About Sue Kocher

My Story

I've been working with dogs and their families in the Ann Arbor area for over 20 years. My passion for training started with my own dogs and grew into a lifelong commitment to helping people build joyful, cooperative relationships with their canine companions.

I hold the CPDT-KA (Certified Professional Dog Trainer – Knowledge Assessed) credential from the Certification Council for Professional Dog Trainers, which requires demonstrated skills, experience, and continuing education to maintain. I'm also a certified AKC Canine Good Citizen Evaluator and a Fear Free Certified Professional.

My Approach

I believe training should be fun for both ends of the leash. All of my work is grounded in modern, evidence-based behavioral science—specifically positive reinforcement and least-intrusive, minimally aversive (LIMA) principles.

That means:

• No prong collars, choke chains, shock collars, or aversive tools
• No intimidation, "dominance," or fear-based corrections
• Training built around what motivates your dog
• Clear, consistent communication your dog can actually understand
• Skills that transfer to real life, not just your living room

What to Expect

Sessions are private and take place in your home, where your dog is most comfortable and where most behavior challenges actually occur. As your dog (and you!) gain confidence, we can advance to neighborhood walks, parks, and other dog-friendly environments.

I tailor every training plan to you, your dog, your lifestyle, and your goals. Whether you have a bouncy eight-week-old puppy or a four-year-old dog with a challenging behavior, we'll build a path forward together.

Specialties

• Puppy foundations & early socialization
• Leash reactivity & polite leash walking
• Basic through advanced obedience
• AKC Canine Good Citizen (CGC) & Canine Tricks titles
• Introduction to Agility, Rally, Obedience, and Nosework
• Fear, anxiety, and confidence-building