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Lisa (Laney) Patrona, Dip. DTBC, CPDT-KA, PDT
President
Trainers Academy, LLC

Lisa recognized her affinity for animals, but especially dogs as a very young girl. Once she was old enough, she began volunteering at the animal shelter.  The very sad and often hopeless environment made her decide that it was her mission to help keep dogs out of shelters, as she strongly believed that most were there because they’d never been 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 Counselor.

Lisa graduated from the Companion Animal Sciences Institute 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 techniques, and ethics. Lisa is currently one of only a few dozen graduates of the program worldwide.

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.”

Lisa also studied both academic and applied theory within Trainers Obedience Centers program of Behavioral Sciences, and became certified as a Canine Behavioral Counselor at levels 1, 2 and 3. Level 3 denotes special emphasis on the etiology, assessment and modification of aggression in canines.

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 Member of the International Association of Animal Behavior Consultants (IAABC), a Professional Member of the Association of Pet Dog Trainers, and a Platinum Member of the International Positive Dog Training Association (IPDTA) for which she also serves as the Regional Director.

She has written curriculum for the schools’ educational programs, and training articles that have been published on national websites such as www.Woofology.com and www.ConnectingNeighbors.com. 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 November 2004, Lisa was nominated by her staff and chosen by Detroit radio station WCSX to be honored as a “Working Class Hero” and in 2010 Lisa was nominated for, and won a Behavior Therapy Excellence Award from the IPDTA.

 Lisa's family consists of her husband Tristan, stepdaughter Ella, and their furry kids, Calvin, BuBu, Simon, Maddie, Laney and Joli.

Read what Lisa's students say about her:

"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."

Puppy Class graduates Frank Ellero with Teddy Bear

"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

"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
many times I was distracted by my canine friend while you talked).  I feel so much better equipped after these 6 weeks. You can laugh about me and my first phone call to Trainers Academy, thinking that Sully was too old (advanced) for the beginner class...I sure do!

Hope we can come back soon and continue (my) education!"

Intermediate Graduates Amy Pilzner with Sully (pictured at right)

"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
Editor's note: Good news, Michael... Now Lisa teaches our Advanced Course! Please visit our class schedule to see when our next class starts.

 "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