Alexia Rodriguez
Dog Trainer & Behaviorist, specializing in Board and Train & Private Training
Alexia operates our Smartsville CA Facility.
Alexia’s passion for dogs began when she was 12 years old. Her mother showed and bred Japanese Chins in AKC conformation dog shows. As a young person, she worked as kennel help for various show dog fanciers and boarding kennels. During this time she worked several breeds. Including (but not limited to) Dachshunds, Salukis, Bloodhounds and Mastiffs.
Alexia got her first animal related job as a veterinary technician when she was 18 years old. She worked as a Vet Tech for many years, working in Animal Emergency clinics and regular Veterinary clinics. She is proficient in animal first aid and CPR.
After many years in the vet industry, Alexia decided to change careers and work in the beauty industry however her love for dogs never waned… She continued to be involved in small dog rescue and rehabilitation as a hobby. In 2012, Alexia and husband were introduced to Schutzhund training with their Cane Corso. This opened up a whole new and exciting world for her and her dogs.
Alexia trained with several well known dog trainers in Northern CA focusing more on Schutzhund (German protection sports) as well as competition level obedience. She also started training one of her Corso’s for AKC agility competition, tracking, barn hunt and anything that was available near her. Alexia titled in several levels in AKC agility, Schutzhund, Conformation and a host of other performance sports. During this period she also applied and successfully became an AKC dog Show Judge.
In 2016 Alexia met Sara Walchlii and Jess Pombo, both trainers and instructors at the Michael Ellis School For Dog Trainers and owners of Sonoma County Canine. The 3 of them met when they picked up a dog at a San Francisco shelter. They’d connected through the non profit organization she founded, West Coast Cane Corso Rescue, which still operates today. Alexia started a mentorship with Sarah and jess shortly after. Alexia’s goal was to work closely with these established trainers to expand her knowledge in dog behavior. Alexia learned to work with different temperaments and behavioral issues, and how to approach a training plan for each dog.
During this period, Alexia also became very good friends with Oscar Mora of Elevated Canine in LA. In 2020, Oscar Mora and her other mentors gave her her first client dogs to train. This surrogacy helped guide her to ensure a successful outcome.
After the first experience working with a clients dogs, Alexia decided she was ready to quit her day job and start her carrier as a professional trainer. Alexia continued to be mentored by the Sonoma County Canine ladies until purchasing her first home outside of Sacramento in 2022. Now She takes online classes with the Michael Ellis School and continues attend workshops with other trainers to continue to broaden her abilities as a trainer.
“I truly love ALL DOGS and I enjoy showing owners how to deepen their bond with their pets. Dog training isn’t only about “sit” and “stay” its also about learning how to communicate with your dog and learn what your dog is communicating with you. I am always grateful to each and every owner who entrusts me with their dog and I am committed to you both for a successful outcome.” - Alexia Rodriguez
Alexia’s pack includes:
Mr Charm - Cane Corso - Lover of croissants, bite work, obedience and going for rides
Marzipan - Cane Corso - Enjoys barking, bite work, obedience and all the snacks!
Ali - Malinois - The happiest Malinois in all the land
Maya - Lowchen - Sassy but so sweet
Sophia - Lowchen - Little sister to Maya and is a Sass in training