Santa Fe, New Mexico Dog Trainer
Transforming Relationships Between Dogs & Humans
My mission is to help dogs be truly seen—not through the veil of human expectation, but through the lens of their own ethos. I’m here to guide humans in shedding the mythology we’ve placed upon dogs and to shift the conversation around how dogs learn, adapt, and thrive in our rapidly evolving human world.
in-person & phone consultations
1-hour private in-person, phone, FaceTime, or Zoom sessions.
Day Training & Socialization
Structured behavior support and socialization from 10 AM – 4 PM.
board & train program
Full-immersion training in Kelly’s home, tailored to each dog’s needs.
Where You’ve Seen Kelly
Founder & Operator of Montana’s Largest Dog Behavior Facility
Kelly built and ran Know Thy Dog, serving clients from across the U.S. and Canada for nine years. She sold the business in 2021 to reflect and expand on her approach. During this time, she deepened her studies in canine behavior and the natural dynamics between dogs and their environment. Kelly is currently working on a project in NM to more effectively rehabilitate Feral Dogs.
Canine Behavior Specialist & dog Trainer
Kelly is one of just a handful of trainers in the world that was trained by Marion Breland Bailey, BF Skinner’s graduate student and the first Applied Animal Psychologist in the US, in Operant Conditioning and the introduction of the clicker for marker training. Her training experience spans search and rescue, versatility hunt training and testing, nose work, aggression rehabilitation, pack therapy, sled dogs, agility and off-leash backcountry training.
Humanitarian work
In 2005, Kelly was honored on the The Oprah Winfrey Show for her critical role in supporting the efforts to rescue dogs in New Orleans following Hurricane Katrina. Kelly spent a year off and on with boots on the ground rescuing Katrina dogs, handling and rehabilitating aggressive dogs in partnership with the Louisiana Humane Society and helping HSUS remove dogs from a nationally-recognized cruelty case following Katrina. Kelly currently works in under-resourced NM shelters evaluating dogs and helping place feral and senior dogs.
Film & Commercial Trainer
Kelly was the head dog trainer and handler for two major films shot in Montana. Both movies required the dogs to play lead roles and included review from the American Humane Association (AHA) who monitors the ethical treatment of animals on film sets. Additionally, she worked as the exclusive trainer and provider of dogs for West Paw Dog Toys marketing team, carefully selecting and training dogs to showcase their products. Her dogs have been featured on the cover of their catalogs and continue to be featured on their website.
Training Services, Behavior Consultation & Trainer Mentoring
I offer training and behavior consultations, as well as immersive training experiences—including full off-leash training programs. Each service is designed to help dogs make safer choices, build confidence, and adapt more easily to their environment. I help humans become more attuned to their dogs and gain the hands-on skills needed to support and guide them effectively. Our industry finds job security in the fact that most of our clients have a dog that is outside of their skill-set. My role is to give the owner the tools and education to bridge that gap.
This is not about quick fixes or control; it’s about a deeper understanding of the dog in front of you. It’s about peeling back the layers of expectation and learning to see dogs as they truly are: a reflection of their genetics, early experiences, environment, and unique spirit.
My approach is relationship-based, with an emphasis on safety, peaceful co-existence, and full inclusion into our busy lives. For trainers seeking mentorship and professional guidance, I also offer one-on-one support.
Background
With over 40 years of experience in dog training, handling, and competition, Kelly Engel has developed a deep, hands-on understanding of canine behavior. Sharing her home with 17 dogs—from rescued Chihuahuas to rare Livestock Guardian Dogs—she observes firsthand how dogs naturally communicate, socialize, and coexist. Her approach prioritizes honoring a dog’s innate instincts while guiding owners to build stronger, more attuned relationships with their dogs. Rooted in the 24/7 study of pack dynamics and real-world experience, Kelly’s philosophy encourages us to keep asking the deeper question: what is a dog?
“After we adopted our Jack Russell, Tachi, we discovered he had some very concerning issues. Life with him was on constant high alert. He was not co-existing well with our other dog. Our options were very few; to get him trained or to give him back. Faced with such a sad choice we turned to Kelly and her team for help. Five stars is not quite enough to describe how pleased we are with the results. Our dog is now a new dog! Working with Kelly was a pleasure, and truly a humble reminder of what happens when you refuse to give up. Our hearts are filled with joy everyday watching Tachi thrive in his new forever home. This whole experience has become a turning point for us as dog parents – not only is Tachi a better dog for it, so are we. Thank you from the bottom of our hearts Kelly and her staff. You are all special to us.“
—Barbara a.
“Kelly met Lavr, our Caucasian Shepherd pup immediately after we contacted her, recognized his great qualities, and gave us the confidence and knowledge to have a wonderful, well socialized dog. This breed is very large, powerful, and independent, and also has a really bad rap on the internet. But this did not scare off Kelly. She was already knowledgeable and not at all fearful of the breed. Everything she has helped us with has worked. Lavr is still a pup but it has been a great experience watching him continue to love all people and respect other dogs while we continue to learn and do our part to be good leaders. It seems like we must have had dumb luck – with the breeder, the individual dog, and with Kelly who has pulled the whole thing together for us. Thank you for your knowledge and your great heart.”