About Susie Petrucci

Family Paws Parent Educator · Positive Reinforcement · Special Focus on Fostering Dogs’ Innate Needs · Effective and Fun!
After a career in secondary education and acquiring my Ed.S in Teaching and Teacher Leadership, I decided to merge my two passions-teaching humans and training dogs. To make this dream a reality, I became a Certified Animal Assisted Therapy Professional (CAATP) through the Animal Behavior Institute and a Certified Dog Trainer (CCTA and CCDT, with distinction) through Catch Canine Trainers Academy.
I am also a Fear-Free Certified Trainer. My approach is rooted in force-free and positive reinforcement strategies that are evidence-based, while teaching with the dog’s brain in mind.
I have a soft spot for rescue dogs, having worked as a trainer and consultant at a shelter. I proudly offer discounts to clients who have rescued their dogs, and I bring deep knowledge of dogs who suffer from or have experienced trauma.
Under the guidance of Dr. Laura Donaldson (PhD, CDBC, KPA CTP), I completed advanced trauma-focused courses, including:
Grounding: Dogs Healing From Trauma
Why Becoming Trauma-Informed Will Change 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.
✅
CAATP Certified
✅
CCTA Certified
✅
CCDT Certified (with distinction)
✅
Fear-Free Certified Trainer

Ready to transform life with your dog?

Schedule your first session today.