, and CPE agility.
After 15 years of agility, she decided to try a less strenuous dog sport and found canine scent sports.
She has competed with two of her dogs in several venues, earning some titles and enjoying the experience.

Training Philosophy

Cecelia Sumner believes in positive reinforcement training methods, focusing on communication and building a strong bond between the dog and owner.
She emphasizes that training should be enjoyable for both the dog and the owner and create a pathway to success.

Services

Cecelia Sumner offers a variety of dog training services, including:

• Pet Dog Manners: This group class covers essential skills for a dog to be a great companion, such as house training, polite greeting, loose leash walking, sit, down, stay, come, and leave it.
  Classes are held weekly for four consecutive weeks and cost $125.00 for the entire four weeks.
  They are limited to six dog and handler teams.
• Behavior Modification: Cecelia Sumner is a Certified Professional Consultant for Canines and is qualified to help dogs overcome behavioral challenges.
  Individual sessions are $100.00 each or four sessions for $360.00.
• Canine Scent Sports: This fun activity relies on a dog's natural sniffing ability to find hidden odors.
  It provides mental stimulation for the dog without draining the owner's energy.
  Group classes are offered, and private sessions are available by appointment.
  Pricing is available upon request.
• In-Home Training: Cecelia Sumner offers in-home training sessions to help dogs learn new skills in a calm environment.
  Her most popular package is four in-home sessions, which is often sufficient for basic manners, puppy socialization, and minor behavior issues.
  She also offers individual sessions as needed.

Certifications

Cecelia Sumner holds the following certifications:

• Certified Professional Dog Trainer-Knowledge Assessed (CPDT-KSA)
• Certified Professional Dog Trainer-Knowledge and Skills Assessed (CPDT-KA)
• Certified Behavior Consultant Canine-Knowledge Assessed (CBCC-KA)
• Certified Professional Trainer-Associate (PCT-A)
• AKC Canine Good Citizen Evaluator

Specializations

Cecelia Sumner specializes in:

• Pet Dog Manners
• Behavior Modification
• Canine Scent Sports
• Puppy Training
• Agility Training

Training Methods

Cecelia Sumner uses positive reinforcement training methods, focusing on communication and building a strong bond between the dog and owner.
She emphasizes that training should be enjoyable for both the dog and the owner and create a pathway to success.

Customer Reviews

Cecelia Sumner has received positive reviews from her clients, including:

• Kirk D. and Gangster: "At the shelter, Gangster was a sweet, playful dog who loved all of us …Shortly after we got home, his dark side came out. ..Within a few days, everyone in the family had been bitten, with blood drawn on three of the four of us. We called Cissy… We did our imperfect best in following her strategies, and with lots of patience and paying attention, Gangster soon learned to trust us…if Cissy didn’t help us. And we’d be missing out on a most of the time loving, playful little dog. Thank you, Cissy."
• Beverly B. and Peroni: "Positive reinforcement is key to Cissy’s training and it works! Great classes in two locations. Just finished the rapid recall class and my dog loved it (So did I)! Can’t wait for the next class."
• Cindy L. and Charlotte: "I adopted a rescue dog that turned out to have lots of behavioral issues. I loved her but didn’t have the knowledge or skills to train her. I was at my wit’s end when someone referred me to Cecelia Sumner. Cissy taught us both with patience and kindness. Her ‘force free’ methods help you to understand your dog and develop a real bond. Charlotte is now a completely different dog and getting better each day. And we are having lots of fun!"
• Valerie K and Lucy: "Cissy is excellent and displays professionalism, structure, and guidance to your pet and owner. She has multiple certifications under the dog training umbrella.... I highly recommend her for any training; Thank you, Cissy."