About the Trainer
Susan Krieg, M. Ed. Applied Behavioral Analysis
After many years working with veterinarians, training facilities, grooming salons, and animal rescue organizations, in 2014 I opened Paws 4 Peace in Louisburg, North Carolina. My training techniques are derived from a holistic and compassionate perspective. I have found the use of positive approach training to be the most effective and creates long lasting results. Understanding the subtle nuances of canine communication is key to my success as a dog trainer. Teaching people how to connect and communicate with their canine family members; assisting Veterans and others with disabilities regain and enjoy their lives with the help of Service Dogs, are incredibly rewarding.
Training opportunities for me, have run the gamut from basic manners and obedience to Puppy Basics, Conformation, Agility, Rally-O, Distraction-Proofing, Canine Musical Freestyle, Aggressive Behavior, Emotional Challenges, and finally to Therapy and Service Dog Training and Certification. I graduated from The Ohio State University with a Bachelor of Science and Masters of Education in Applied Behavioral Analysis in 2000 and 2001, respectively. In addition, I trained and mentored under Dr. Ian Dunbar, DVM, well-known for his positive animal training methodology. I also worked with Dr. Barbara Sherman, DVM of NC State University. I am a member of APDT (Association of Pet Dog Trainers) and a certified Evaluator with the AKC (American Kennel Club) for Canine Good Citizen, and STAR Puppy Evaluation (Socialization, Training, Activity, & Responsible Owner).
Career opportunities provided me with an interesting background. I worked my way through college grooming and training dogs. I owned a successful 12-year business in Ohio, taught Special Education, worked as lead trainer/behavioral consultant for several NC animal hospitals and rescue organizations. In 2010, I was honored to be invited by Dos Amigos to teach university-level classes to a group of veterinarians, physical therapists, occupational therapists, and animal rescue groups at the University of Chile, Santiago, Chile. Dos Amigos is the only non-profit organization in Chile specializing in the training and placement of Therapy and Service dogs. I have continued my teaching focus by creating public awareness by speaking to groups and holding in-service sessions for veterinarians, schools, corporations, organizations, and law enforcement.
Avid animal lovers, my husband Mike and I have shared their home with dogs, cats, parrots, and rabbits. We currently live in central North Carolina with three cats, Service Dogs Gavin (a Leonberger), Lotus (a Border Collie), Bodhi (a Labrador Retriever), Trexie (an Australian Shepherd), and Gabriel (a Cocker Spaniel); however, that number could change at any moment, as we are actively involved in animal fostering and rescue. We enjoy the beach, working with our dogs, hiking, and watching football, especially when The Ohio State Buckeyes are winning!
“Helping fearful dogs gain confidence and live a better quality of life while educating and helping their owners in the process.”
About Paws 4 Peace USA
Paws 4 Peace USA is a full-service training facility, specializing in behavioral challenges, service and therapy dog education, and training. We provide individualized training sessions as well as group classes. We specialize in behavioral interventions in your home. This provides us the opportunity to evaluate your dog in his own environment.
After twenty-five years of working with dogs, it is safe to say that dogs are the central focus of my professional and personal life. Having the ability to teach people how to connect and communicate with their canine family is incredibly rewarding for me.
As avid animal lovers, my husband and I have shared our home with dogs, cats, parrots, and rabbits and are actively involved in animal fostering and rescue. Welcome to Paws 4 Peace USA!
Our Team
Owner & Lead Trainer
Social Media & Events Coordinator
Training Assistant
Sparky making sure we’re following the rules!
What is a Behaviorist?
A Dog Behaviorist is…
“An individual who evaluates and intervenes with unwanted behavior of the dog on behalf of the dog and his human family.”
Many dog owners find that their dogs regularly display behaviors that are disruptive, unpleasant, or in some cases even dangerous to other pets and family members. Local ordinances may also hold dog owners responsible for the behavior of their pet, making it even more crucial that negative behaviors be identified and addressed promptly. While it is a good idea for pet owners to take up concerns about pet behavior with their veterinarian, as some behaviors may be caused by medical issues, not all veterinarians have the training or expertise to help manage and change a pet’s behaviors. Veterinarians and behaviorists work closely together. In fact, it’s important to consult your veterinarian whenever your dog shows changes in behavior. For example, if your dog begins to growl when touched or stops responding to cues like “sit,” medical conditions such as arthritis or hearing loss could be at the root of the problem. Any underlying health issue that causes pain can also lead to behavior and personality changes. If your vet rules out an underlying medical condition, then you might want to discuss consulting an animal behaviorist. A dog behaviorist can work with a pet owner and help him understand why his pet is misbehaving and what the owner can do to address the problem.
Experts in dog behavior may work in a variety of settings, although many experts believe that it is best for a dog behaviorist to work with dogs in their own homes so that the behaviorist can observe the context in which the dog lives and identify any issues that may be triggering negative behaviors. The dog may also be more comfortable in his own home, making it easier for the dog behaviorist to distinguish between ongoing behavior problems and normal discomfort with being in a new environment. After spending time with the dog and the dog’s owner, the dog behaviorist can develop a plan of action that can assist the dog owner in living in harmony with his dog. In addition to expertise in dog behavior and training, a dog behaviorist must typically have strong counseling and educational skills for working with human owners. In some cases, a dog owner may be contributing to his dog’s behavior issues, and a good behaviorist will need to tactfully address these behaviors while supporting the owner in making needed changes.