Meet The Family

Susan is a highly accomplished, multi-certified (CPDT-KA, ABCDT) dog trainer and cat behavior expert with a passion for fostering harmonious relationships between animals and their families. With extensive experience and a deep understanding of animal behavior, Susan is dedicated to improving the lives of pets and their owners. In 2021, she launched the Enlightened Pet Behavior Podcast (originally Doggy Dojo) to expand her reach and share kind, ethical, and effective advice with a global audience. Her mission is to empower pet parents with the knowledge and tools to create joyful, well-adjusted homes for their beloved companions.

Monte, our resident "dog uncle," brings his passion for animals and the outdoors to Enlightened Pet Behavior. As an avid hiker and enrichment guru, he loves spending his days making dogs' lives more fulfilled. He leads engaging small group hikes, ensuring that dogs not only get their exercise but also enjoy mentally stimulating outdoor experiences. Monte's love for all animals and endless patience shines through in his dedication to providing enriching activities that promote happiness and well-being.

On Valentine's Day 2024, a chance encounter during a drive to Pilates led us to a small white dog running loose. After a 30-minute chase, we brought the limping, ungroomed pup home. We contacted the LaBelle Foundation, where a client volunteered, and they agreed to take him on, with us fostering him. When his previous owner couldn't be found, we fell in love, and he officially joined our family. Valentino has become an invaluable helper for Susan. He's a neutral dog for many reactive canines, a certified Canine Good Citizen, and an AKC Trick Dog (Novice). A true charmer, Valentino wins over everyone he meets!

On August 25th, 2024, while walking Valentino, a small white dog began to follow me. She trailed us through the park but hesitated to enter our home. After dropping Valentino off, I returned with Monte, and we eventually found her following another woman walking her dogs. We were able to bring her home. Paws of LA Rescue offered to take her in, and we began fostering her. As fate would have it, when her owner couldn't be located, we realized we couldn't part with her. She officially joined our family and we named her Scarlet. Scarlet is our spirited girl! She adores playing with the boarding dogs in our home and has never met a dog she didn't like. She has made remarkable progress in overcoming her fear of new people.

Robbie, a Novice Trick Cat who will do anything for a treat, joined our family in 2009 after being adopted from the Las Vegas ASPCA. We initially brought him home as a companion for our other cat, Wally, who has since passed away. Despite his age, Robbie is still incredibly spry and remains the sweetest kitty you'll ever meet.

In 2021, less than a month after the passing of our cat, Wally, a tabby cat found by my mentor, Robin, came into our lives. We welcomed her, not expecting to adopt a new pet so soon, and she greatly aided in our healing. We named her Lily, a funeral flower, as a nod to the mourning period during which she joined our family. Lily is a spirited girl who enjoys playfully provoking the boarding dogs from her cat shelf.