More Than Sit and Stay: How One Trainer Turns Dogs Into Family Heroes

In Las Vegas, a lifelong passion for dogs grew into a calling. At Five Star Dog Academy, Alex Chavarrin is proving that dog training is really about people.

It starts with the sound of paws on concrete, the excited pull of a leash, and the sharp intake of breath from an owner who isn’t sure what comes next. In that moment, Alex Chavarrin steps in with a calm presence that immediately steadies both handler and dog. For him, this is more than a profession. It is the culmination of a lifelong obsession, one that began in childhood when he first saw the power of a trained protection dog in action.

“I always say this all started from a hobby that turned into a passion, obsession, and I’ve been fortunate now to turn that into a lifestyle,” Alex explained. “Dog training came easily to me. What I fell in love with was teaching people.”

From Snowsuits to Service Dogs

Alex’s story begins in a Las Vegas neighborhood where a family down the street brought home a trained protection dog after their home was broken into. That moment lit a spark in him. “I was fascinated,” he recalled. “There wasn’t YouTube back then, so we had to figure things out on our own. My friends and I would grab old snowsuits from thrift stores and try to mimic what we saw these dogs do.”

The experiments may have been clumsy, but the drive was real. By his late teens, Alex was seeking out mentors, learning everything he could about working dogs, obedience, and the art of training. Eventually, the lessons broadened beyond the dogs themselves. He discovered his deeper talent was in helping people connect with their pets in ways that changed lives.

Built on Hard Lessons

Like many in his field, Alex had to confront difficult truths. The popular belief that there is no such thing as a bad dog was tested over years of experience. “I’ve had opportunities to be around good dogs and rehabilitated dogs, but I’ve also seen dogs that are just naturally dangerous,” he said. “That’s the hardest part, telling a family their dog is too dangerous for guests, or even to walk safely in public.”

Those hard conversations shaped his philosophy. He learned that not every dog can be completely changed, but every owner can be educated. Setting realistic expectations, creating boundaries, and understanding the difference between a defensive nip and an offensive bite became part of his approach. “It took me years to realize I can teach behaviors, but changing personality is difficult. That lesson came the hard way,” Alex admitted.

Training Beyond Commands

Today, Five Star Dog Academy is more than a training service. It is an immersion into Alex’s world, where each dog becomes part of his daily life. Rather than a sterile facility, his boarding and training programs unfold inside his home and out in the Las Vegas community.

“My world is my playground,” he said with pride. “When dogs come to stay with me, they live with my personal dogs. We go on adventures, visit parks, and train in real environments. Leave your dog with me for three weeks, that’s a big trust, and I don’t take that lightly.”

For those who prefer one-on-one sessions, Alex emphasizes owner education. He teaches clients how to communicate effectively, read their dog’s behavior, and create successful situations. Whether the goal is obedience, service dog work, or family protection sport training, his meticulous, step-by-step guidance is designed to build confidence in both owner and pet.

The Human Connection

What truly sets Alex apart is his insistence on making every experience personal and unique. “There are a lot of good trainers out there, but when people pick me, that is the ultimate compliment,” he said. “I see it as working with a family member. That relationship matters.”

The loyalty of his clients proves his point. One customer, who hired Alex in his very first year of training, is now returning for the third time, more than a decade later. Word of mouth has fueled much of his business, and Alex is grateful for it. “I’m not great at marketing,” he admitted with a laugh. “But I’ve been blessed with referrals and repeat customers. I like my small business.”

Why Las Vegas Trusts Him

Las Vegas may be known for its bright lights and high energy, but behind closed doors, families rely on trusted trainers like Alex to create harmony at home. His impact is measured not just in well-behaved dogs, but in the peace and confidence he brings to families who once felt overwhelmed.

He believes that giving working breeds proper outlets for their energy can prevent frustration and destructive behavior. “A lot of people think their dog is hyperactive, but really the dog is just bored,” Alex explained. “They’re like us, stuck at home eight hours a day. I give owners tools to keep their dogs engaged.”

This philosophy has endeared him to clients who see the difference not just in their pets, but in their family life. For Alex, that is the real reward.

Looking Ahead

As Five Star Dog Academy heads into its next chapter, Alex envisions careful growth. He hopes to bring on another trainer to meet demand without losing the personal touch that defines his work. “I don’t like telling people no when they reach out to me,” he said. “But I also want to keep my standards high. Growth, little by little, is the goal.”

Above all, his mission remains unchanged. “The more educated people are, the better dogs they’ll raise,” he reflected. “That’s what drives me, knowing I can make a difference in both their lives.”

How to Connect

Five Star Dog Academy is based in Las Vegas, Nevada, and offers a variety of training programs, including obedience, service dog preparation, boarding and training, and family protection sport work.

To learn more, visit Five Star Dog Academy online or follow their updates on social media, Facebook: 5 Star Dog Academy and Instagram: @5_stardogacademy. Alex is always open to conversations about dogs, training, and the bond that makes them family.

This feature is part of The Business View Journal’s Local Spotlight Series — your trusted source for discovering the best small businesses in your community.