Kelly Engel | Dog Behaviorist and Training

Programs include 1-hour private or in-home consultations, 2-week or custom-length Board & Train programs in Kelly’s home with daily training, hiking, and socialization in a pack setting, and virtual sessions. Each program includes a go-home lesson and follow-up support. The off-leash program uses remote collar systems and includes video/photo updates. Custom programs are tailored to goals like foundational skills, socialization, or behavior rehabilitation. All programs require a pre-enrollment evaluation and review of Kelly’s Training Philosophy.

Pricing Summary

Phone consultations: $100 (standard), $200 (emergency or comprehensive). In-home consultations: $250. Office consultations: $150. New puppy/shelter dog support: $150 (office) or $250 (in-home). Board & Train: $2,200 for 2-week off-leash program; custom programs start at $1,000/week. All programs require a $50 evaluation fee upfront. Remote collars included in off-leash program ($200 additional for custom programs). Travel fees apply outside Santa Fe.

Policies

All programs require a $50 evaluation fee upfront. Payment for remaining balance is required only after evaluation approval and invoice issuance. No cancellation or rescheduling policies are explicitly stated in the content.

Kelly Engel is a professional dog behaviorist with over 40 years of experience helping dog owners transform their relationships with their dogs through science-based, intuition-informed, and individualized training. She offers private in-person and virtual consultations, in-home training, and immersive Board & Train programs at her facility in Santa Fe, NM. Kelly specializes in complex behavior cases, off-leash training, puppy and shelter dog support, and rehabilitation of fearful or aggressive dogs. Her approach emphasizes seeing dogs as individuals shaped by genetics, early experiences, and environment—rejecting human myths and focusing on peaceful coexistence. She trains all breeds, including large, powerful, and feral dogs, and provides mentorship for aspiring trainers. Kelly was trained by Marion Breland Bailey, a pioneer in applied animal psychology and clicker training, and has worked on major film productions and with rescue dogs. Her programs include daily hands-on training in a pack setting, real-world exposure, and comprehensive follow-up support for owners.

She also offers a complimentary 15-minute intro call to help dog owners determine the best path forward, and her services are available nationwide via virtual sessions. Her facility in Santa Fe includes professional dogs for socialization and evaluation, and she has a deep commitment to ethical, humane, and relationship-centered training.

Kelly’s work extends beyond training: she has been honored on The Oprah Winfrey Show for humanitarian efforts, led Montana’s largest dog behavior facility, and currently works on rehabilitating feral dogs in New Mexico.

Accomplishments

Kelly Engel was trained by Marion Breland Bailey, the first Applied Animal Psychologist in the U.S. and a student of B.F. Skinner. She founded and operated Montana’s largest dog behavior facility for nine years. She was honored on The Oprah Winfrey Show in 2005 for humanitarian work. She served as head dog trainer for two major films with American Humane Association oversight and trained dogs for West Paw Dog Toys’ marketing campaigns. She currently works on rehabilitating feral dogs in New Mexico.

How to Get Started!

Prospective clients must first review Kelly’s Training Philosophy online, then schedule a complimentary 15-minute intro call to discuss needs. An evaluation is required before enrolling in any Board & Train or intensive program. Clients may submit behavior videos for comprehensive consultations.