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 is an award winning, professional dog trainer based in King of Prussia, PA. He served in the Army for 4 years as a paratrooper in the 82nd Airborne Division. While serving a tour overseas in Afghanistan, he was awarded for valor and received The Purple Heart.

After his tour of duty, he went on to study Biology at Cabrini University before receiving a certification in dog training from the Catch Canine Trainer Academy. He also is a Fear-Free certified trainer and a member of the Pet Professional Guild.

As a veteran entrepreneur, he created At Attention Dog Training where he and his team train dogs on topics including puppy training, obedience training, and the rehabilitation of fearful and aggressive dogs. He continues to be a leader in the dog training community with several publications in which he has continued to promote modern force-free, fear-free and pain-free dog training methods. Now, he leads a team of exceptional and well educated individuals bringing the highest quality dog training services to the state of Pennsylvania.

Alicia P., CPDT-KA, VSA-CDT | Behavior Specialist

I graduated from Pennsylvania State University with a Bachelors of Science Degree in Marketing. After being in the corporate world for some time, I realized it was not for me and I wanted more out of life.

Being an animal lover, I quit my job and took a chance by starting my career as a professional dog walker and pet sitter. After seeing many of my client's dogs struggling with day to day activities, I began to think, “What can I do to help these dogs live a less stressful life?” When I started my career with At Attention Dog Training, I realized I had truly found my passion and purpose.

I am a graduate of Victoria Stilwell's Dog Training Academy, Fear Free certified, a Pet Dog Ambassador Instructor/Assessor. I also received my CPDT-KA certification in 2021. I have a golden retriever named Bentley who is my best friend and my world.

Here’s a fun fact about me: have always wanted a monkey to add to our family, but I think Bentley would prefer a new puppy instead.

Nicolette S., CPDT-KA, ABC-CDT | Behavior Specialist

My name is Nicolette and animals have always been the highlight of my life. My best friend as a child was my family’s German Shepherd/Rottweiler mix, Sasha. Between horseback riding since I was four, always having dogs growing up, and volunteering at shelters, animals have always been what has made me happiest.

I graduated from West Chester University with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Sociology. Halfway through my college career, I realized my calling was to be a dog trainer. I decided to finish out my degree and use what I’ve learned from sociology to apply to teaching people and their pups! I then graduated from Animal Behavior College to become a certified dog trainer. I was lucky enough to be placed at AADT in 2020 for my externship and after months of apprenticing with the team and demonstrating my talent and passion for modern dog training, I was more than pleased to join the team as a Professional Dog Trainer!

Helping people and their dogs communicate, bond, and live their best life together is truly my dream and I am so happy to be able to help you and your pup! I have a 2 year old dog named Biggie, who is my baby and best friend. In my free time, I love to cuddle with him, teach him new tricks, and take him on adventures!

Vania H., CPDT-KA | Behavior Specialist

My name is Vania and I can’t wait to meet you and your four-legged family member!

I hold a degree in Fashion Merchandising as well as an international certification as a hairstylist. In recent years, I decided to dedicate myself to acquiring a dog training certificate through The Certification Council for Professional Dog Trainers® (CCPDT®). This has allowed me to help so many wonderful families find success with their dogs.

I truly believe that dogs are family members and should be treated as such at all times. My passion lies in helping families understand the silent language dogs speak through body language. By understanding that, we can better translate their behaviors and find solutions as a team. If my own dog Vincent could speak English, he would say that he is definitely an honorary member of our family. 

Here is a fun fact about me: I once played The Music of the Night on the piano for Gerard Butler at an Oscar party in 2004.

Carli Barbati, Dog Trainer, CATCH Canine Academy

Through high school I didn’t know what I wanted to do for a career but I knew it had to be something I was passionate about. My senior year of high school, I took my puppy Dooley to a dog trainer and fell in love with the process. Soon after I was enrolled in CATCH - Canine Trainers Academy.   Dooley is my best friend and was my training partner through CATCH.

I look forward to being able to help dog owners become more knowledgeable about their canine partners & live in harmony together. 

Biggie | K9 Assistant

Biggie was rescued by Trainer Nicolette and her boyfriend as a puppy! He is a very special guy who loves to play with his K9 friends and snuggle up! Biggie accompanies members of our team on training sessions with dogs who get overly excited about meeting new pups or who are unsure about seeing other dogs! Biggie takes his role of helping other pups very seriously and we are so grateful he’s part of the team!

Bentley | K9 Assistant

Bentley is a 5 year old Golden Retriever and belongs to our trainer Alicia. She has raised him since he was an 11 week old puppy. Through proper training using positive reinforcement techniques, he has grown to be a happy, obedient and loving companion. He loves playing catch, roughhousing with his brother and swimming in the ocean. As a worker, he has helped many dogs learn how to feel more confident when encountering another dog in public and has helped set an example for many of our client's dogs how to properly maintain focus on their owner while in a stressful or distracting environment. Bentley is an asset to our team and will continue to show up for duty as long as treats and belly rubs are provided.