
Susan Bulanda
Susan Bulanda is a pioneering force in the world of dog behavior, training, and canine search-and-rescue—an expert whose influence spans six decades and whose work has guided thousands of dog handlers, professionals, and pet owners around the world. First recognized as an accomplished dog trainer in 1963, she quickly became known for her extraordinary ability to understand, communicate with, and bring out the very best in dogs across every discipline.
Internationally, Susan is celebrated for her groundbreaking work in canine search-and-rescue. She founded and led two search-and-rescue units, helped establish the National Search Dog Alliance, and was one of only three judges chosen to officiate England’s first and second international Canine SAR competitions. Her leadership extended to the global behavior community, where she served as vice president and dog chairperson of the International Association of Animal Behavior Consultants, shaping standards that continue to influence the profession today.
As a behavior consultant specializing in both dogs and cats, Susan has earned worldwide respect for her clarity, compassion, and science-based understanding of animal behavior. Her keen insights and practical wisdom have made her a trusted resource for trainers, shelters, veterinarians, and owners seeking real answers from someone who has lived the work at every level.
Susan’s background also includes a distinguished career as a senior conformation judge for the United Kennel Club, where she evaluated and showcased a wide range of breeds in the ring. Beyond the world of dogs, she worked in the corporate and engineering sectors as a systems analyst, specializing in material control and critical methodologies—a discipline that sharpened her precision, organization, and problem-solving skills, all of which inform her approach to behavior and training.
Education has always been central to her mission. Susan holds a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology and a Master of Arts in Education, and she is certified to teach in two states. As an adjunct professor at Kutztown University and Carroll Community College, she created two groundbreaking academic programs: the Canine Training and Management Program, Level I, for aspiring dog trainers, and Level II, designed for students beginning their path as canine behavior consultants. These programs became models for structured, rigorous canine-training education.
Her contributions to the written world are equally significant. Susan is an award-winning author whose books and articles have reached readers across the globe. She has written hundreds of articles and numerous influential books, including the Maxwell Medallion–winning The Business of Dog Training, honored by the Dog Writers Association of America. Her writing blends deep expertise with clarity, warmth, and actionable insight—qualities that have earned her a devoted readership.
Through her website and blog—www.sbulanda.com and www.sbulandablog.com—Susan continues to share her knowledge, research, and real-world experience with an audience that values practical wisdom grounded in decades of hands-on work.
Susan Bulanda’s life’s work can be summed up simply: she elevates the lives of dogs and the humans who love them. Her career represents excellence, leadership, and a profound understanding of the human-animal bond. Readers trust her. Professionals rely on her. And her books stand as essential guides for anyone who seeks to work with dogs—or truly understand them.