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About
Every story has a beginning, and mine is rooted in discipline, focus, and heart. I grew up in competitive hockey, pushed myself through weightlifting competitions, and eventually found my true purpose in understanding how dogs think, feel, and communicate. Each chapter shaped the way I show up for families today, blending structure with empathy to help dogs feel safe, understood, and ready to learn.
Biography
Hi, I’m Sal Malandrino, a Certified Dog Trainer and Certified Canine Behaviorist based in Markham, Ontario. My journey began long before Canine Clarity, shaped by a background in competitive hockey and bodybuilding, where I learned discipline, mental focus, and the powerful link between emotion and behavior.
That foundation led me to study the science behind how dogs think and feel, deepening my understanding through specialized education in canine psychology, genetics, and breed-specific behavior. My early work with a canine detection unit earned me certifications in Bed Bug Detection, Man Tracking, Drug Detection, and Explosive Detection, skills that taught me patience, precision, and how to read a dog’s nervous system before their actions.
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Approach
My approach is built on trust, patience, and truly understanding the language of the nervous system. As a Fear-Free behaviorist, I don’t just look at what a dog does, I listen to what their body is trying to say by reading emotion through biology.
I use the lens of Canine Neurobiology to connect the amygdala, hippocampus, hypothalamus, and prefrontal cortex to the behaviors families see at home, helping them make sense of what’s really driving their dog’s reactions. By uncovering the root cause and reshaping daily patterns through counter-conditioning and new associations, I guide dogs toward replacing uncertainty with calm, confidence, and connection.
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Philosophy
My philosophy is rooted in the belief that true change begins with awareness.
Every behavior, whether anxious or excitable, is the brain’s way of communicating what the body feels inside. Through empathy and science, I help families see beyond the surface so they can understand how emotion, memory, and chemistry shape every response.
By turning awareness into mindful action, I work to empower both dogs and their families to build trust, restore balance, and live in calm connection.
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