Susan Smith

Owner & Primary Instructor for Become a
Professional Dog Trainer 

A Passion for Dog Training & Education

Susan Smith, the driving force behind Raising Canine, LLC, is a professional dog trainer and behavior consultant dedicated to bridging the gap between dog behavior, human lifestyle, and business success. With a deep understanding of training theory, client communication, and industry trends, she equips trainers with the tools they need to thrive—both in the field and in their businesses.

Her expertise spans:

• Client compliance & engagement
• Emerging industry trends
• Theory vs. practical application
• Time management & goal setting
• Business strategies for dog trainers

Susan offers a comprehensive yet practical approach to modern dog training, blending science-based techniques with real-world application.

Author, Educator & Industry Leader

Susan co-authored Positive Gun Dogs: Clicker Training for Sporting Breeds, the first U.S. book advocating positive reinforcement training for bird dogs. She has also written numerous industry-recognized articles, including Starting Your Own Dog Training Business and When to Ask for Help, published in The Dog Trainer’s Resource: The APDT Chronicle of the Dog Collection.

Her writing has been featured in The APDT Chronicle of the Dog, and she contributed to Top Tips from Top Trainers. In 2009, she was nominated for a Dog Writers of America Award (DWAA) for her article A Learning Theory Primer.

Certifications & Industry Involvement

•  CPDT-KA – Certified Professional Dog Trainer, Knowledge Assessed (expired)
•  CDBC – Certified Dog Behavior Consultant, IAABC
•  CTC – Graduate of the San Francisco SPCA Academy for Dog Trainers

Susan has also played an active role in advancing professional standards in dog training through leadership roles:

• Member, CCPDT Advisory Board
• Former Board Member, Certification Council for Professional Dog Trainers (CCPDT)
• Former Vice-President, CCPDT Board of Directors
• Past Chair, APDT Member Relations & Communications Committee
• 2004 APDT Member of the Year

Raising Canine: Revolutionizing Professional Dog Training Education

As the first business to offer a diverse range of remote courses and seminars for dog trainers, Raising Canine provides affordable, science-based education to professionals worldwide. These courses are available live, recorded, and online, catering to all learning styles—from lecture-based lessons to interactive workshops with homework and real-world application.

Raising Canine’s Online School for Professional Dog Trainers

For aspiring trainers who need flexibility, Raising Canine offers comprehensive online education, including:

• Become a Professional Dog Trainer – A deep dive into learning theory, hands-on training, and business fundamentals
• Understanding Learning Theory – Master the science behind behavior modification
• Good to Great – Elevate your dog training business to the next level (additional business course)

With over 380+ on-demand webinars, Raising Canine is the go-to resource for trainers seeking to enhance their skills and business success.

Susan’s Journey: From Alaska to Industry Pioneer

Susan’s journey began in Alaska, where she grew up before moving to Austin, Texas, to open a successful Mail Boxes Etc. franchise. Running the business gave her hands-on experience in entrepreneurship—knowledge she later applied to the dog training industry.

In the early ’90s, she sought a career that aligned with three key criteria:

• A comfortable income
• Flexibility and work-life balance
• Work that provided fulfillment and purpose

Dog training checked every box. She began apprenticing, reading, and training, and by 1996, she had sold her business to fully commit to her passion.

In 2002, Susan moved to upstate New York to establish a sanctuary for unadoptable, aggressive dogs at the Animal Haven shelter. For three years, she lived with and rehabilitated the dogs, gaining invaluable insight into the challenges clients face when living with aggressive pets.

Building a Legacy in Dog Training Education

After returning to Austin, Susan worked with a business coach to define her next steps. She knew she wanted to help elevate dog training into a recognized and respected profession.

This led to the creation of Raising Canine, LLC, offering remote, science-based education for trainers worldwide. Today, her platform continues to be one of the largest and most well-known online education providers for professional dog trainers.