Meet the Trainers

Susan Sharpe  260-344-1217

Animals have always been a part of my life. In addition to my ongoing work with animals I have continued my education through such programs as Purdue's Principles & Techniques of Behavior Modification course, which deals with canine development, social structure and prevention of behavior problems including aggression. I have successfully completed Bob & Marian Bailey’s beginning through advanced operant conditioning course. I am Indiana’s only certified Tellington Touch practitioner (2 yr certification course) and have attended numerous seminars and workshops to further my skills. I am a Certified Dog Trainer with the Association of Pet Dog Trainers and have served 3 years as a volunteer board member of the Huntington County Humane Society. I currently volunteer with one my own dogs at a local retirement center/nursing home. I also aid people in breed selection and pet loss grief counseling.  My training experience includes obedience, article search, obstacle course, tracking, drug detection and personal protection, limited in-home service work, and problem behavior modification including pet manners and aggression.  I hold one patent for the creation of the Anxiety Wrap, a therapeutic wrap that calms an animal, and is often used to lessen and/or end the fear of thunderstorms in dogs and cats.  Susan along with her husband Ron and their children Justin and Gracie share their lives with three dogs and seven cats in Huntington, Indiana.  

Beth Hough - 260-450-2415

Beth Hough has worked as a Veterinary Assistant for over 10 years.  Her work, as well as a problem dog of her own, inspired an interest in behavior.  She is a graduate of the Purdue University DOGS! course, a member of the Society of Veterinarian Behavior Technicians and is a Certified Pet Dog Trainer with the Association of Pet Dog Trainers.  Beth earned her degree in Environmental Studies but found that working with domestic animals was her calling.   She continues to work as a veterinary assistant where she is in a unique position to observe and counsel on a wide range of animal behaviors.

Associate Trainers

Sarah Story - 260-248-2914

My father owned, trained and trialed birddogs long before I was born and continues to do so today. Therefore, growing up I never even realized there was a world outside dogs. There was never any doubt that I would continue to work with dogs throughout my life. By the age of ten, I was competing in National Shoot to Retrieve Association (NSTRA) field trials on a regional basis. I am still an active member of NSTRA, and my dog, Checkers, received his Championship this past fall. In addition to field trials, I also have experience with Obedience, Show, and Agility.

I am currently a senior at Manchester College studying elementary education. During that time, I have had the opportunity of working with Susan Sharpe, for the past 2.5 years learning the joys of positive reinforcement training. I, now believe, this is the best way to train.

Sarah is in charge of our Columbia City location classes and she accepting private behavior modification.

Deb Gwaltney

Deborah grew up with German shepherds and that started her life long love of dogs. Trained as a microbiologist, while working she trained her Samoyeds in conformation and obedience.

It was after a move due to her husbands Dennis work that she started to put full time in training dogs. She was in the first graduating class of Purdue’s Principals & Techniques of Behavior Modification course. She is also a Certified Dog Trainer and a professional member of Association of Pet Dog Trainers. She has also gone back to school to receive a BA in Psychology that she uses in her training. Besides Samoyeds she has put titles on Newfoundlands and Shetland Sheepdogs. She competes in agility, obedience and Rally with her dogs. She and her husband Dennis currently share their home with two Shetland Sheepdogs in Fort Wayne.

Debbie is in charge of all levels of Agility, Rally O (Rally Obedience) and she accepting private behavior modification.