Working with Susan Has Been an Incredible Experience!
We…read morehave a 6-year-old red heeler mix who had already completed basic training before we met Susan. She knew commands like sit, down, come, target, and wait, but she still had a few challenging habits we needed help with:
- Barking aggressively at pedestrians while in the car
- Barking at the door when people knocked or rang the bell
- Pulling on walks
- A few questionable encounters at the dog park that we wanted guidance on
If you're familiar with the breed, you know that heelers are incredibly smart--sometimes too smart--and quite stubborn. They're energetic working dogs bred to herd cattle, not live in a city! Our dog is always pushing boundaries and needs a lot of structure and activity. When we moved to Albuquerque, we knew we needed someone experienced who could go beyond basic obedience.
How We Met Susan
We first met Susan at Domingo Baca Park, where she runs a weekend dog-washing service. That service alone is worth mentioning--our dog came out spotless, soft, and smelling like blueberries, with a cute bandana that matched her coat. Susan also does de-shedding, which our carpets and furniture have definitely appreciated.
What stood out even more was how well Susan handled our dog. Our heeler normally hates baths, but she loves Susan. Even with her bath aversion, she always gets excited to see her, and she's become much more tolerant of grooming at home thanks to that trust.
Why We Chose Susan for Training
We chose Susan as our trainer for several reasons: she already had a strong bond with our dog, she clearly had extensive experience, and she is exceptionally warm, kind, and understanding. She treats every dog as if it were her own.
Susan was also incredibly flexible with scheduling, which was critical for us. I'm a teacher and my wife works at the hospital, so our schedules rarely overlap. Susan met us in the evenings, at our home, and even at locations around Albuquerque that fit our training goals. For example, we practiced car-based barking scenarios in parking lots and met at local parks for socialization work.
The Training Process
Training with Susan felt like a masterclass in dog behavior. Her decades of experience were clear from the start. She took a structured approach that I really appreciated as a teacher: starting with a consultation to assess what our dog already knew and what our priorities were. Each session focused on just one or two skills, and she used a gradual release model:
- She demonstrated the skill step by step
- Walked us through it
- Gave us time to practice
- Provided specific, targeted feedback
She also gave us homework each week, along with helpful recommendations for treats, toys, and leashes that worked well for our dog's breed and temperament. Susan always explained why we were doing what we were doing, making everything feel clear and purposeful.
The Results
Susan helped us address every issue we came in with:
- Our dog now only barks at people outside the car when they're uncomfortably close--something I actually appreciate, living in Albuquerque.
- She stays in place when visitors come to the door.
- She pulls far less on walks and corrects quickly when reminded.
More importantly, we feel like we understand her better now. Susan taught us to read canine body language and to respond confidently in situations like the dog park. We learned that our dog wasn't "aggressive" -- she was asserting boundaries with dogs who were acting inappropriately. That understanding has made a huge difference.
Beyond Training
Susan also boards dogs, and our pup has made many friends during her stays at Susan's house. She owns five dogs of her own, all of whom are well-behaved and welcoming. Ginger is a happier dog because of Susan, and we are a happier family.
Susan isn't just our trainer or dog washer anymore -- she feels like part of our extended family. If you're looking for a trainer with deep expertise, a kind heart, and a thoughtful approach, Susan is the one.
