Victoria Stilwell Academy for Dog Training & Behavior (VSA)

The Victoria Stilwell Academy for Dog Training & Behavior (VSA) is a premier institution dedicated to the professional education of aspiring dog trainers. Founded by world-renowned trainer and television personality Victoria Stilwell, the Academy is built upon a core mission to promote healthy, positive relationships between pets and their owners. By empowering new generations of professionals with the necessary knowledge, tools, and confidence, VSA aims to foster thriving careers that prioritize the welfare of dogs.

Core Philosophy and Methodology

The VSA philosophy is rooted in the belief that effective dog training requires a dual focus: mastery of canine behavior and the ability to communicate effectively with people. The Academy utilizes an innovative, interdisciplinary learning model that emphasizes positive reinforcement. Their curriculum is strictly scientifically-based, drawing heavily from the fields of dog cognition, psychology, and behavioral science to ensure that students understand dogs from the inside out.

Educational Programs and Curriculum

VSA offers a comprehensive, performance-based curriculum designed to be both flexible and rigorous. The flagship Dog Trainer Course provides students with a blend of learning modalities, including:

• At-home online study: Allowing students to learn at their own pace through the VSA Student Learning Center.
• Hands-on learning: Intensive in-person models that provide real-world experience.
• Mentorship: One-on-one guidance from experienced faculty advisors who support students as they work with dogs and their owners.

The curriculum is designed to produce experts who are not only skilled in canine behavioral modification but are also adept at educating and empowering dog owners. Specialized courses, such as the program on Reactivity for Professionals, further demonstrate the Academy's commitment to addressing complex behavioral challenges.

Faculty and Advisory Board

The Academy is supported by a world-class faculty hand-picked by Victoria Stilwell. Furthermore, the institution maintains a distinguished Advisory Board comprised of experts in veterinary medicine, animal behavior, and canine science, including notable figures such as Dr. Alexandra Horowitz, Dr. Brian Hare, Dr. John Ciribassi, Dr. Marty Becker, and Professor Daniel Mills. This high level of academic and professional oversight ensures that the training provided at VSA remains at the forefront of modern cynology and animal behavior science.