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), 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.

Vivian Pineda is the lead trainer for the Puppy and Teen programs at imPETus Animal Training.⁠ ⁠Vivian is a Victoria Stilwell Academy Certified Dog Trainer (VSACDT). She completed her dog training intensives through the Victoria Stillwell Academy in 2018, as well as a 6 month mentorship program at imPETus. Upon completing her training program, Vivian was invited to join the team and teaches Puppies, Teens, Tricks and Nose Work. Additionally, she prepares dog and handler teams for their Canine Good Citizen® Certificate and therapy dog work. Vivian is also an AKC Evaluator for the Canine Good Citizen, S.T.A.R. Puppy, Trick Dog and Fit Dog Programs.

Vivian immersed herself in studying canine body language and communication in 2015, when she obtained a full-time job running and managing playgroups at a doggie daycare. During that time, she also worked as a dog walker, pet sitter and led groups of dogs on adventure hikes. Prior to this, she volunteered her time to work with multiple species including chickens, goats and horses at ranches and veterinary clinics during her time in Reno, Nevada.⁠
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It is her mission to help people create life lasting relationships of trust and collaboration with their canine companions and to inspire people to explore FUN activities that offer enrichment, learning and joy. She strives to be a motivating teacher for doggy and human learners. Vivian participates in continuing education, attends conferences regularly and is dedicated to using a science-based positive reinforcement approach. ⁠She is a member of the Association of Professional Dog Trainers (APDT).  

When Vivian isn't training client doggies, she's playing and training her own pups. She is a proud Chihuahua Mama of 5 and also has a pit bull mix. She loves to stay active and fit! Her favorite activities include working out at the gym️ playing soccer, cycling, hiking, yoga and dancing. Vivian also dedicates her time to working with animals in rescue and fosters Chihuahuas with terminal illness.⁠

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