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In loving memory of...
Lisa uses a
Behavioral Model Approach
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Lisa (Laney)
Patrona, Dip. DTBC, CPDT-KA, PDT Lisa recognized her affinity with animals, especially dogs, as a very young girl. Once she was old enough, she began volunteering at an animal shelter. The very sad and often hopeless environment led her to decide that keeping dogs in their homes, and ultimately out of shelters would become her life’s work. She strongly believed that most were in such places because they were misunderstood and never properly trained. In October of 2005, Lisa became the owner and President of Trainers Academy, LLC - 6 years after joining Trainers Obedience Centers’ staff. During her career she has worn many hats, including General Manager, Director of Behavioral Sciences, Class Instructor and Behavioral Consultant. Lisa graduated from the Companion Animal Sciences Institute in 2006 with honors, and holds a Diploma of Dog Training and Behavior Consulting. University level studies included developmental psychology, learning theory, training processes, canine social behavior, behavior modification, and professional ethics. James O’Heare, CABC, President of Companion Animal Sciences Institute said this about Lisa. “Lisa completed her studies passing with Distinction, the highest level of recognition we offer for exceptionally excellent work. Lisa’s work demonstrates that she is highly knowledgeable in all areas of dog behavior, training and behavior consulting. The course work she completed was advanced, in-depth, and at the university level, requiring both academic and hands-on demonstration of her knowledge and skills. Lisa has also been an extremely helpful presence in class, participating in discussions and helping less knowledgeable students understand the topics under review. She has been so helpful in fact that we have asked Lisa to remain in class with us after graduation in order to contribute to future discussions for the benefit of our students.” She earned the title of Certified Professional Dog Trainer - Knowledge Assessed (CPDT-KA), through the Association of Pet Dog Trainers in 2002, joining the ranks of less than 500 others to become one of the first in history to earn the certification in the United States and Canada. Lisa is an Endorsed Professional Member of the Association of Animal Behavior Professionals, an Associate Certified Dog Behavior Consultant with the International Association of Animal Behavior Consultants (IAABC), a Professional Member of the Association of Pet Dog Trainers (APDT), a Platinum Member of the International Association of Force Free Pet Professionals (IAFPP) and a member of Truly Dog Friendly. She has written the curriculum for the schools’ educational programs, and training articles that have been published on national websites. Her work was also published in the book the APDT's Top Tips from Top Trainers, released in February 2010. She was featured in a front-page article in the Daily Tribune for her work with rescued dogs, and has also appeared in the Detroit News and Free Press, and on Detroit Public Television. In 2010 Lisa was nominated for, and honored with an award for Behavioral Therapy Excellence by the International Positive Dog Trainers Association. In 2011, Lisa led her school to becoming the first facility in the world honored with personal acceptance by Victoria Stilwell to join her growing network of training professionals licensed by Victoria Stilwell Positively Dog Training, LLC.
Lisa's
family consists of her husband Tristan, stepdaughter Ella, and their
furry kids, BuBu, Simon, Maddie, Laney, Jolie, Dishie and Bradley.
"Trainer's Academy has helped my dog succeed in ways I never
thought possible. Lisa is a fantastic trainer with a lot of knowledge. She was
able to help me so that my dog could learn task(s) in positive manner. I loved
the clicker and positive reinforcement training method! My dog had major
behavior improvements as a result of taking a class and individual conferences
with Lisa. Thank you!!" "Lisa and the training staff were amazing. Lisa was able to get Murphy to do Puppy class graduates Erin and Matt Naseef with Murphy (pictured at right)
"Our experience (Otis and me) with
the Trainers Academy and the volunteers was tremendous. Lisa was extremely
helpful in addressing a neurological problem with Otis and helped us address the
issues with our vet. Her keen awareness of what Otis's milestones should have
been for his age and his shortcomings helped us get to the proper specialists
for Otis. She was always very patient with him and very loving. He gets so
excited when we arrive for day care. The day care experience has been very
therapeutic to his rehabilitation. We cannot say enough about our experience
and we are looking forward to additional classes."
