Sue Loucks, CPDT

Sue has been an avid dog and animal lover her entire life. Growing up, she shared her life with various dogs, cats, turtles, toads, and a chameleon, named “Uncle Charlie”. As a First Communion gift, her parents surprised her with a toy poodle with tan ears, aptly named, Carmel. Sue would spend her Saturday’s watching an English dog trainer on public television by the name of Barbara Woodhouse and then take Carmel and imitate her moves, and her famous “Walkies, Walkies”.

In 1981, Sue, and her husband, Steve, purchased their first golden retriever, Sadie, and thus began a life-long love affair with the breed. Sadie was entirely trained at home, and a wonderful, gentle, easy-going soul. When she passed away in 1993, their second golden girl came along. Casey was a little red pistol full of spit and vinegar! Needless to say, Sue needed help and met Chris Bach, founder of The Third Way© of dog training. Chris became her teacher, mentor, and friend--a relationship that continues today. Sue also learned a lot having a dog that was as lively and self-sufficient as Casey!

Sue and Chris, founder of The THIRD WAY of Dog Training

In 1995, Dylan, her first male golden came along. Sue and Dylan had the good fortune of being able to do private lessons with Chris for over 3 years. Dylan is still her little heartbeat at her feet.

In 2001, after several years of volunteer teaching at a local kennel club, Sue and co-founder, Cindy Glazewski, started Proof Pawsitive, an in-home dog training company.

Sue and Dr. Ian Dunbar, DVM founder of the Association of Pet Dog Trainers

Sue’s background includes AKC obedience titles; agility, tracking and therapy dog work at local nursing homes. She is a certified master THIRD WAY trainer, as well as a certified pet dog trainer (CPDT) through the Certification Council of Pet Dog Trainers. In 2006, Sue earned her certification as a dog behavior consultant (CDBC) from the International Association of Animal Behavior Consultants. She is also a member of the Association of Pet Dog Trainers (APDT). The APDT is a professional organization of individual trainers who are committed to becoming better trainers through education. She is also a Canine Good Citizen evaluator helping the American Kennel Club promote responsible dog ownership.

Casey and Sue achieving their CD obedience title at the Chicago Gold Coast Dog Show

Sue shares her home with her husband, Steve, her heart-dog, Dylan, and a fish named Nemo. She also has two wonderful grown sons, Ryan and Eric.