The P.E.T. Impact Philosophy

Experienced. Compassionate. Innovative. Relationship-Focused.

Vet, Rescue and Client Recommended.

At The P.E.T. Impact, I help dogs, cats, and their people build stronger, more cooperative relationships through thoughtful, science-based training and behavior support.

Every animal is an individual, and there is no one-size-fits-all approach to training. Whether you are welcoming a new puppy, navigating behavioral challenges, helping a rescue dog adjust, or simply looking to strengthen communication with your pet, my goal is to provide clear guidance, practical skills, and lasting results.

I am a Certified Professional Dog Trainer (CPDT-KA) with decades of hands-on experience working not only with dogs, but also with cats and small animals. My approach focuses on the whole animal — emotional wellness, mental enrichment, physical needs, social experiences, and the relationship between pets and their families.

Rather than simply suppressing unwanted behaviors, I work to understand why those behaviors are happening in the first place. By addressing the underlying causes and meeting a dog’s needs more fully, we create meaningful behavior change that is more sustainable, cooperative, and less dependent on constant correction or control.

Training goals are personalized to each dog and family. I believe effective training should respect the dog’s personality, abilities, comfort level, and learning style while helping owners feel confident and supported throughout the process.

My professional background in social work, childcare, and education also gives me a unique perspective when working with families and children. I place strong emphasis on healthy socialization, emotional safety, communication, and teaching both dogs and humans how to succeed together in real-life situations.

Meet Your Trainer — Suzanne Cardiff, CPDT-KA

I am a Certified Professional Dog Trainer through the Certification Council for Professional Dog Trainers, an independent certification requiring extensive hands-on experience, examination, and continuing education in science-based training methods.

Professional Affiliations & Credentials

Certified Professional Dog Trainer — Knowledge Assessed (CPDT-KA)
Creator and Coach of Yes, Dog! Improv + Dog Training Classes, a real-world social learning experience focused on confidence, communication, enrichment, and practical life skills for dogs and their humans.
Official Mentor Trainer for CATCH Canine Trainers Academy
AKC Canine Good Citizen & S.T.A.R. Puppy Evaluator
Member of the Pet Professional Guild
Member of the Association of Professional Dog Trainers
Member of the International Association of Animal Behavior Consultants
Ongoing education in:
- enrichment-based training
- emotional behavior analysis
- trauma informed care
- Person centered dog training
- socialization therapies
- fear-free training methods
- shelter and rescue dog assessments, enrichment, and behavior
Experienced in dog sports including agility, frisbee, dock diving, and enrichment-based herding games designed for non-working herding breeds.
Fully insured

Rescue & Rehabilitation Experience

Since 2005, I have worked in rescue and shelter environments in both volunteer and staff roles. Over the years, I have worked extensively with dogs labeled “difficult,” “hard to place,” or “unadoptable” due to behavioral challenges.

To help these dogs succeed, I developed a Canine Life Skills Program focused on preparing dogs for real-world adoption through enrichment, socialization, confidence building, and practical life skills. Many dogs previously considered unadoptable have gone on to thrive in permanent homes through this work.

This experience sparked my special interest in socialization — not only with people and other dogs, but with the world around them. I believe positive, guided experiences are one of the most powerful ways dogs learn confidence, resilience, and appropriate behavior.

I also spent six years involved in wildlife rescue, rehabilitation, and sea turtle habitat conservation efforts in St. Johns County.

In addition to my training background, I hold:

Associate of Science degree in Management
Bachelor of Science degree in Public Administration from Flagler College

A Personal Understanding of Behavioral Challenges

One of the most meaningful experiences in my life was sharing over a decade with my dog, SuzieQ — a rescue Shih Tzu with severe trauma-related behaviors and IVDD (intervertebral disc disease).

Helping her heal taught me firsthand what many pet owners experience when searching for the right support for a struggling dog. Through compassionate, fear-free training, enrichment, management, and alternative supportive therapies, we built trust, communication, and a deeply rewarding partnership together.

In treating her severe trauma, I have used that experience to help many rescue dogs and their families understand and heal from their own traumas. Helping a dog overcome trauma is so much more than just "training". It is life changing.

That experience profoundly shaped the way I work with dogs and families today. I understand that behavioral challenges are not simply about obedience — they are emotional, relational, and deeply personal for both dogs and the people who love them.

SuzieQ lived a joyful and meaningful life for over 10 years after her rescue and remained my greatest teacher until her passing in 2023.

Today, my family also includes two rescued cats, Uno and Phoenix, whose presence continues to deepen my understanding of multi-species households and dog-cat relationships.

In 2025, I also welcomed a young Border Collie with significant trauma-related behaviors and intense chase behaviors toward cats, ceiling fans, and cars after being passed through five homes in five months. Through structured rehabilitation, enrichment, and training, she has made tremendous progress and is developing into a confident, well-mannered companion. [follow her journey on FB: In the Life of Bandit the Foster Dog]

In 2026, I adopted a senior dog I had worked with in rescue for over three years after concerns arose for her wellbeing within the shelter environment. While adjusting to home life and ongoing medical care, she continues to make steady progress through supportive trauma-informed care, enrichment, and training tailored to her comfort and emotional needs.

Services