"This class was fantastic! Our puppy has come a very long way
from Class #1 to Class #6, and my wife and I are so please to
have enrolled Teddy Bear into this course, as we found it to be
worth every penny. We both learned so many useful tips to allow
for the training to become a normal daily practice for us to use
with our Teddy Bear at home. He loved the class as much as we
did and it was always something we looked forward to attending
each week. Teddy will definitely continue his education with
the Trainers Academy." "Overall, the training classes were great! I trained all my dogs with old fashioned 70s training, but the experience you get from only positive training is much better. The level of trust and friendship between my dogs and I just rose to another higher level. I have read numerous books about positive training. Patricia McConnell and Temple Gradin are my heroes, and everything that they say makes sense, but it is a whole other story to put this info into the real world. This class finally connected the dots for me, and now I am able to put the book knowledge into the real world because thanks to Lisa, I know how to. Lisa's knowledge about the dog world is really great, and I am happy that I took her class." Intermediate Class graduates Silvie Van Etten with Luna "Best puppy training I've ever been to, because I learned the most and brought the dog to a higher level of obedience than either of the other two dogs I took to puppy classes from other sponsors." Puppy Class graduates the Kirkland Family with Caleb
"I have been in other training classes and this one is by far the best. Your class teaches the most positive, most sensible and humane way to train. It's amazing how my dogs respond to the positive reinforcement! They are happier than before the class started and so eager to learn! I feel so much more in control of them! Our home has become much calmer. Thanks Lisa, and others. You've all made this experience wonderful. See you in more future classes." Intermediate Graduates Dawn and Charles Fedraw with Portia and Harley "Muffin has been to Puppy Class and Intermediate Class, both have been taught by Lisa, who I might add, is the BEST! Muffin has learned so much and at present she is the "queen" of the "leave it" command. This is the one she does best. Muffin has learned to transfer this command to all areas around the house, which makes life so pleasant at our house. I can't say enough about Trainers Academy. Each and everyone of my experiences have been very positive." Puppy and Intermediate Class Graduates Ann Hager & Muffin "Lisa is wonderful! I felt very confident in her ability to help Ellie and I communicate better." Intermediate Class Graduates Rob Denton & Ellie "Saturday mornings are a major high point in the week for Arielle and for me. I continue to be amazed at how much we are learning and how much fun it is. Lisa is fantastic! " Puppy Class Graduates Jan Bragoli & Arielle "I have owned dogs all of my life, but I have never had such a positive response from my dogs as I have had with this program. Thank you Lisa for giving me the knowledge to teach my dog to become a great companion." Puppy Class Graduates Lisa Vanston & Rocco "I've been to Trainers Academy with all three of my dogs. Lisa is the best instructor I have experienced." Puppy Class Graduates Lisa Fox & Ruby "I wish Lisa taught the next level of classes. I considered re-doing the Intermediate class, just to be under her tutelage, but typical of Lisa, she was very unselfish and said that Kona was ready for the Advanced Class. She knows how to train dogs, but she also handles the owners very well. I respect her professionalism."
Intermediate Class Graduates Michael F. Smith & Kona "This was my first experience with a puppy class and I had a great time. I would recommend it to anyone who gets a new puppy. Even if you think you know what you are doing there is always something to learn. " Puppy Graduates Heather Lestczyrsk & Porsche "Lisa is awesome! She is very knowledgeable and worked with everyone on an individual basis. She was able to address any problems and help people with their puppy's personality. All the other trainers were very helpful. You could tell that they all love dogs and I think the puppies could tell too." Puppy Graduates Linda Hildbold & Haiku “Lisa really knows dogs and how they perceive the world around them. This really helps an owner work with and understand their puppy during the training process. A positive attitude and consistency are what training is all about, along with taking time everyday to have fun with your pet, and to form a life long bond.” Puppy
Graduates Jan Dahl & Franklin |
"You
run a great program! Lisa, you are terrific- engaging and
interesting. You have picked some great support people in your
staff. The amount of information you provided was enormous and
helpful. I really appreciated the hand outs- I refer back to
the notes every time Sully and I work together (especially since