National Memberships:

• German Shepherd Dog Club of America-Working Dog Association.
• German Shepherd Dog Club of America.
• Association of Professional Dog Trainers.
• United Schutzhund Clubs of America (USCA), 1991-2009.

National Offices Held:

• USCA Mid Central Regional Breed Warden 2000-2006.
• USCA Breed Advisory Committee 2000-2006.

Local Memberships:

• Oklahoma Working Dog Association, 1992-2014.

Local Offices Held:

• Oklahoma Working Dog Association: President 2000-2008; 2011 to 2014.
• Oklahoma Working Dog Association: Director of Training 2008-2011.

Other Credentials:

• Proprietor, Clickety Split Dog Training (previously Braeside Dog Training) since 1990.
• Accepted into the AKC Breeder of Merit Program, 2011.
• Certified Professional Dog Trainer, KA, Certification Council of Professional Dog Trainers.
• Canine Life and Social Skills, Instructor and Evaluator, Association of Professional Dog Trainers.
• Canine Good Citizen Evaluator, American Kennel Club.
• S.T.A.R. Puppy Evaluator, American Kennel Club.

Susanne has been actively involved in training and showing dogs since 1988 but has been a dog lover her entire life. Early companion dogs include: Lady (Springer Spaniel); Crusher (Doberman); A.J. (a.k.a. Dancer’s First Tango, a Miniature Pincher); and Pitiful (All American); all of whom were beloved (and greatly missed) companions and great teachers.

As an past member in the United Schutzhund Clubs of America (USCA), and a current member of both the German Shepherd Dog Club of America (GSDCA) and the GSDCA-WDA (German Shepherd Dog Club of America – Working Dog Association), Susanne is involved in German Shepherd Dogs (GSDs) activities on both a local and national level. While Susanne and her husband Larry mostly enjoy showing locally, they have also enjoyed showing in regional and national conformation shows (both as exhibitors and handlers), and have hosted or co-hosted National Breed Championships (Sieger Shows), Regional Conformation Championships, Regional Working Championships (schutzhund trials), and numerous local shows and trials. This experience allows keeps them to keep abreast of the world of training and GSDs not only locally, but also on a national and international level. Recognized for her expertise not only in USCA breeding regulations but also for her talent as a breeder, Susanne served three consecutive terms as the Regional Breed Warden for the USCA Mid-Central Region, and as a member of the USCA Breed Advisory Committee.

Locally, Susanne has served as the President or Training Directory of the Oklahoma Working Dog Association (OWDA, a full-member USCA and/or GSDCA-WDA club since 1988) since 2000. Susanne and the entire OWDA membership host an annual schutzhund trial in the late spring (usually with a German SV or FSV judge), and in many years also host both local conformations shows and regional championship conformation shows. The OWDA has also hosted several Regional Schutzhund Championships. Susanne loves to show her home-bred dogs in OWDA events and tries to show her dogs at every trial or show. She has bred numerous regional champions in conformation and high-in-trial dogs in schutzhund, obedience, and agility, in addition to many other title holders. Susanne is also an accomplished and sought after handler ,and has handled dogs not only in AKC conformation events (mainly her sister’s Smooth Collies) but also in Sieger Shows and many local and regional conformation events. Presently Susanne is focusing on training at the OWDA, with her own dogs and also coaching those who desire her help at the dog club.

Susanne obviously loves dogs, and helping dogs and their owners achieve harmony is a priority at Clickety Split Dog Training, her canine training and behavior modification consultation business (formerly Braeside Dog Training and Family Friendly Dog Training). Since 1990, Susanne has been able to help owners achieve harmony with their pets through the use of behavior modification based in positive motivational training techniques. Her client’s have dogs from the tiny tea cup poodle to the grand master Irish Wolfhound, but all share a commitment to their pets and to working with them in a positive way. Years of helping owners with their problem dogs has taught Susanne the importance of a suitable temperament for companion dogs, education for owners, and compatibility between dog and owner.

Susanne is a detail-oriented breeder who always strives to provide the very best care for all her dogs. Susanne’s extensive knowledge of breeding, whelping, and husbandry are well known, and her advice is often sought after by other breeders, by both novice breeders and even those with more years of experience then herself. She was accepted into the AKC Breeder of Merit Program in 2011.

Like most of her clients, Susanne’s dogs are first and foremost her cherished companions. Her philosophy of breeding places a dog’s ability to be a pleasant companion as her top priority, followed by a sound body and mind. We believe each dog would ask us, if they could, for only one thing: a loving, permanent home. We believe dogs are not sports equipment to be purchased to participate in a dog sport or a dog show; but living breathing creatures whose needs are not so different from our own: warm shelter, enough to eat, and love. While our activities do include dog sport and dog shows, our dogs are first of all our friends. We, like most of you, participate in these events only as a way to enjoy more time with our canine companions, and perhaps to fellowship with others who share our interest; not for trophies, or ribbons, or any other such reasons. And while it is true we strive for excellence in all areas of our breeding program, and our dogs have achieved many titles, awards, and championships, and are able to stand their ground at any level of competition, what is even more important to us is how they are loved by their owners!

Susanne and Xano daughter Asia during protection training at the OWDA.

Susanne and Helge at the OWDA.

Susanne and Xavier.