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The dog trainer at Canis Fidelis dog training with her Rottweiler.

Private, In-Home Dog Behavior Training In and Near Albuquerque.

Find clarity and confidence in life with your dog.

If you've come to this site, you're likely stressed, overwhelmed, or feeling completely lost when it comes to your dog's troubling behaviors. I've been there and I can help you.

Albuquerque - Rio Rancho - Bernalillo - Placitas - Sandia Park - Tijeras

If you can relate to this, you're in the right place.

  • barking, lunging, or even snapping at other dogs and/or people is anxiety-inducing and a liability waiting to happen
     

  • one more bite incident could have catastrophic consequences
     

  • separation anxiety makes your schedule revolve around your dog and takes your freedom away
     

  • their disdain of the vet makes you worry that they won't be able to get the care they need when they need it most
     

  • you feel sad or guilty because your dog's fears make their world stressful and small
     

  • others see your dog as a wild beast and you wish they could see their sweet side

With so much information out there, it can be hard to know what's true or what to do.

Your dog's behavior challenges don't make you a bad guardian, or your dog a bad dog.

Behavior challenges often stem from a lack of understanding — at both ends of the leash.

Imagine having your very own professor to teach you and your dog to speak the same language.

 

As your "pawfessor," I'll help you and your dog get on the same page so you can both trade stress for relief.​

 

Because you and your dog deserve training that empowers you.

The dog trainer at Canis Fidelis engaging in positive reinforcement dog training with a client and their puppy.

Canis Fidelis' College For Canines provides:

  • Private lessons — no group classes, you get my full attention.
     

  • Targeted solutions — I address problems at their source.
     

  • No sending your dog away — training happens where your life happens for the best results.
     

  • Latest proven methods — results without fear or pain.
     

  • Transparency — no hidden terms or methods, and no promises I can't uphold.
     

  • Customized to your goals — solutions that fit your lifestyle and preferences.
     

  • Results-based programs — never any rigid time limits or set number of lessons.

Working together looks like:

  • Safety first — we'll make sure you have strong safety measures in place that work for your personal situation and lifestyle.
     

  • Prioritizing goals — I'll never come with a rigid timeline or plan. We'll start with the most pressing issues for you and your dog.
     

  • Learning about your dog — your dog is unique. I'll help you decode your dog's individual signals and triggers.

You'll gain:

  • Practical working knowledge — have a solid plan for today and the future.
     

  • Clarity — understand what makes your dog tick and how to use that knowledge to keep life safe and enjoyable for everyone.
     

  • Confidence — know what to do in a variety of situations, even new ones.
     

  • Peace of mind — have guidance through all of life's steps; no more guessing.

Image by Cassiano Psomas

Trusted by busy professionals.

Sandy

Albuquerque, NM

"I was at the point where I thought [Molly] might have to be rehoused because I just couldn't 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 every time."

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."

Lou Ann Jordan

San Acacia, NM

"With only a few sessions, his abilities to accept new people and places is amazing. Opie would get concerned and tense with anything new. We now are able to go the golf course and the park without him getting upset."

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 multiple chewed leashes, to barking and full-force lunging at other dogs (and even biting one), 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 skills to canine behavior to help Klaus (and later, 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.

The positive reinforcement dog trainer at Canis Fidelis smiling as her Rottweiler puts his face up to hers.

Get Started In 3 Easy Steps.

Tell Me About Your Dog

Fill out one of the forms 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.

Programs

Budding Bachelor

With a focus on safety, prevention, and enrichment, people in this program appreciate the knowledge they gain about their dogs and enjoy the relief they feel in their situations with easy and effective solutions that don’t require teaching their dog much.

Learn more:

Grounded Graduate

This program provides complete behavior solutions - from fears and anxiety to reactivity and beyond. People and their dogs who complete this program go from grounded in the negative way to grounded in the positive way.

Learn more:

Most Popular

The Dogtorate

This is the most comprehensive program. By including both obedience and behavior solutions, it leaves nothing out and nothing up to chance. People who complete this program feel more certain and confident about life with their dogs.

Learn more:

The first step in getting life with your dog back on track is to tell me about you and your dog:

How would you like to be contacted?
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A fulfilled German Shepherd sitting in front of the dog trainer at Canis Fidelis dog training after a positive reinforcement dog training lesson.

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