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Certified dog trainer
Brad Waggoner
Brad Waggoner

Murphy, NC

Cold Nose College

Brad and Lisa Waggoner are the founders of Cold Nose College, a labor of love that has blossomed into world-renowned learning opportunities for both professional dog trainers and dog owners. The mission of Cold Nose College is keeping dogs in their forever homes by fostering trust and understanding for both ends of the leash.

Training Philosophy

Cold Nose College focuses on fostering trust and understanding between companion animals and the humans who care for them. They use positive reinforcement in building strong relationships with both their four-legged and two-legged clients.

Services

Cold Nose College offers a variety of services for both dog owners and professional dog trainers. These include:

  • Online courses: Cold Nose College offers a variety of self-paced, on-demand courses for dog owners. These courses cover a wide range of topics, including obedience training, puppy training, and separation anxiety.
  • Coaching and mentoring: Cold Nose College offers coaching and mentoring services for professional dog trainers. This includes one-on-one consultations, group workshops, and online support.
  • Rocket Recall™ method: Cold Nose College is known for its highly regarded Rocket Recall™ method, which has been widely adopted by dog owners and professional trainers alike.
  • Behavior case support: Cold Nose College offers behavior case support for professional dog trainers. This includes help with diagnosing and treating challenging behavior problems.
  • Career support: Cold Nose College offers career support for professional dog trainers. This includes help with marketing, networking, and business development.
  • Media appearances: Brad and Lisa Waggoner make frequent television appearances on WRCB-TV's 3 Plus You Show in Chattanooga, Tennessee.

Certifications

Brad and Lisa are both Certified Professional Dog Trainers—Knowledge Assessed, and both faculty members of the prestigious Victoria Stilwell Dog Training and Behavior Academy. In addition, Lisa is a Certified Trainer of the Pat Miller Dog Training and Behavior Academy and a Certified Separation Anxiety Trainer, also co-instructing that program with founder Malena DeMartini in its early years. Brad is a Karen Pryor Academy Certified Training Partner, a Fear Free Certified Trainer, and has TAGteach primary certification through TAGteach International.

Specializations

Separation Anxiety, Rocket Recall, Obedience Training, Puppy Training

Training Methods

Positive Reinforcement

Media Appearances

Brad and Lisa make frequent television appearances on WRCB-TV's 3 Plus You Show in Chattanooga, Tennessee, and work as the professional dog trainers in the Rescued Program, Saving Detainees and Dogs One Life at a Time, at the Colwell Probation Detention Center. They received top awards for this service from the Georgia Department of Corrections: Volunteer of the Year (2012 and 2014) and Volunteer Partner Agency of the Year (2018). Lisa writes a monthly dog training column in The Cherokee Scout and has written for the Whole Dog Journal, BARKS from the Guild, The Chronicle of the Dog, and other publications.

We've got the answers for your questions

Who are the dog trainers listed on this page?

We have created a directory of licensed dog trainers specializing in positive reinforcement methods. These trainers are not affiliated with Dogo, and all information is gathered from publicly available sources. Each profile provides a brief overview of the trainer's experience and expertise.

How can I select the right trainer for my dog?

Start by evaluating your dog's needs and identifying your training objectives. Each trainer's profile provides insights into their areas of expertise. Match these with your dog's character and your goals to find the ideal fit.

How do I ensure these trainers are competent?

All trainers listed here are certified professionals with extensive knowledge of positive reinforcement techniques.

Why is positive reinforcement emphasized, and what is it?

Positive reinforcement centers on rewarding preferred behaviors, ensuring a pleasant learning journey for your dog. This humane approach is scientifically proven to be the most effective long-term training method, strengthening the bond between you and your pet. By consistently rewarding good behavior, your dog learns to associate actions with positive outcomes, leading to lasting improvements and a happier companion.

Are these trainers equipped to address specific behavioral problems?

Yes, they are. Our trainers are adept in basic obedience or intricate behavioral challenges. Browse their profiles to identify a trainer who specializes in the particular issues you wish to address.

How do I initiate a training program with a trainer?

Simply click on the preferred trainer's profile to access their contact details. From there, you can get in touch to discuss your requirements and set up training appointments.

How do group sessions differ from private ones?

Group sessions offer a communal setting where your dog learns general obedience alongside other dogs. In contrast, private sessions grant focused attention, making them perfect for targeted behavior modifications or individualized training agendas.

Which training techniques do these trainers abstain from?

All our trainers are committed to positive reinforcement techniques and steer clear of any harsh or punitive methods. Their primary goal is to make training a joyous journey for you and your dog.

When can I expect to see results using positive reinforcement training?

Results depend on factors like your dog's nature, the specific behaviors in question, and your training consistency. While many clients observe improvements in just a few sessions, it's crucial to be patient and persistent.

Can I attend a training session to observe before committing?

Reach out to the trainer you're interested in to discuss possibly attending a session. It's a great way to get a feel for their approach and see if it aligns with your expectations.

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