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Lisa (Laney) Patrona,
Dip. DTBC,
CPDT, PDT, CBC, Trainers Academy, LLC President
Lisa
recognized her affinity for dogs as a very young girl. After
volunteering in the very sad and often hopeless shelter
environment, she decided to make it her mission to help keep
dogs out of shelters, believing strongly 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 Cynology College with honors, and holds a Diploma of Dog
Training and Behavior Consulting. University level studies
included developmental psychology, learning theory, canine
social behavior, behavior modification, and pharmacology.
Lisa is currently one of only a few dozen graduates of the
program worldwide.
James O’Heare, CABC, President of
Companion Animal Sciences Institute (formerly Cynology
College) said this about Lisa. “Lisa completed here 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 holds certifications as a Canine Behavioral Counselor at
levels 1, 2 and 3. Level 3 counseling certification denotes
special emphasis on the etiology, assessment and treatment
of aggression in canines.
She earned the title of Certified Pet Dog Trainer (CPDT),
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) and a
Professional Member of the Association of Pet Dog Trainers.
Lisa also regularly Mentors students and graduates of Animal
Behavior College.
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. She was also featured in a
front-page article in the Daily Tribune for her work with
rescued dogs, and has appeared 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”.
Lisa resides on Berkley with her husband Tristan, stepdaughter
Ella, and their 4 dogs BuBu, Simon, Calvin, and Maddie.
Read what
Lisa's students say about her:
"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