About the Instructors

Hello, my name is Lisa Wance BA, CPDT and I am the training instructor and owner of the Prestigious Paw.

I have been involved with dogs for over 20 years.  I have been training dogs professionally for 10 years and have worked with various trainers for four years prior.  I teach puppy kindergarten classes, basic manners classes, advanced obedience classes, pet agility classes as well as private lessons and in-home training's. 

I attended The University of Delaware and have a Bachelor of Arts & Science degree in Psychology.  I focused my studies on animal science, animal behavior and learning theories.  I have and continue to attend seminars and conferences on positive reinforcement training, operant conditioning, aggression redirection and how to desensitize reactive dogs.  I believe training is a never ending learning process and strive to further my education with animals.  You can click your mouse here to view the different seminars/camps I have attended.  I constantly contine to increase my knowledge and skills in dog training which is evident in my certifications and continuing education.  Dog trainers are not required to do so, but I feel it is intergeral and will seperate myself from the rest.

I am a Certified Pet Dog Trainer (CPDT) with The Certification Council for Pet Dog Trainers. www.ccpdt.org.  I am also a member of The Association of Pet Dog Trainers www.apdt.com and The International Association of Animal Behavior Consultants. www.iaabc.org.  I am an approved CGC (Canine Good Citizen) evaluator for the American Kennel Club. www.akc.org

I am also currently working on another certification for a Diploma of Advanced Canine Behavioral Sciences with the Companion Animal Science Institute.  I am also a professional member with The Association of Animal Behavior Professionals.

I believe and use positive reinforcement principles in all my dog training lessons.  When I originally started training this wasn't the case.  I worked with traditional trainers who based their training on corrections and establishing themselves as leaders or dominant over the dog.  I witnessed all the ill effects this had on dogs and even though they would perform, they were by no means enjoying it and the behaviors were not consistent. The other factor is that correcting a dog only tells him you don't want this behavior.  It doesn't give them any useful information as to what we do want.  They worked out of fear and avoidance of the correction and I have seen it lead to aggression with one of my own dogs.  I want dogs to enjoy training and to offer behaviors without me always telling them what to do.  This will not only strengthen the bond with your dog, but create a wonderful and understanding relationship.  I want both players to be a team and work together.

I have experience with numerous different breeds, including mixed breeds.  I have volunteered with various rescue groups and breed groups and give a discount to any dog or puppy adopted.  I was a very active member in German Shepherd Rescue and fostered and trained several different shepherds awaiting new homes.  I am also currently a member of The Australian Shepherd Rescue and Placement Hotline Inc.

I currently own two Australian Shepherds that are brother and sister and part of a litter that I bred.  ARCH Jessi CGC/TDI, CL1-R is a red tri aussie and ARCH Gus CGC/TDI, HIT is a red merle aussie.  Both participate in rally obedience, agility and a little herding occasionally.  They are the most exceptional dogs I ever owned and are my demo and neutral dogs for all my classes. 

I also recently adopted a mixed breed puppy, Harley, who we think is a Jack Russell/Basset Hound mix.

You can see him on our home page:) Harley is quickly catching up to his Aussie siblings.  He too will soon be my next demo dog.

My motto in all my training's is to keep it light, simple, clear and consistent, but most of all fun!