About the Trainer

Susan Krieg, M.Ed./ABA (Applied Behavioral Analysis)

Susan’s passion for dogs began in early childhood. Although initially fearful of them, everything changed after she watched Lady and the Tramp, which sparked a fascination that quickly turned into a deep love. Soon after, her family welcomed a copper colored, Cocker Spaniel named Penny, into their home—a companion who not only nurtured her growing connection to animals but also played a meaningful role in helping her manage her own disability. By the age of five, Susan recognized the powerful bond between humans and dogs, a realization that ultimately inspired her to become a professional dog trainer. 

Susan has worked with veterinarians, training facilities, grooming spas, and animal rescue organizations, and her experience brought her to open Paws 4 Peace USA in 2014. She has helped keep countless dogs in their adopted homes by working closely with both the animals and their owners to address behavioral challenges and prevent unnecessary euthanasia. Her training techniques are derived from a holistic, compassionate and scientific perspective. Susan has found the use of positive approach behavior modification training to be the most effective and creating long lasting results. Understanding the subtle nuances of canine communication is key to her success as a professional dog trainer. Susan teaches people how to connect with their canine family members by breaking down complex behaviors into small successful steps. She uses task analysis to help people become successful with their dogs. She is passionate about empowering individuals with disabilities, specializing in enhancing their independence and quality of life through Service Dogs. A close family member was diagnosed with a disability which motivated her to follow her lifelong dream of becoming a service dog trainer. Susan apprenticed with a disabled military service-dog trainer, later spending several years learning from a well-respected mobility service dog trainer in Oregon. She also trained under world-renowned scent discrimination working dog expert Debbie Kay of Chillbrook Labradors. The disabilities Susan specializes in are psychiatric (Autism, PTSD, GAD), Mobility and Brace, Diabetic Alert and Seizure Response.