Cold Nose College founders Lisa Lyle Waggoner and Brad Waggoner have joined forces with world-renowned dog trainer Victoria Stillwell as teaching faculty at the Victoria Stilwell Academy of Dog Training and Behavior (VSA).
Both Certified Professional Dog Trainers with extensive credentials and experience, the Waggoners are passionate advocates for humane, science-based dog training. As VSA faculty, they join a team of experts from across the country who meet the highest standards for teaching dog trainers modern, positive dog training techniques. VSA prepares students to confidently apply these techniques when working with their own clients and their dogs.
”We’re excited to be a part of this academy for new dog trainers. It’s important to helping the students learn how to train and teach both dogs and people using modern training methods based in positive reinforcement.” says Brad.
The Waggoners speak publicly, write, provide remote learning for clients in the U.S. and Europe, and teach private clients and group classes and workshops at their base in North Carolina, and around the country. In January, Cold Nose College also opened a second training location on Florida’s Space Coast.
Stilwell says, “Brad and Lisa are able to teach complex theories and practices with an easy and comfortable approach, always setting the student up for success.”
Stillwell is a TV personality, author and public speaker and dog trainer who founded VSA to educate, engage and empower new dog trainers to spread the benefits of positive training. She stars in several international hit TV series including Greatest American Dog and It’s Me or the Dog, which are broadcast in more than 100 countries.
The inaugural six-month academy kicked off in February with 19 students from 21 states and one student from Australia and the Waggoner’s will also help launch the academy in the United Kingdom in both October and December. The course includes two in-person intensive courses, bi-weekly cyber classes and weekly online learning. The Waggoners joined Stillwell to teach the intensive courses, which were held in Atlanta, and are also teaching cyber classes. VSA students complete a field training program, as well, working closely with professional trainers as a mentor in their geographical area.
“We have such an amazing group of inquisitive, engaged students,” said Lisa. “They are so passionate about positive training. Some already have successful businesses, but they want to further their education with such a comprehensive curriculum.”
Lisa is a Pat Miller Certified Trainer-Level 2 and a Certified Separation Anxiety Trainer. Brad is a graduate of Karen Pryor Academy of Animal Training & Behavior (KPA) and a KPA Certified Training Partner. Both are Certified Professional Dog Trainers, dog∗tec Certified Dog Walkers, and members of The Pet Professional Guild (PPG).
Lisa writes expert articles on dog training, and is a frequent speaker on humane education and other dog-related topics. She and her dog Willow have earned a DockDogs National Big Air Title of Junior in the dock diving competition and a National Association of Canine Scent Work (NASCW) NW1 Title, as well as Trick Dog Novice and Intermediate titles.
Brad is a Pet Tech Inc. pet First Aid and CPR instructor. He was awarded the prestigious B.F. Skinner scholarship to attend the Karen Pryor Academy. Both keep their knowledge and skills honed with regular classes, seminars, and workshops.
