KEY BELIEFS:
-Kindness and heart-centered curiosity in all interactions
-We all deserve to learn and grow in nature
-The way we speak about living creatures and our togetherness matters; more than an owner-pet relationship, I see us as a team, family, trusted caregivers, in a reciprocal relationship
-Lifelong learning is central to offering the best service I can
Hi! I'm Sierra,
the owner/operator of Telluride k9 Adventure School, LLC. I have been professionally caring for animals since 2004, during which I've provided reliable, compassionate, next level dog-sitting services, behavioralist consulting, training, hiking & outdoor adventures to hundreds of clients beginning with ranch-sitting for my fellow 4H club families at a young age and growing from there.
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. I have a focus on applied ethology (understanding dogs in their environment as individual beings, not simply robotic behavior change) and risk management.
Fun fact: I've 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, AZ, and even Belgium for 2 months before moving back to CO in 2018 and changing my business name to what it is currently.
Your dogs will be delighted to join our pack and grow to their full potential. As a canine applied ethologist, I work with your dog's true nature and help them develop their best personality traits while facilitating healthy social interactions, neutrality, and working on adaptive behaviors that allow them to live safely and freely in our human world. Bonus- you will love to come home to a calm, happy and fulfilled dog!
The way we speak about dogs and "training" matters.
I focus on building a dog up to their best selves to help them adapt to staying safe and fulfilled in this human world vs simply changing unwanted behavior without a constant quest for the "why" behind it. I align closely with the LEGS model of dogs as stunningly intelligent, social and unique beings as a certified Family Dog Mediator.
I have current & ongoing training as a K9 Medic, am an instructor for Canine 1st Aid & CPR as well as Canine Wilderness First Aid, Advanced Medic, Equine Emergency 1st Aid and am a member of Professional United Pet Sitters Assc.
I take frequent continuing education in a wide range of topics as well as teach and certify for all levels of AKC Canine Good Citizen, STAR Puppy, Trick Dog & FIT dog programs. Being a lifelong learner and staying current on animal medical training and a wide variety of behavior and ethology science is important to me to provide the absolute best care for your animals.
What can we help you with?
My Additional certifications/qualifications:
Animal focused:
-Advanced Canine CPR & 1st Aid [K9 Medic]
-Trauma Care for the working dog [K9 Educators]
-Certified to instruct courses in: Equine Emergency Aid, Pet First Aid & CPR, Canine Wilderness First Aid [Pet Emergency Education]
-FEMA Equine & Pet responder
-Certified Applied Ethology Family Dog Mediator (FDM) [LEGS- Kim Brophey]
-American Kennel Club Evaluator for S.T.A.R. Puppy, Canine Good Citizen, Advanced CGC, Trick Dog- all levels, FIT dog- all levels
-Certified Instructor for FIT Dog 6 wk classes- all levels [AKC]
-Canine Conditioning & Fitness Coach (CCFC) certified through DMWYD but recognize this program is alarmingly lacking and will be applying for the extensive CPCFT in the future.
-Free Ranging Dogs Masterclass cert. [Anthrozoology Education Dog Canines - Marco Adda]
-Holistic Dog Behavior & Training Masterclass cert. [Anthrozoology Education Dog Canines- Marco Adda]
-Dr. Ian Dunbar's SIRIUS® 4 day Dog Trainer Academy graduate
-Canine Behavior/Ethology Mentorship- winter '25 session [KW Happy Dogs Behavior & Consulting]
-Volunteer experience fostering, walking, socializing, behavior mod and/or training for dogs through Telluride Humane Society, La Plata Humane Society, Southwest WA Humane Society, Oregon Humane Society, and Larimer Humane Society.
-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
-15 years of paid, professional horse starting and training work (specializing in bridleless & eventing)
-2 year internship with Mary Ann Simonds in Wild Horse Behavioral Ecology
-In progress: Diploma in Canine Aggressive Responses (ISCP) (150hr course w/ dissertation)
-In progress: Aggression in Dogs Masterclass [Michael Shikashio CDBC; Dr Chris Pachel DVM, DACVB, CABC; Jessica Dolce CCFE; Kim Brophey CDBC]
-Lifelong learning through a multitude of seminars, conferences, and courses through ACCS (Advanced Canine Behavior), FDSA, ISPC (Advanced Body Language for the Professional,) AKC Canine College, Shade's Dog Training, Digitherm Education, Leerburg Online University, Vet Editor, Maddie's University (Fostering Dogs with Behavior Concerns) L.E.G.S., Puppyworks (Defensive Handling w/ Trish McMillan, Michael Shikashio)...
Human focused:
-Wilderness First Responder [NOLS]
-W-EMT-B [NREMT]
-ALS/AED/CPR for Providers [American Red Cross]
-Graduate of Rosemary Gladstar's Herbalism course
-Member of Wilderness Medical Society; FAWM candidate 2016-2023
-Served as volunteer corresponding secretary on the board of Rocky Mountain Sled Dog Club from 2023-2024
-Volunteer on San Miguel County Search & Rescue (SMCSAR) from 2018-2024