The Fort Collins community and the broader canine training industry are mourning the tragic loss of Romario Romain, who passed away in a fatal car accident in March 2026. As the Owner and Head Trainer of The Dog Wizard Fort Collins, Romain was a highly respected behavioral specialist, a devoted family man, and a mentor to many. He leaves behind a profound legacy of compassion, entrepreneurial courage, and unmatched expertise in canine behavior.
Early Life & Education
Romain’s path to becoming a master dog trainer was rooted in both formal science and deeply personal experience.
- Academic Foundation:Â He earned a Bachelor of Science in Biology, with dual concentrations in Biomedical Sciences and Zoology.
- The Catalyst: His professional pivot was inspired by his own dog, a Cane Corso named Saint. Facing severe adolescent behavioral issues—including leash reactivity, stranger danger, and boundary pushing—Romain dedicated himself to mastering behavior modification.
- Lived Experience: Successfully rehabilitating Saint from an out-of-control adolescent into a gentle, off-leash companion not only restored his family’s peace of mind but ignited Romain’s passion for helping other owners facing similar, overwhelming challenges.
Career Zenith & Contributions
Transitioning from a traditional 9-to-5 career, Romain built a thriving enterprise centered on balanced training and canine psychology.
- Franchise Launch: Alongside his partner, Alexandria Sanchez-Moral, he opened his first The Dog Wizard franchise in Indianapolis. His exceptional skill set and ability to build rapport quickly drove the location to high success rates.
- Colorado Expansion: Capitalizing on their initial success, the duo took a calculated entrepreneurial risk, expanding their operations to the Denver and Fort Collins markets to establish The Dog Wizard Fort Collins.
- Training Mastery:Â Romain specialized in advanced behavior training, addressing complex issues such as aggression, resource guarding, separation anxiety, and socialization.
- Working Dog Expertise:Â He was a highly sought-after certified decoy, introducing numerous colleagues to sport bite work and fundamentally elevating their training methodologies.
Leadership & Affiliations
Romain was a recognized authority in his field, blending rigorous academic knowledge with hands-on, practical application.
- Institutional Affiliations:Â He was an active, credentialed member of the International Association of Canine Professionals (IACP), where he was listed as a specialized trainer.
- Industry Recognition: Under his leadership and expertise, his business was recognized as a 2021 NOCO Winner.
- Media Features: His entrepreneurial journey, risk-taking, and expertise were highlighted in a May 2023 feature in CanvasRebel Magazine, where he and Sanchez-Moral discussed the realities of business expansion and behavioral training.
- Mentorship: Known for his guiding philosophy—reminding students that “knowledge is something no one can take away”—Romain freely mentored aspiring trainers, shaping the next generation of canine professionals.
Legacy & Impact
Romario Romain’s sudden passing creates a deep void for those who knew him, but his impact remains indelible across the communities he served.
- Community Pillar:Â He is remembered for his vibrant, welcoming spirit, his humility, and his innate ability to make everyone around him feel valued and appreciated.
- Family Devotion:Â Romain was a dedicated partner to Alexandria and a loving father to their young son. He was also deeply connected to his extended family, with relatives noting his unwavering loyalty and generous spirit.
- Enduring Influence:Â His legacy lives on through the countless dogs he rehabilitated, the families he empowered, and the trainers he inspired. As his cousin shared in a heartfelt public tribute:Â “Rest in peace to my cousin Romario Romain as you join Uncle Roger. Gone too soon but never forgotten. Your memories will live on in our hearts forever”.