Hearth and Hounds, LLC

Susan is a fantastic dog trainer! She always has a solution (or two), and is careful to send written instructions confirming what we did after our sessions. She also sends videos and other ideas. She is calm with our dog and reassuring with us. We especially love that she comes to our house to help train our dog. Not only is that convenient, but it also allows her to see how we actually live with our dog.

We started working with Susan when our 5-year old pit-lab mix, Mona, was just a puppy. Susan has taught us everything from just the basics to how to help Mona reduce her anxiety and leash aggression. She understands that the same method doesn’t work for every dog (or owner) and has offered us suggestions on how to change up what we are trying so that it is more effective for Mona. Working with Susan one on one to address specific issues has been hugely beneficial. She helps us understand why Mona acts in certain ways and then coaches us through easy to follow techniques to change our dog’s challenging behavior. Susan’s follow-up emails summarizing the lessons we’ve learned are incredibly helpful. Susan’s passion for dogs shines through with positive support and encouragement. We are so fortunate to have found Susan and be working with her. Mona and I simply adore her!

Susan Spinks is the trainer you want! She knows theory and principles of positive dog training and has studied with the best people in the field, including Pat Miller. But here's the thing: Susan knows dogs--and she genuinely likes them. For Susan, training is not about learning how to make your dog do rote behaviors--it's about bonding and working as a team to build a positive relationship. Susan's goal is to train the owner/guardian so she/he can provide consistent modeling for the dog. She provides positive feedback to owners/guardians, as well as to the dogs! The result is that you feel encouraged and inspired to do the right thing for your dog. Susan focuses on translating positive reinforcement into action, encouraging patience and a sense of humor. And above all, Susan is a warm, authentic person. You will trust her. So will your dog!