Unleash Your Dog's Potential
We believe that every dog has the potential to thrive and every pet parent deserves a confident, connected relationship with their canine companion.
Our Mission
At Pawsitive Concepts, our purpose is simple and powerful: To provide affordable, ethical, effective, and humane dog training services that treat every individual—human or canine—with dignity, respect, honesty, and compassion. We’re here to help you strengthen your bond with your dog and build a relationship that lasts a lifetime.
Pawstive Concepts
Now servicing the following areas:
Festus, De Soto, Farmington, Potosi, Cedar Hill, Arnold, Pevely, Melhville
Our Training Programs
Pawsitive Concepts: Where Pet Passion Meets Purpose
At Pawstive Concepts, we’re more than just pet lovers – we’re dedicated to crafting unique experiences for you and your furry friends. Whether you’re looking for fun pet accessories, innovative solutions, or expert advice, we’re here to help you strengthen the bond between you and your pet. Join our community of pet enthusiasts and discover products and services that are as paws-itively unique as your pet.
Meet the Trainer
Suzanne Veltrop, ACSDT, CPDT-KA
Professional Dog Trainer
Advocate for Ethical Training
Lifelong Dog Lover
Suzanne Veltrop has always felt a deep connection to dogs. Raised in a family that cherished animals, she learned early on how much dogs can teach us about empathy, patience, and unconditional love. They’ve been a constant presence in her life—and eventually, they became her calling.
After spending over a decade in the medical and legal fields, Suzanne reached a turning point. The joy she found in working with dogs far outweighed anything she experienced in boardrooms or clinics. That realization led her to pursue professional training and turn a lifelong love into a full-time vocation. Today, Suzanne uses progressive, ethical, and scientifically proven methods rooted in positive reinforcement.
Her training style creates a relaxed, stress-free environment
where dogs feel safe, confident, and ready to learn. But her work goes beyond dogs, she’s passionate about helping pet parents build stronger, more fulfilling relationships with their companions. “I work with a wide range of breeds, including many adopted from shelters,” Suzanne shares. “These dogs often come with unique stories and challenges, and I love helping families give them a fresh start. Whether I’m helping a family bond with their new rescue or preparing a service dog for life-changing work, my goal is always the same: to build trust, deepen connection, and make life better for dogs and their humans.”
Her expertise also extends to therapy and service dog training, which requires a high level of precision, patience, and dedication. These programs can take up to two years, but the transformation is profound—for both the dog and the person they support. Suzanne carefully evaluates each dog’s temperament, motivation, and stamina to ensure they’re ready for the role.
At home, Suzanne shares her life with Boots, a spirited two-year-old Labrador–Great
Dane mix currently in service dog training, and Nigeria, a wise and gentle nine-year-old Rhodesian Ridgeback. They remind her every day why she does what she does.
If you’re looking for a trainer who brings heart, expertise, and a deep respect for the
bond between humans and dogs, you’re in the right place. Suzanne would love to help you and your dog write your own story—one filled with joy, understanding, and a whole lot of tail wags.
What Makes us Different
Pawsitive Concepts was founded to meet an urgent need: Empowering individuals with disabilities to train their own service dogs when traditional organization-based options are unaffordable or inaccessible.
- We offer training for owner-trained service dogs, helping clients bypass the waitlist and cost of pre-trained dogs.
- We support every stage of obedience—from puppy head start to advanced manners.
- We work with clients to modify challenging behaviors and create a harmonious household.
- We guide families through the process of selecting a dog that fits their life and goals.
- We help identify and train service dog candidates to perform disability-mitigating tasks with confidence.
“Training isn’t about control it’s about connection. The more you understand your dog, the more they’ll want to understand you.”
– Suzanne Veltrop
Personalized Dog Training for Real-World Results
Professional Dog Training in Festus, MO
At Pawsitive Concepts, we understand that every dog is unique and so is every home. That’s why we offer customized training packages designed to meet your dog’s individual needs and your personal goals as a pet owner. From private, one-on-one sessions to small group classes, our flexible programs provide the right balance of guidance, structure, and support to help your dog succeed at every stage.
Our team of certified trainers is dedicated to helping you build lasting results through positive reinforcement and clear communication. Whether you’re starting with a playful puppy, working through behavior challenges, or preparing your dog for advanced tasks, we’ll walk alongside you every step of the way.
Each of our packages includes ongoing support, because we care about long-term success not just short-term fixes. Schedule a consultation today to find the program that’s right for you, and take the first step toward a happier, more connected life with your dog.