Rhiannon E. Vieceli, PhD, is the celebrated owner of Canis Fidelis LLC, a positive reinforcement dog training business she established in 2023 in Socorro, New Mexico. Dr. Vieceli manages a succession of client inquiries, assembles tailored training programs, conducts sessions, and collaborates with her assistant to ensure a seamless client experience. Before founding Canis Fidelis LLC, she worked at various national laboratories, where she honed her research skills and cultivated an interest in business. This passion ultimately inspired her to pursue a career centered on canine science.
Dr. Vieceli’s commitment to animal welfare extends beyond her business. Her involvement with the Animal Protective Association of Socorro reflects her dedication to improving the lives of both animals and their owners. She also laid a solid academic foundation, earning a bachelor’s degree in physics from The Pennsylvania State University, a Master of Science in geophysics, and a Doctor of Philosophy in environmental and earth sciences with a concentration in geophysics and technology from the New Mexico Institute of Mining and Technology.
Recalling the origins of her calling, Dr. Vieceli found her passion for dog training after completing her PhD. While working as a geophysicist at a national laboratory, she researched the field of canine science and recognized her desire to create a meaningful impact through direct interaction with people and animals. Her courageous shift from a traditional corporate job as an earth scientist to working as a canine scientist marked a pivotal moment in her career. She stands out by exclusively using scientifically proven positive reinforcement techniques and staying current with the latest research, ensuring her methods are both effective and cutting-edge.
Dr. Vieceli finds immense fulfillment in witnessing the transformative impact of her training on both dogs and their owners. Seeing a dog become less reactive, relax, and fully enjoy life brings her profound joy, especially knowing it creates happiness and relief for the owners. This transformation enhances the bond between pets and their families, making her work as a business owner deeply rewarding. She also thrives on learning and building meaningful connections, both of which she considers essential to her work.
The most challenging aspect of Dr. Vieceli’s work involves addressing situations where a dog may not be in the right family environment or lacks a viable future. These emotionally taxing conversations are difficult to navigate but underscore the significance of her mission. Additionally, collaborating with shelters and animal organizations exposes her to the harsh realities many dogs face, further emphasizing the importance of her dedication to improving their lives.
Dr. Vieceli ascribes her success to her persistence, resilience, and passion for learning. These qualities have empowered her to approach challenges from multiple angles, find innovative solutions, and adapt to unexpected obstacles. Her dedication to enhancing communication skills has been instrumental in her ability to teach others effectively and address the unique challenges of her work. Looking ahead, she envisions establishing a dedicated facility for dog care and training, expanding access to resources for individuals seeking support with their pets. Her plans include offering additional education and monthly interviews to promote dog fostering and improve pet-owner relationships. She remains committed to utilizing scientifically proven positive reinforcement techniques, emphasizing their effectiveness and alignment with her values.
When advising aspiring dog trainers, Dr. Vieceli encourages connecting with local communities and participating in animal-focused organizations, such as protective associations or low-cost spay and neuter programs. She stresses the importance of understanding the challenges people face with their pets, as dog training often involves teaching owners just as much as their pets. While many enter dog training with a focus on animals, Dr. Vieceli emphasizes the people-oriented nature of the profession, where collaboration with pet owners is key to achieving meaningful outcomes.