Let’s Talk Training: Meet Susanne “Sam” Cohen

Bringing out the best between dog and handler

Susanne “Sam” Cohen of fetch sam! (San Jose, Calif.) became hooked on agility in 2004 when she saw a multi-day agility trial on TV. She videotaped every run, watched them repeatedly, and plotted different handler courses based on the course maps. In January 2005, she moved to California, got her own dog, and never looked back.  

Sam was a full-time software trainer working for high-tech start-ups in Silicon Valley before becoming a full-time agility trainer. She has used the most current, scientific positive training techniques since working with her first dog in 2005, and in 2009 earned her certificate in Canine Behavior Assessment and Counseling.  

Her programs at fetch sam! focus on bringing out the best between dog and handler, whether they’re competing at the highest levels of the sport or just having fun.  

“All of my students are awesome,” Sam said. “Most of them are first-time agility handlers, and some are even first-time dog owners. I personally love to see the light bulb go on when they begin to fall in love with all parts of agility, not just running their dog.” 

fetch sam! also offers several agility events throughout the year, allowing Sam’s students to learn more about agility as volunteers. Karey Krauter of Palo Alto, Calif., said they are often some of the hardest-working volunteers in the area.  

“When volunteering for our events, I teach my students how to read a course map and properly set each piece of equipment; how to Gate, Scribe, Time and Leash Run; and even let them call out the table count,” Sam said. “After doing all of these jobs at fetch sam! my students are comfortable enough to volunteer elsewhere.”  

Sam is currently getting her 3-year-old Mini Australian Shepherd, Electric Buzz, ready to compete for their first real show in May 2022. “I treat an event just like training,” she said. “On the day of the show, we arrive early, stretch and warm up just like on training days. 

“Agility training is a process and takes time,” she added. “Handlers should remember to be patient and have fun. There is always going to be another agility trial, so don’t rush through the training process. The journey with your dog is the fun part.”