Mission Statement

Keep happy dogs in happy homes!  We believe that every dog has the potential to be a Great Companion!   Through our educational training programs, we are redefining the relationship with man’s best friend.   All dogs are welcome no matter their breed, age or behavior.  Push the boundaries of science and education and take your relationship with your dog to the next level!  

Meet Our Team

David Shade, CCDT | Founder and Chief Executive Officer

David Shade’s work extends far beyond traditional dog training. He has been trusted to train dogs for professional athletes, public figures, celebrities, and families of former U.S. presidents. These are clients for whom discretion, reliability, and results are essential. That level of trust is earned through consistency, professionalism, and an unwavering commitment to ethical training standards.

David’s expertise has been recognized nationally through television appearances, podcast features, and published articles across the dog training and pet professional space. He is frequently invited to speak not because he follows trends, but because his work reflects a rare combination of real world experience, scientific understanding, and leadership under pressure.

What truly distinguishes David in the industry is range. Many trainers specialize in a narrow area of training. David works successfully across the full spectrum, from first time puppy owners to high stakes behavioral rehabilitation, and from private in home training to complex cases involving safety, liability, and long term management. His background in leadership and science allows him to evaluate behavior with both emotional awareness and analytical precision.

David does not rely on intimidation, gimmicks, or one size fits all systems. His training philosophy is grounded in modern, force free, fear free, and pain free methods, paired with clear structure and accountability. Clients are not sold unrealistic promises. Instead, they are given honest assessments, defined goals, and practical paths forward.

David is a United States Army veteran who served four years as a paratrooper with the 82nd Airborne Division. He completed a combat deployment to Afghanistan, where he was awarded both the Army Commendation Medal with Valor and the Purple Heart for wounds sustained in action. His military service shaped his approach to leadership, responsibility, and decision making under pressure, principles that continue to guide his professional work today.

In addition to his professional accomplishments, David is a devoted husband and father. His commitment to family life strongly informs his approach to training, particularly when working with households navigating stress, safety concerns, or major life transitions. He understands firsthand the responsibility that comes with caring for both children and dogs, and he prioritizes solutions that support stability, trust, and long term success within the home.

David is also an author. He recently completed his first book, which has been accepted by a publisher and is scheduled for release in the near future. The book reflects his broader perspective on leadership, responsibility, and personal growth shaped by his military service, professional experience, and family life.

As the founder of At Attention Dog Training, David has built more than a business. He has built a standard. Every trainer on his team is carefully selected, mentored, and held to the same expectations of professionalism, continuing education, and ethical practice. This ensures clients receive consistent, high level guidance regardless of which trainer they work with.

At his core, David is a teacher, a leader, and a protector of dogs, families, and the human animal bond. His work is trusted at the highest levels because it is built on integrity, experience, and results that speak for themselves.

View our Founder’s Tedx talk about dogs!

Vania H., CPDT-KA | Behavior Specialist

Vania has been a part of At Attention Dog Training for over five years, and her passion for helping dogs and their families shines through in everything she does. With a professional background in fashion merchandising and international hairstyling, she brings a creative, people-focused energy to her work—but it was dog training where she found her true calling.

After earning her certification through the Certification Council for Professional Dog Trainers® (CCPDT®), Vania dedicated herself to making a real difference in the lives of pets and the people who love them. She’s guided countless families through their training journeys, combining compassion with a deep understanding of dog behavior.

Vania believes dogs are family—plain and simple. Her approach centers around helping owners learn the subtle, nonverbal ways dogs communicate. By interpreting body language and working as a team, she helps families turn frustration into progress and build lasting trust.

At home, Vania is happily outnumbered by her dog Vincent, who proudly claims his spot as a full-fledged family member (even if he can’t say it out loud).

Andrea D. | Behavior Specialist

Andrea’s passion for dogs started early—competing in agility, obedience, and confirmation as a junior handler with her 4H club. Her work with therapy dogs began just as young, earning her first title after 500+ hospital and assisted living visits with her cocker spaniel, Buddy.

She later earned degrees in Human Services with a focus on geriatrics and became a certified dementia care practitioner. Her service dog Bliss was trained in fall risk and diabetic alert, and together they helped launch therapy dog programs across northern New Jersey—placing working dogs in dementia units to assist residents and staff.

While in college, Andrea also ran a pet sitting business and worked closely with veterinarians and trainers to provide compassionate care and puppy education. Over the years, she’s titled dogs in agility, dock diving, scent work, rally, obedience, and canine freestyle, and taught group agility classes at a performance dog facility in NJ.

Her love of behavior and health led her to work as a veterinary technician in emergency medicine and later in canine rehab and holistic care. She’s earned certifications from Fenzi Dog Sports Academy and has studied directly under David Shade, CCDT.

Today, Andrea shares life with Little Bear, her 6-year-old cocker spaniel and service dog. She specializes in task training for medical alerts (seizure, mobility, cardiac, PTSD, and more), and continues her education in animal behavior and the canine brain.

