Suzanne was introduced to the German Shepherd breed when a neighbour’s dog showed up at her family home in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada. Lanie and Suzanne were immediately attached, developing a life-long relationship. The two took a city bus to their first obedience competition hosted by the Vancouver S.P.C.A. (Lanie was owned by the family of Internationally renowned Canadian Science icon, David Suzuki of CBC’s “The nature of things”. )

Suzanne’s first German Shepherd was a Vancouver Police Department wash-out that ultimately ignited a passion for police dog training, as well as a dedicated police breeding, mentoring, and importation program of over 30 years under the kennel name “Von Grünheide”.

This led Suzanne to the world and sport of Schutzhund. In the late 80’s Suzanne purchased her first quality German Shepherd, Lexy, whom she titled to Schutzhund 3. They wrapped up their career with the title “Canadian National Siegerin”, in 1996. Suzanne titled numerous dogs in the sport, until taking a break during her career as a Police K-9 handler. Suzanne and her partner Axle competed at police dog championships, Schutzhund, and were the first known police dog team in North America to obtain STP (evidence) titles.

Suzanne has cherished developing new police quarries, judging and training police dog handlers in Canada (CPCA CLEAR trainer), and the USA (state master trainer). She was a certified DVG and USCA certified helper, working dogs at national and provincial police dog championships and semianrs, as well as local trials and breed surveys.

Currently Suzanne is working Fonzie Von Grünheide and serves the GSSCC on the Western Region executive board as regional show director.