Training Staff

Meet the Trainer

Rolando Chavez

Hi, I’m Rolando Chavez, founder of R.C. Canine Academy, with over 14 years of dog training experience across Las Vegas and beyond. Trained at the renowned Tom Rose School for Professional Dog Trainers and through apprenticeships and working with top police K9 kennels and professional trainers. I have extensive experience in diverse dog training disciplines. I’ve trained pets in basic and advanced obedience, addressed behaviors like jumping or counter-surfing, and transformed aggressive or fearful dogs into stable, loving companions. I’ve collaborated with rescues to boost adoptability and helped puppies build a solid foundation for their new owners. Over the years, I’ve trained police K9s and their handlers to achieve certification and excel in their roles. Additionally, I spent time handling explosives and narcotics detection K9s including TSA 3PK9 cargo screening at Miami Airport, at various Las Vegas casinos, and other venues across the country. My balanced training approach sets realistic goals, fostering stronger bonds and greater freedom for dogs and owners. From puppies and rescues to fearful or aggressive dogs, I help every owner build a better relationship with their dog. Inspired by my journey with my Belgian Malinois, Rhino, and Dutch Shepherd, Cybil, I’m passionate about transforming lives of dogs and their owners. We are currently training in Las Vegas and surrounding areas. So are ready for a well-mannered companion? Visit R.C. Canine Academy’s Programs page to start your dog’s journey today!

Meet My Pack

The Heart and Soul of RC Canine Academy

Picture a Belgian Malinois named Rhino, trotting proudly with a tattered stuffed animal hanging from his mouth, his eyes gleaming with mischief and devotion. Now imagine Cybil, a Dutch Shepherd, her tail wagging like a metronome as she sniffs out a hidden narcotics stash with the focus of a seasoned detective, only to bound off moments later to chase a squeaky Kong across a sunlit park. These two dogs—my partners, my teachers, my family—are the “R” and “C” in RC Canine Academy. They’re the heartbeat of a dream to help every dog and owner find the kind of bond we share, built on patience, persistence, and a whole lot of love.

Rhino came into my life as a fluffy Malinois puppy, all ears and energy, with a knack for hoarding stuffies and stealing hearts. Early on, I thought food and toys were the key to training him—after all, he’d do backflips for a treat. But Rhino taught me something deeper: his true motivator was praise. The moment I showered him with a hearty “Good boy!” and a scratch behind the ears, his focus sharpened, and our connection grew. It was a lightbulb moment that shaped me as a trainer: every dog is unique, and finding their spark—whether it’s a treat, a toy, or a kind word—unlocks their potential. Rhino’s loyalty and his goofy obsession with stuffed animals showed me that training isn’t just about commands; it’s about building trust and joy.

Cybil, my Dutch Shepherd, was a force of nature—a narcotics detection superstar who loved every person she met and worked with a tenacity that left me in awe. Traveling across the country with her, watching her nose lead us to hidden stashes, I learned to trust her instincts and the years of repetition we’d put in together. Her persistence, whether sniffing out a target or begging for one more toss of her squeaky Kong, taught me that hard work, compassion, and consistency can move mountains. I’ll never forget hiking in Red Rock with both of them—Rhino bounding ahead and Cybil darting back to check on me, her eyes saying, “Are you coming or What?” Those moments of play, whether fetching in a park or working a serious job, showed me how training can give dogs the freedom to shine as both partners and pals.

Inspired by Rhino and Cybil, I founded RC Canine Academy to share the magic of a well-trained dog. Every technique I teach, I’ve tested with my own dogs, from puppies to their golden years, shaping them into loving, hard-working companions. They taught me patience when Rhino ignored my calls to chase a squirrel, persistence when Cybil needed weeks to master a new skill, and the importance of setting both realistic and ambitious goals. My mission is simple: to help owners build stronger relationships with their dogs through balanced training, one lesson at a time. Whether you’re a dog lover dreaming of off-leash hikes or a skeptic wondering if training’s worth it, I’ve been there—frustrated, hopeful, and determined. Rhino and Cybil showed me that with hard work, anything’s possible.
At RC Canine Academy, we’re a family. My love for dogs drives every session, and my dedication to their well-being means your pup gets the same care I gave Rhino and Cybil. From teaching a puppy to sit to helping a reactive dog find calm, I’m here to guide you with the lessons my dogs etched into my heart. So come join us—bring your dog, your dreams, and maybe a squeaky toy or two. Let’s build a bond that’ll have tails wagging and hearts soaring, just like Rhino and Cybil did for me.

Rhino

Cybil

Ready To Start Training?

Have questions or want to schedule your start date for training? Contact us today to start your journey!