Visit Suzi’s personal dog training business page, Laying Down the Paw, here!
How long have you been working as a dog trainer?
15 years
What inspired you to become a dog trainer?
I began volunteering in shelters in high school. It was my volunteer experience later in life at Seattle Humane that inspired me to train full time
What kind of training do you specialize in?
Basic Manners: leash walking, recall, tricks, polite greetings, etc.
What’s your favorite high value snack? (For yourself)
See’s candy
What’s one accomplishment you’re especially proud of in your training career?
In a field where many folks like dogs more than people, I actually enjoy both immensely and find that is very helpful!
Why do you swear by positive reinforcement? (We know it works, but we want to hear your why!)
When you use positive reinforcement you don’t risk breakdown of trust/communication. You are honoring what the dog is capable of at the moment, and you grow from there. “It’s been said before ‘I’d rather have a dog that occasionally made mistakes and had a sense of humor, than a “perfect” , robotic dog that was shut down/afraid to make a mistake…’ Let’s just say that my own dogs are absolute comedians.
Give us a tale of a training success that makes you do a happy dance every time you think about it.
I love it when I am able to clear up communication between a dog and their people. There is often a lot of misunderstanding. Once a dog feels heard/understood, progress often follows!
What’s one piece of advice you wish every dog guardian knew?
Be smart enough not to take “good/calm behavior” for granted, especially during adolescence. Reinforce behaviors that your dog is offering you (you gotta be on your toes to notice!) that will make a huge difference, and often prevent issues from cropping up.
If you weren’t a dog trainer, what would you be doing instead?
I am certified to be a school teacher.
Give us a tale of a training success that makes you do a happy dance every time you think about it.
New puppy parents are often given outdated information and opt out of early socialization opportunities due to fears related to health risks.. Recently I was able to give both sides, pros and cons and the puppy ended up having a blast (safely!) in a puppy play class.
What’s one piece of advice you wish every dog guardian knew?
Activities you enjoy might not be at the top of your dog’s list. Make sure you engage in activities that bring your dog joy. I love dog walks, my dog Tilda thinks they are ok. She loves tug; I get bored after a minute. We compromise. Joyful activities build up their optimism and are beneficial all around!
Do you currently have any pets? Tell us about them!
Austin is a 12 year old Great Pyrenese. He loves to snuggle and sniff, and hates the UPS man. Tilda is 5 and she is an American Staffordshire Terrier/Doberman mix. She is a half glass empty kinda gal so we work on optimism and building confidence.
What’s your go-to karaoke song?
I got you Babe
If you could live anywhere in the world for a year, where would it be?
Southern California, Mexico or Arizona!
If you were a dog, what breed would you be and why? 🐾
I have no idea! Pitbull? A face you just want to squeeze and loyal. Ha Ha!
