by VSA | Jan 20, 2025 | Blog Posts
The concept of dog training in our society is at an inflection point, and the role of the dog trainer is evolving as a result. Yes, dog trainers still have clients who need and want them to help their dogs do a certain thing or stop a certain behavior. But what it...
by VSA | Jan 12, 2025 | Blog Posts
Esmé was on track to becoming an English teacher, when an eye-opening visit to the U.S. expanded her ambitions. Esmé Meester was studying to become an English teacher in the Netherlands. During her third year, she was required to travel abroad to improve her language...
by VSA | Jan 7, 2025 | Blog Posts
The first time Sabrina Acton fostered and adopted a rescue beagle, her deeper purpose became clear. Growing up, Sabrina Acton had always loved animals. She worked with them in various capacities, from volunteering to vet assistant roles, even channeling her artistic...
by VSA | Dec 20, 2024 | Blog Posts
Steven Cogswell’s journey to becoming a professional dog trainer and animal welfare advocate has been anything but conventional. With a background in theater, Steven spent over a decade working for a large arts facility in Colorado as a house manager and volunteer...
by VSA | Oct 31, 2024 | Blog Posts
A love of teaching and a challenging puppy named Betsy inspired this VSA graduate Tomi Vensel’s story begins in a classroom, where for nearly two decades she inspired young minds as a dedicated teacher. Her days were filled with laughter, learning, and the...
by VSA | Sep 11, 2024 | Blog Posts
The demand for dog training endures, even during turbulent times. Here are some reasons why. Perhaps you’ve always had a passion for dogs, and dream of working with them, but also feel the need to be practical and wonder how this career might affect your future....
by VSA | Jul 10, 2024 | Blog Posts
Whether it’s losing a familiar home, a beloved family member, or even a simple routine, dogs can need our help bouncing back from life’s changes. Life has a tendency to deliver surprises, doesn’t it? Circumstances shift, routines get upended, loss happens, and even if...
by VSA | Jun 8, 2024 | Blog Posts
Where do we start when framing conversations about aggressive behaviors in dogs? It’s deceptively easy to think of actions such as snarling, snapping, lunging, and biting as all being the same. But Victoria reminds us that dog behavior can be nuanced, and that we need...
by VSA | May 7, 2024 | Blog Posts
Meet a dozen different dogs and you could easily encounter a dozen different personalities, with each dog having their own quirks and style. Some dogs are super-focused. Some are barky, others quiet. Some are wiggly. Some don’t feel comfortable or safe until they...
by VSA | Apr 9, 2024 | Blog Posts
As dog professionals, we are often asked for tips about puppies. We welcome these questions, because early life is a vital time for socialization and starting your puppy off on the right paw! We also understand how easy it is for families to become distracted by the...
