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Susan is committed to keeping abreast of the most humane and effective training techniques available. She and her dogs attended the Volhard's Instructors Training Camp three times and attended Camp Gone to the Dogs. Thrilled with what she learned about positive reinforcement training at the 1998 Association of Pet Dog Trainers conference, Susan reads everything she can get on the subject and has attended seminars given by noted trainers Leslie Nelson, Jean Donaldson, Sheila Booth, and Pat Miller (among others.) When not teaching at Greenwood, attending training seminars, working on lesson plans, or talking to prospective students on the phone, Susan keeps busy being the mother of her two children. With 3 German Shepherds in the house, Susan knows absolutely how crucial it is to have well-mannered dogs! Susan brings a special touch to her classes. She cares for each and every dog, whether it is destined for the show ring or is a beloved pet. Students are always commenting on how much they love seeing Ika (and now Vista) when she uses them for demonstrations. Watching the excitement and love in their eyes - you know they have a great trainer!
Also inspired by the APDT conference, Mary was thrilled with what she learned at Leslie Nelson seminars, Camp Gone to the Dogs, and seminars by such noted trainers as Sheila Booth and Pat Miller. Among her favorite books on the subject are The Power of Positive Dog Training by Pat Miller, The Culture Clash by Jean Donaldson, Clicker Training for Obedience by Morgan Spector, The Other End of the Leash by Patricia McConnell, and Purely Positive Training - Companion to Competition by Sheila Booth. Mary is also a full-time school teacher, teaching high school computer classes at Wilmington Friends School. She frequently brings Sugar Bear to school to teach the younger children about how to act (and not act) around dogs and gives training tips. Sugar Bear now has a pretty nice routine of tricks (such as "lick your chops" and "high five"), which the kids find quite entertaining. Mary's own children love their sweet, furry Rottie and their lighting-fast Borzoi. Page last updated 04/08/08 |
Susan Greenholt began
training in 1989 with her first German Shepherd puppy, Grendl. Quickly
bitten by the obedience bug, she went on to advanced levels with Grendl
and then with her next German Shepherd pup, Zak. Although Grendl
was happier at home, Zak loved the work and excelled in the obedience
ring. Susan led him to his CD, CDX, and 2 of the needed 3 "legs"
required for his UD before elbow arthritis earned his early retirement.
Both Zak and Grendl earned their CGC (Canine Good Citizen)
certificates, as well. Susan's next German Shepherd, Falkner, was
clicker trained from the age of 7 weeks (he's now 8 yrs old) and earned
five agility titles before retiring due to an injury. Susan is now
competing with Ika, a beautiful 5 yr old Shepherd bitch, who recently earned the coveted Agility Dog Champion title (ADCh) through the USDAA! Ika is also qualified to be a therapy dog with 
Mary Woodward began
training at the same time as Susan, owning two Rottweilers at the time (5 yr old Bear and 6 mos old Teddy.)
Both Bear and Teddy earned their CD titles, and did the groundwork for
their CDX's before Mary became too busy with motherhood to continue
training. They did make a brief re-appearance in 1995, both earning
their CGC certificates. The Woodward family now enjoys their current dog, 7 yr
old Sugar Bear, who is a long-coated Rottie. They have clicker trained
her since getting her at 8 weeks of age. Sugar Bear has earned her CGC
certificate & also qualified to be a therapy dog with Therapy Dogs
International and PAWS for People. She visits a children's hospice for