Sue McKinney

Sue McKinney brings a unique blend of social work and professional dog training expertise to her work with families and their canine companions. As the founder of Whole Dog Institute in 2008, Sue has helped hundreds of families build **stronger, more harmonious relationships with their dogs by focusing on what she calls the “human side of the partnership.”

With a Master’s in Social Work, Sue specializes in helping dog owners understand their dogs’ behavior and communicate more effectively. Her lively, engaging approach makes training both fun and insightful, helping pet parents uncover the "why" behind a dog’s actions.

Supporting Families with Kids & Dogs

Sue has guided hundreds of families through the joys and challenges of bringing a dog into the home, with a special focus on child safety. She is passionate about helping expectant parents and families with young children safely navigate the unique dynamics of raising kids alongside dogs.

At home, Sue is surrounded by her own lively pack of four dogs: a Tibetan Terrier, Pudelpointer, Border-Aussie, and a young English Cocker Spaniel. When she’s not working with dogs, she enjoys gardening and **creating improvisational art quilts, where her creativity shines.

Fun Fact: Sue’s mission has always been about more than just training—it’s about fostering mutual respect and understanding between dogs and the people who love them.