Meet the Trainers of imPETus Animal Training 

Veronica Selco is the lead trainer at imPETus Animal Training. She  is a Karen Pryor Academy Training Partner (KPA CTP), Certified Behavior Adjustment Training Instructor (CBATI-KSA), Certified Control Unleashed Instructor (CCUI) , Certified Nose Work Instructor (CNWI) and Certified Family Dog Mediator (FDM).  She serves as a mentor for aspiring dog trainers enrolled in the Victoria Stilwell Dog Training Academy. She is also an AKC Evaluator for the Canine Good Citizen,  S.T.A.R. Puppy and Trick Dog Programs.  Veronica works with dogs of all breeds and sizes and offers behavior consultation and training services for families needing help dealing with dogs with fear, anxiety and aggression. ​

Veronica has been helping people achieve behavioral wellness for more than 20 years.  Prior to working with dogs, Veronica worked as a Clinical Social Worker, serving families in distress.  Having earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Child and Family Studies at California State University, Los Angeles in 1994 and then a Master’s Degree in Social Work at Columbia University in 1997, her early training was in human behavior and counseling.  Her work as a post-graduate involved helping families cope with trauma, assault, abuse and terminal illness.  This challenging work prepared her for the behavior modification work she does with dogs and their families.
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Veronica is a pioneer in the community and strives to elevate the dog training profession and is committed to a humane and effective, modern science-based approach when working with dogs and their people.  She believes that learning is lifelong and should be fun for all learners. She is an avid and eager learner herself and participates in continuing education regularly. She hosts workshops and seminars for dog trainers and dog owners and attends conferences with leaders in the field of science-based animal behavior. She is also proud to host K9 Nose Work® Odor Recognition Tests and Trials. 
 
Veronica is a member of the Karen Pryor Academy (KPA), Pet Professional Guild (PPG), International Association of Behavior Consultants (IAABC), Association of Professional Dog Trainers (APDT) and National Association of Canine Scent Work (NACSW).  Veronica has also been a supporter and Board Member of Hearts Alive Village Las Vegas, a non-profit dedicated to keeping domestic companions in their homes, since its inception. 

She is passionate about enriching the lives of companion animals, building relationships and communication with pet parents and is committed to helping dogs displaced in rescue. In her spare time, Veronica enjoys training her own dogs, traveling, wine tasting, crafting cocktails and photography.

As the lead trainer for our Puppy, Teen and AKC programs, Vivian Pineda is passionate about cultivating deep, lasting bonds between dogs and their people.  An esteemed graduate of the Victoria Stilwell Academy, Vivian is a Certified Dog Trainer (VSACDT) and completed her mentorship at imPETus in 2018.  Recognizing her skill and dedication, imPETus welcomed her onboard, entrusting her with classes ranging from Puppies, Canine Good Citizen to Nose Work. Vivian is known for preparing dog-handler teams for distinguished milestones such as the Canine Good Citizen® Certificate and Animal Assisted Therapy. 

Accredited as an AKC Evaluator, she teaches S.T.A.R. Puppy, Canine Good Citizen, Community Canine, Urban Dog, Trick Dog, and Fit Dog.  Vivian also teaches Parkour.  Furthermore, Vivian is a Certified Nose Work Instructor (CNWI) under the National Association of Canine Scent Work (NACSW).

Vivian's journey began in 2015 when she deeply explored the world of canine body language and communication. While managing playgroups at a local doggie daycare, she also took on roles as a dog walker and an adventure hike leader. Her commitment to animals traces back even further. During her time in Reno, Nevada, she volunteered with diverse species such as chickens, goats, and horses at a local ranch and veterinary clinic.

Her guiding principle is to build trusting, collaborative relationships between dogs and their people. Vivian is an advocate for positive reinforcement and fun learning. As a firm supporter of science-based positive reinforcement methods, she regularly brushes up her skills through continued education and conferences. A proud member of the Association of Professional Dog Trainers (APDT) and the National Therapy Animal Organization, Pet Partners, Vivian's credentials speak volumes about her dedication.

Beyond training client dogs, Vivian's heart belongs to her own pets. A longtime devoted Chihuahua Mama, she also recently adopted an exuberant adolescent husky/cattle dog mix and enjoys training her dogs for Nose Work, Parkour, Agility, Tricks, and more. Her zest for life is apparent both professionally and personally. From hitting the gym, indulging in outdoor escapades, playing soccer, dancing, to unwinding with an engaging book, Vivian's commitment to enrich the lives of pups and people is contagious. And, in line with her compassionate nature, she continually contributes to animal rescue endeavors.

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