On her days off, you’ll find Drea and Bear hiking trails or curled up together in the sun.

Sarah H., CPDT-KA, VSA-CDT | Professional Dog Trainer

Sarah has dedicated her life to exploring the unique relationship between dogs and the humans who love them. Raised on a small hobby farm, her passion for animals began in early childhood thanks to her late mother, an Equestrian Therapist whose compassionate, force-free approach to working with horses and dogs shaped Sarah's lifelong philosophy.

By the age of five, Sarah was already training the family dogs herself, beginning a lifelong commitment to understanding canine behavior, communication, and learning.

With more than 15 years of professional experience, Sarah holds numerous certifications, including CPDT-KA, AKC S.T.A.R. Puppy Instructor/Evaluator, Canine Good Citizen (CGC) Instructor/Evaluator, AKC Community Canine Instructor/Evaluator, AKC Urban CGC Instructor/Evaluator, Dog & Cat CPR, and Dog & Cat Emergency First Aid. She is also completing her certification through the Victoria Stilwell Academy for Dog Training & Behavior, where she will earn the VSA-CDT credential.

Beyond her extensive study of canine psychology and science-based learning theory, Sarah has pursued additional education in holistic canine care, including canine massage therapy, canine fitness, and professional grooming.

Sarah is committed to lifelong learning and staying current with the latest research in humane, science-based training methods. Her relationship-centered approach focuses on building communication, trust, and mutual understanding between dogs and their caregivers. By empowering both ends of the leash, she strives to strengthen the human-canine bond and help dogs remain in loving, supportive homes.

Sarah lives in Northwest Philadelphia with her partner, their cat, and their rescued Australian Cattle Dog/Rat Terrier mix. When she isn't working with clients, the whole family, including the cat in a backpack, can often be found exploring the trails of the Wissahickon Valley and the surrounding region.

Olivia M., CCDT | Professional Dog Trainer

Olivia’s passion for dogs started early, growing up with a Mini Australian Shepherd that first sparked her love for working with animals. Over the years, she stayed connected to that passion through dog sitting, volunteering, and dog walking.

After graduating high school, Olivia knew she wanted to work with dogs and help people, but she was still figuring out the right path. When she lost her job during COVID, she took it as an opportunity to pursue something she truly cared about. That led her to PetSmart, where she began her career as a dog trainer.

Not long after, Olivia continued her education through CATCH Canine Trainers Academy. During that time, she was mentored by David Shade, owner of At Attention Dog Training, who worked closely with her to refine her skills and develop her as a trainer. She went on to complete her certification and earn her CCDT.

Outside of training, Olivia enjoys spending time in the gym weightlifting.

Little Bear | K9 Assistant

Little Bear is a friendly 7-year-old chocolate Cocker Spaniel and multi-purpose, task-trained service dog who works alongside his owner, Andrea.

His service tasks include medication retrieval, crowd control through orbiting, locating exits, vehicles, and people, light and deep pressure therapy, seizure support, and cortisol detection and alert.

When he is not working, Little Bear loves performing tricks and competing in canine freestyle. He currently competes with the World Canine Freestyle Organization and is working toward his Novice W-FDX/MF title. He has also earned titles in UKC Agility, AKC Agility, and AKC Rally Obedience.

At home, Little Bear enjoys spending time with his best friend, Sunshine, a cat who is his favorite companion. On his days off, you can usually find him hiking, swimming, or having fun with his human nephews.

Whether he is working alongside Andrea, competing, or enjoying time with his family, Little Bear brings enthusiasm, dedication, and plenty of personality wherever he goes.

About the photo: Little Bear is pictured wearing his working vest and practicing his "leave it" command. With two pieces of cheese balanced on his paws, he maintains his focus on Andrea and shows off some impressive self-control.

Jolene | K9 Assistant

Jolene is a 5-year-old Australian Cattle Dog mix whose journey shows what compassion, patience, consistency, and welfare-based training can accomplish.

Jolene had a difficult start and spent time navigating the shelter system while recovering from health issues. When Trainer Sarah met her at two years old, she saw potential in Jolene despite her insecurity.

After coming home with Sarah, Jolene was introduced to Trix, Sarah's 16-year-old blind and deaf Pembroke Welsh Corgi. Jolene immediately showed an impressive understanding of canine communication. She calmly respected Trix's boundaries and adjusted her behavior appropriately. Over time, that natural ability to read and communicate with other dogs continued to develop.

Today, Jolene works alongside Sarah as a peer mentor for dogs of different ages, temperaments, and communication styles. She helps puppies develop appropriate play and social skills, guides adolescent dogs in canine communication, assists with adult sociability assessments, builds confidence in uncertain dogs, and supports dogs working through challenges such as leash reactivity.

Jolene has become both a trusted working partner and a beloved member of Sarah's family. Her story reflects the principles behind welfare-based training and serves as a reminder that a difficult beginning does not have to determine a dog's future. Sometimes, the dog who once needed a second chance becomes the dog helping others find theirs.