Private, In-Home Dog Behavior and Advanced Obedience Training In and Near Albuquerque.
What if your dog had a 'Dogtorate' degree?
Standard obedience lessons often fall short for complex cases and building reliable communication in real-world scenarios. My curricula provide intensive education designed to resolve behavior challenges and achieve reliable communication in your home, on walks, and in public. As a dog trainer in Albuquerque specializing in behavior and advanced obedience, my goal is to provide a definitive solution so you never need to search for another professional again.
Albuquerque - Rio Rancho - Bernalillo - Placitas - Sandia Park - Tijeras
Dog Behavior & Advanced Obedience Assessment
Before telling me about your dog, I invite you to evaluate your dog's current skills and behaviors.
If you answer 'yes' to two or more of these questions, you might not be realizing the full potential of what life has to offer you and your dog.
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Do you wish you could take your dog to a restaurant or brewery patio, but you leave your dog at home because they have difficulty settling?
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Have you declined a social invitation or family gathering in the last 30 days because you were worried about your dog's separation anxiety or territorial aggression towards guests in your home?
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Have you altered your schedule to only walk your dog at off-hours (very early or very late) specifically to avoid your dog's reactive behaviors toward other dogs or people?
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Do you dread taking your dog for walks because of their constant leash-pulling?
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If your dog had a medical emergency tonight, would their fearful or defensive behaviors make life-saving care impossible for them to receive?
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If your dog was running toward a busy street, would they fail to come to you when called?
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Have you accepted isolation or limited freedom as a permanent part of your life because you’ve lost hope that your dog’s behaviors or ability to listen can actually change?
Your dog isn't a bad dog, and you're not a bad guardian.
Behavior challenges like reactivity and aggression, and knowledge deficits that lead to leash pulling and jumping don't define your dog - or your dedication. They're a reflection of a communication gap that standard dog training often fails to bridge.
As your dog behavior and training consultant (your "Pawfessor"), I'll provide the academic framework and behavior modification protocols needed for you and your dog to finally speak the same language.
By focusing on results rather than number of lessons, we'll replace the stress of working against the clock with confidence to navigate life with your dog for years to come.
Degree Offerings:
Results-Based Curriculums
Budding Bachelor | Management & Enrichment Foundations
Focus: Setting the stage for success.
Before we can change deeply rooted behaviors, we must stabilize your dog's environment. This degree focuses on management strategies and canine enrichment to lower your dog’s baseline stress. It is the essential prerequisite for dogs who are too over-threshold to learn, providing immediate relief for owners of reactive or anxious dogs.
Includes: 2 virtual support calls post-graduation.
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Master of Manners | Advanced Obedience
Focus: Builds reliable obedience in all of life's scenarios.
Just as a good GPS tells you exactly where you want to go (and not all the ways not to go), we'll help your dog understand exactly what you wish for them to do when given cues and in specific contexts. From leash-pulling and jumping to reliable recall and more, this program has you covered. If your dog already mostly knows the basics, we'll make sure they excel in the most distracting environments - like patios, busy hikes, and crowded parks.
Includes: 3 months of support post-graduation.
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Grounded Graduate | Specialized Behavior Modification
Focus: Address the root causes of complex behavioral challenges.
This curriculum actively helps to reset the nervous system of dogs struggling with dog- or human-directed aggression, severe reactivity, or fears. Unlike traditional dog training packages that simply punish or "correct" unwanted behaviors, this program implements the latest advances in behavioral learning theory for lasting results.
Includes: 3 months of support post-graduation.
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Most Popular
Dogtorate | The Ultimate Transformation
Focus: The gold standard for behavioral & obedience results.
The most intensive program offered, the Dogtorate curriculum combines high-level behavior modification with advanced obedience training. This program is specifically designed for the most complex cases where "impossible" behaviors must be resolved for a dog that is fully functional and reliable in real-world environments. This is the final stop for owners seeking a professional canine specialist.
Includes: Lifetime support post-graduation.
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Canis Fidelis' Academic Standards
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Private Lessons — No group classes. You receive full specialist attention so you're sure to graduate with a personalized plan for your dog's future.
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Targeted Solutions — Behavior problems are addressed at their source, and I'll help you decode your dog's individual signals and triggers.
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Environmental Rehabilitation — No "board and train" or otherwise sending your dog away. Behavior modification happens where your life happens for the best results.
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Science-Backed Methods — Results are obtained implementing the latest findings in canine learning theory without inflicting fear or pain on your dog.
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Transparency — No hidden terms or methods, and no promises that can't be upheld.
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Customized to Your Goals — Solutions that fit your lifestyle and preferences.
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Results-Based Curriculum — There are never any rigid time limits or set number of lessons. Because real results and lasting behavior changes take more care, time, and effort than most trainers are willing to provide.
Trusted by busy professionals.
Aaron Kraft
Albuquerque, NM
"Our dog now goes in her crate easily and is a million times better when company comes over. She even learned roll over and how to shake her paw. My wife and I wholeheartedly recommend you get your dog trained from Canis Fidelis."
Alyssa Batts
Albuquerque, NM
"Rhiannon changed everything for us. She helped us work through reactivity, leash pulling, jumping, herding behaviors, and most importantly, confidence building—for both my dog and me. She took the time to truly understand my Border Collie as an individual and gave guidance that felt realistic, compassionate, and empowering."
Sandy
Albuquerque, NM
"I was at the point where i thought [Molly] might have to be rehoused because i just couldnt stop the bad behavior. I found Rhiannon and what a difference. I call her my dog whisperer because her soft and gentle tone gets results everytime."
Get Started In 3 Easy Steps.
Tell Me About Your Dog
Fill out one of the form below to introduce yourself and your dog and the problems you're facing.
Complete a Consultation
This is where we discuss all the details so I can create your personal training plan to set you and your dog up for success.
Enroll In a Program
During the consultation we'll determine which program will best fulfill your training plan. Then we'll start solving problems together.
Contact
575-322-8305
canisfidelisnm@gmail.com
The first step in getting life with your dog back on track is to tell me about you and your dog:
Meet Your Pawfessor
My name is Dr. Rhiannon Sandoval
I cried everyday for a whole month when I first brought home my rescue Rottweiler, Klaus. From several chewed leashes, to barking, lunging, and even biting another dog, to separation anxiety resulting in a destroyed apartment and broken car window, to not going potty on walks, I was at a breaking point. I decided he was stuck with me, so it was time to get to work.
As a PhD in Geophysics, I shifted my research and problem-solving focus to canine behavior to help Klaus and my other dogs overcome a variety of problems and learn important life skills.
Understanding firsthand how sad, frustrating, and expensive it can be to live with troubled and uneducated dogs, I knew I had to share my knowledge with others. It has been beyond amazing to help so many other dog guardians and their dogs find confidence and peace in their lives together.
