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 coordinator. But it was the time he spent volunteering at a local animal shelter that awakened his passion for working with dogs.
Discovering a love of dogs
“I wanted to have more interaction with the dogs,” Steven shares, “and eventually enrolled in their behavior program so I could do some behavior modification to help dogs transition to good homes.” That experience set him on a career path outside the performing arts and into one that he never expected.
Today, Steven works as the volunteer coordinator at Riverdale Animal Shelter, a socially conscious shelter committed to a fear-free, positive reinforcement approach. Here, he leverages people skills and dog training expertise every day, guiding volunteers in safe, compassionate animal handling. Steven’s job isn’t just about working with animals; it also involves training people.
“I work with the volunteers, showing them how to operate in a fear-free, positive reinforcement way,” he explains. This role, he notes, wouldn’t have been possible without the knowledge and confidence he gained from the training he received through the Victoria Stilwell Academy (VSA), an institution known for its forward-thinking approach to dog training and behavior.
The VSA Advantage
Steven enrolled in the VSA Dog Trainer Course for its well-regarded reputation and positive training philosophy. “It took me just a day or two to figure out VSA was the best choice out there,” he says, noting how impressed he is with founder Victoria Stilwell’s compassionate approach. He began with the online course, a decision he describes as pivotal. “I loved every minute of it,” Steven recalls.
He followed up, the following year, by enrolling in the add-on In-Person Track (IPT) of the course, highlighted by attending the in-person intensive. Steven describes the VSA IPT as “the best six days of my life.” He felt inspired and enriched by the depth of learning and the power of community he experienced.
The immersive environment, surrounded by like-minded people, had a profound impact. “It wasn’t so much about learning new techniques but experiencing the energy and seeing Victoria interact with the animals,” he explains. The in-person module offered a unique, hands-on learning environment, which Steven found transformative. Friendships forged in that program have persisted, as his cohort continues to stay in touch and support each other.
A fulfilling, meaningful career
Today, Steven uses his dog training education in his role at Riverdale. For example, a dog named Teddy recently struggled in the noisy, hectic kennel environment. Teddy was withdrawn and struggled to engage with the world, so Steven invited the nervous dog to stay with him in his office. Using patience and consistent, gentle efforts, Steven has helped Teddy gain confidence. “Watching her take small steps toward a happier, more engaged life reminds me that we’re doing it right,” he says.
The Dog Trainer Course also helped him polish people skills that are invaluable for working with shelter volunteers who bring various ideas about animal handling. “VSA taught us how to have open conversations and use positive reinforcement, not only with animals but with people.”
Steven wholeheartedly endorses VSA not only for its science-backed training methods but also for its commitment to evolving with the latest research on animal behavior. He finds that VSA’s core philosophy and training don’t need to be unlearned or reinterpreted in the face of each new study or continuing education offering, and this is a significant advantage. “If someone is serious about pursuing dog training as a career, VSA is a strong foundation,” he says.
Steven’s journey exemplifies how a passion for animal welfare, paired with the right education, can lead to a fulfilling and impactful career. He has become more than a skilled trainer, but a well-rounded, compassionate advocate for animals, ready to guide them—and the people who care for them—toward brighter futures.
Learn more about preparing for a rewarding career as a dog trainer with VSA’s premier Dog Trainer Course.
