I’m Vivian Pineda, a professional dog trainer driven by a lifelong passion for animals and a deep respect for how dogs learn and communicate. My love for animals began early and has grown through years of hands-on experience caring for dogs, cats, reptiles, small mammals, and livestock. While attending the University of Nevada, Reno, I expanded my knowledge by studying and volunteering with chickens, goats, and horses at a local ranch and veterinary clinic, further shaping my understanding of animal behavior across species.
My professional journey in dog training began in 2015, where I immersed myself in canine body language and communication while managing playgroups at local doggie daycares. During this time, I also worked as a dog walker and adventure hike leader, gaining extensive hands-on experience with dogs of all ages, temperaments, and energy levels. These early experiences reinforced the importance of understanding dogs as individuals and inspired me to pursue formal education in dog training.
I am a graduate of the Victoria Stilwell Academy and a Certified Dog Trainer (VSACDT). I completed my mentorship at imPETus in 2018 and was later welcomed onto the team as a lead trainer. Today, I lead our Puppy, Teen, Parkour, and AKC programs, where I focus on building meaningful, lasting relationships between dogs and their people through clear communication, positive reinforcement, and engaging learning experiences.
As an AKC Evaluator, I teach S.T.A.R. Puppy, Canine Good Citizen, Community Canine, Urban Dog, Trick Dog, and Fit Dog. I also teach Parkour and Scent Work and regularly prepare dog–handler teams for milestones such as the Canine Good Citizen® Certificate and Animal Assisted Therapy work. I am additionally a Certified Nose Work Instructor (CNWI) through the National Association of Canine Scent Work (NACSW).
Alongside group classes, I work with private clients to address behavior challenges across all life stages—from puppy foundations to dogs struggling with barking, lunging, fear, and reactivity. My work is grounded in modern, science-based approaches that help dogs feel safer, more confident, and better equipped to navigate their environments. I have studied behavior-focused programs, including Control Unleashed and Behavior Adjustment Training (BAT) and have completed the Aggression in Dogs Master Course, which informs my thoughtful, individualized support for complex behavior cases.
My guiding principle is to foster trusting, collaborative relationships between dogs and their guardians. I strongly believe training should be effective, humane, and enjoyable for both ends of the leash. I am committed to continuing education and regularly attend seminars, workshops, and conferences to stay current with evolving best practices. I actively follow and learn from organizations such as the Association of Professional Dog Trainers (APDT), Karen Pryor Clicker Training Academy (KPA), Victoria Stilwell Academy, Fenzi Dog Sports Academy (FDSA), and others.
Outside of working with clients, I continue to grow as a trainer through my own dogs. I share my home with two cattle dog mixes and three rats and actively train in scent sports, agility, tricks, and other canine sports. When possible, I compete with my dogs, who hold multiple titles in scent work, urban locating & lost item, tricks, barn hunt, and Fast CAT.
My goal is to help dogs and their people build confidence, communication, and trust—creating partnerships that thrive both in training and in everyday life.
