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About Kindred Dog: San Diego Family Dog Training

After a successful career in secondary education and earning an Ed.S. in Teaching and Teacher Leadership, Kindred Dog founder Susie Petrucci combined her two lifelong passions: teaching people and training dogs.
To bring that vision to life, Susie earned multiple professional certifications, including Certified Animal Assisted Therapy Professional (CAATP) from the Animal Behavior Institute and Certified Dog Trainer (CCTA, CCDT—with distinction) through CATCH Canine Trainers Academy.
As a Fear Free Certified Trainer, Susie uses positive, force-free, and evidence-based reinforcement strategies that align with how dogs actually learn, building trust, confidence, and lifelong understanding between pets and their families.
Susie’s journey as a shelter trainer and consultant gave her a lifelong soft spot for rescue dogs. She understands their challenges and proudly offers discounted training for adopted pets.
Her approach blends compassion with science, using trauma-informed practices that rebuild confidence and trust.
Guided by Dr. Laura Donaldson (PhD, CDBC, KPA CTP), Susie has completed advanced coursework, including:
Grounding: Dogs Healing From Trauma
Why Becoming Trauma-Informed Changes Everything You Do With Dogs
Somatic Self-Resilience for Worried & Traumatized Dogs
Trauma & Fear-Based Behaviors in Dogs

Why Train With Us

Credentials you can trust. Modern, force-free training led by a lifelong educator.
Puppy Training
Adolescent and Adult Dog Training
Behavior Modification
Dogs & Storks® / Dogs & Toddlers
Dogs & Storks® / Dogs & Toddlers

Susie’s Philosophy

At Kindred Dog, I view training as a conversation, not a command. Every session is a dialogue between you and your dog, built on understanding, trust, and respect.

My philosophy is simple: when people and dogs learn together, both thrive. Through patient, science-based, and compassionate training, I help you strengthen your connection, reduce stress, and create a calm, joyful home where your dog can truly flourish.

Training Techniques

At Kindred Dog, training is built on empathy, compassion, and science. Susie’s goal is to help families and their dogs communicate more effectively, so learning becomes a partnership rather than a correction.

She uses positive reinforcement, force-free methods, and evidence-based strategies that help dogs build confidence and make better choices. Each plan is customized to your dog’s personality, age, and environment, whether you’re working with a puppy, adolescent, or adult dog.

With a strong background in education, Susie also applies human learning principles to her sessions. She views training as a 50/50 process, where people and pets learn together. This collaborative approach reduces frustration, builds trust, and leads to lasting progress.

Training isn’t about perfection or quick fixes. It’s about transformation; turning challenges into opportunities for understanding, confidence, and a stronger bond between you and your dog.

Why Train With Kindred Dog

Thoughtful, Evidence-Based Training for San Diego Families and Their Dogs

Drawing from her background in education and years of experience with families, Susie Petrucci helps dogs and people learn to communicate clearly and confidently. Her approach is guided by science, compassion, and the belief that trust is the foundation of every great relationship.

Education & Certification

Teaching dogs through proven learning science.
Susie’s foundation in education sets her apart as a trainer. With an Ed.S. in Education, she brings advanced knowledge of how humans and animals learn. Her certifications include:
CCTA & CCDT (with distinction) — CATCH Canine Trainers Academy
CAATP — Certified Animal Assisted Therapy Professional, Animal Behavior Institute
Each credential reflects her commitment to combining structured teaching methods with warmth, clarity, and compassion in every training session.

A Decade of Hands-On Experience

A San Diego dog trainer who is both formally taught and practically equipped.
Over the past decade, Susie has worked with hundreds of dogs of all ages and temperaments. Her experience spans:
Puppy socialization and foundational skills
Reactivity and leash frustration
Separation anxiety and confidence building
Recall and focus training
Complex behavior modification

Family Paws Parent Educator

Expert guidance for families with babies and children.
As a licensed Family Paws Parent Educator, Susie helps families with dogs prepare for life with babies and toddlers.
The Dogs & Storks® and Dogs & Toddlers programs from Family Paws teach safety and supervision, help children and adults become Dog Aware®, and promote positive interactions and communication techniques for a wide range of scenarios.

Fear Free Certified Trainer

Modern, force-free methods backed by science.
As a Fear Free Certified Trainer, Susie uses positive reinforcement and science-based methods that prioritize emotional well-being.
Her training avoids punishment and intimidation, instead focusing on helping dogs feel secure enough to make good choices and learn willingly.

Shelter Trainer & Rescue Advocate

Every dog deserves a second chance.
Susie’s time as a shelter trainer and consultant gave her a deep understanding of dogs overcoming fear, uncertainty, and trauma.
She proudly offers discounted sessions for adopted dogs and provides families with the tools to help rescue pets adjust, trust, and thrive in their new homes.

Trauma-Informed Expertise

Specialized knowledge for sensitive and fearful dogs.
Under the mentorship of Dr. Laura Donaldson (PhD, CDBC, KPA CTP), Susie completed advanced coursework in trauma and fear-based behavior.
These studies help her apply trauma-informed strategies that rebuild confidence, reduce stress, and restore emotional balance for even the most sensitive dogs.
Every family’s story is unique, and so is every training plan. You can count on Kindred Dog to tailor each session to your dog’s emotional needs, your goals, and your home environment. With the right guidance, your bond with your dog can become truly intuitive and joyful.