At Joyful Dog, Susan Sanderson leads adult manners classes in Great Falls, VA, and co-leads and assists with specialty classes in all the Joyful Dog training locations. Susan’s practice centers around force-free, rewards-based dog training and behavior work. She offers group classes and private lessons throughout the Washington, DC area.

Susan is a Pat Miller Certified Trainer, and has completed the Instructors’ Training Course in New York with Sue Sternberg and Pia Silvani, CPDT-KA. She completed two of Bob Bailey’s famous Chicken Camps, and spent a week working with sled dogs in Eden Vermont, with Sue Sternberg and Leslie deFusco.

Susan regularly participates in continuing education seminars and workshops on topics such as puppy socialization, dog play behavior, operant conditioning, behavior modification, resource guarding, and agility handling.

In addition, Susan competes with her dog, Falco, in the United States Dog Agility Association (USDAA) at the Masters levels; in the past year, Falco earned eight titles, including his Advanced Performance Dog title.

She volunteers at the Animal Welfare League of Arlington, offering canine training and enrichment. Susan also offers an Adopter’s Workshop.

Susan is a full member of the Association of Professional Dog Trainers (APDT), the Mid-Atlantic Association of Positive Professional Pet Trainers, and the Pet Professional Guild. She holds an undergraduate degree from University of Houston and a graduate degree from George Mason University.