About Amanda Rivera
Amanda Rivera: Trainer, Co-Owner
From a life-changing K-9 internship to 35 years of professional dog training, Absolute Canine builds confident, well-trained dogs for families, sport, and law enforcement.
Get certified expert advice
17+ years
experience
First Free Evaluation
100% of Dogs We Board Have Trained with Us
A Tailored Plan for Every Case
3–4 Dogs per Trainer
Free Evaluation
100% of Dogs We Board Have Trained with Us
A Tailored Plan for Every Case
Serving Bucks County and surrounding areas since 1996
17+ years experience
About Absolute Canine
About Amanda Rivera
My introduction to dog training began with my bernedoodle, Persephone — whose bad behavior not only prompted me to find a trainer but ultimately introduced me to my husband! I found Absolute Canine by chance, driving past the sign on a back road. When I looked up Sean Rivera and saw his accomplishments and apprenticeship program, I knew I had to reach out. Persey and I studied with Sean for over a year — and by the end, she was a very well-behaved girl!
In the years that followed, I worked with dogs in every capacity I could — dog walking, boarding, grooming school, and continued training. But I wanted more. I wanted to fully commit to dog training as a craft. Serendipitously, Sean and I reconnected, and the rest is history. We were married on September 19, 2020, and I've been fully immersed in Absolute Canine ever since.
About Amanda Rivera
Accomplishments & Highlights
Dog training is psychologically, emotionally, and physically demanding — and I wouldn't have it any other way. My Bachelor's degree in Psychology from Franklin & Marshall College continues to inform how I approach every dog and every client. This work requires humility, vulnerability, and sensitivity, and it teaches me something new every single day.
I am a proud dog mom to three doodles, a Malinois, and a German Shepherd — and a girl mom to our daughter, born July 4th, 2023. There are no days off in dog training, and I'm grateful for every one of them.
-
3+ years full-time experience in pet obedience programs & dog sport
-
Apprenticeship training under Sean Rivera
-
Training director, Trial & Training Helper, Police K9 Instructor
-
Graduate of grooming school
-
Bachelor's degree in Psychology, Franklin & Marshall College
-
Currently training & preparing to compete in IGP
Real dogs. Real results.
Watch our Training in Action
Training clips that show the results in motion.
Testimonials
See Why Dog Owners Trust Us
Every transformation we achieve starts with trust. Here’s what dog owners share about their experience with Absolute Canine.
“We knew we wanted a well-trained dog, and Absolute Canine made that possible. They were clear, professional, and incredibly effective throughout the process.”
Edward Z.
Client
Edward Zwilling
Client
Melissa Shubert
Client
“From the moment I met them, I felt comfortable moving forward. They were open, honest, and gave me the confidence I needed to proceed.”
Neil O.
Client
Our Team
Meet Our Team of Certified Dog Experts in PA
Other Team Members
At Absolute Canine, our passionate trainers bring years of elite experience and endless respect for dogs to each session.
30+ years
Sean Rivera
Trainer
8+ years
Amanda Rivera
Trainer
4+ years
Jessica Brawn
Apprentice Trainer
Trusted for Over 25+ years
Rated 5.0
Every Dog Deserves an Education
Every dog deserves more than obedience. They deserve an education. Start early, build trust, and raise a calm, well-mannered companion who belongs at the heart of your home.
Trusted Dog Trainers
Frequently Asked Questions
Before You Book: Key Questions Answered
We know choosing the right training program is a big decision. Here are answers to the questions we hear most often from dog owners.
Have a different question?
If you don’t find the answers you’re looking for here, contact us.
5.0
from 200+ reviews
-
What happens in the free evaluation?
We meet your dog, discuss goals/challenges, assess fit, and recommend the right program with clear next steps and timeline. -
What training approach do you use?
Balanced, humane, operant-based training with a clear marker system—rewarding what we want and fairly interrupting what we don’t. -
Do you use tools like prong or e-collars?
Only when appropriate for the dog and goals, and always with owner consent and coaching. Tools are introduced thoughtfully and phased as skills grow. -
Do you work with reactivity or aggression?
Yes—case by case. We start with safety and management, set realistic milestones, and progress as your dog is ready. -
Will my dog forget me during a board & train?
No. Your bond isn’t replaced. We include owner transfer sessions and a maintenance plan so behaviors stick at home. -
What skills do you teach?
Engagement, heel/loose-leash, sit/down/stay, place, recall, calm greetings, and household manners; advanced tracks add off-leash reliability. -
How do you choose between private lessons, day school, and board & train?
After the evaluation we match your goals, schedule, and your dog’s temperament to the program that delivers reliable results fastest. -
When can we start training (puppies/adults)?
Puppies can begin foundations as soon as they’re home and cleared by your vet; adult dogs can start anytime after evaluation. -
What’s included after training?
Owner transfer coaching, a written maintenance plan, and access to follow-up support or refreshers as needed. -
How is pricing handled?
We share pricing after the evaluation along with a tailored plan—no surprise add-ons. We’ll outline deposits, schedule, and next steps in writing.
