Hi! I'm Sierra,
the owner/operator of Tk9. I have been professionally caring for animals since 2004, during which I've provided reliable, compassionate, next-level dog-sitting services, training, behavioralist consulting, hiking & outdoor adventures, and in-home care to hundreds of clients. Even before then, I lived on property/ranches raising horses and other animals with my family since birth. Originally from CO, I've provided animal care in WA, OR, CA and AZ before moving back to CO and changing my business name to what it is currently in 2018. My approach with dogs is a unique blend of consistency, calmness and compassion, facilitating learning and growth through the many adventures to be had on mountains, in canyons, and everywhere between.
Your dogs will be delighted to join our pack and grow to their full potential. As a canine behavioralist, I work with your dog's true nature and help them develop their best personality traits while training for the obedience that allows them to live safely and freely in our human world. Bonus- you will love to come home to a tired, happy and well-behaved dog!
I have current & ongoing training in Advanced K9 Medic, am an instructor for Canine 1st Aid & CPR as well as Canine Wilderness First Aid, Equine Emergency 1st Aid & FEMA rescue certified, and am a member of Professional United Pet Sitters Assc. I teach and certify for all levels of AKC Canine Good Citizen programs. I am a lifelong learner and always staying current on animal medical training and behavior training to provide the absolute best care for your animals.
In addition to animal care, I am a Wilderness EMT, have been a volunteer on San Miguel Co Search & Rescue since 2018, and serve on the Rocky Mountain Sled Dog Club board as corresponding secretary.
The latest on Instagram....
My Additional certifications/qualifications:
-Advanced Canine CPR & 1st Aid [K9 Medic]
-Certified to instruct courses in: Equine Emergency Aid, Pet First Aid & CPR, Canine Wilderness First Aid
[Pet Emergency Education]
-FEMA Equine & Pet responder
-Wilderness First Responder [NOLS]
-W-EMT-B [NREMT]
-Human ALS/AED/CPR for Providers [American Red Cross]
-American Kennel Club Evaluator for S.T.A.R. Puppy, Canine Good Citizen, Advanced CGC, Trick Dog- all levels, new FIT dog titles
-Certified Instructor for FIT Dog 6 wk classes levels I-III [AKC]
-Canine Conditioning & Fitness Coach (CCFC) certified through DMWYD but recognize this program is alarmingly lacking and will be applying for the extensive CPCFT fall of '23.
-In progress: Diploma in Canine Aggressive Responses (ISCP) (150hr course w/ dissertation)
-Member of Wilderness Medical Society; FAWM candidate
-5 years of part-time equine veterinary technician experience in WA & OR states
-11 years in 4-H leadership, competing in equine husbandry, behavior, horsemanship, veterinary sciences, and more
-Graduate of Rosemary Gladstar's Herbalism course
-Volunteer experience fostering, walking, socializing and/or training for dogs through Telluride Humane Society, La Plata Humane Society, Southwest WA Humane Society, Oregon Humane Society, and Larimer Humane Society.
-15 years of paid, professional horse training work
-Graduate of Dr. Ian Dunbar's SIRIUS® 4 day Dog Trainer Academy
-Lifelong learning through a multitude of seminars, conferences, and courses through ACCS (Advanced Canine Behavior), FDSA, CPDT-KA in progress, ISPC (Advanced Body Language for the Professional,) AKC Canine College, Shade's Dog Training, Digitherm Education, Leerburg Online University, Vet Editor, Maddie's University (shelter dog)...
-2 year internship with Mary Ann Simonds in Wild Horse Behavioral Ecology