KEY BELIEFS:
-kindness & compassion come first in all interactions
-both dogs and humans deserve to learn and grow in nature
-the way we speak about living creatures and our togetherness matters; we are a team, family, trusted caregivers, in a reciprocal relationship
Hi! I'm Sierra,
the owner/operator of Telluride k9 Adventure School. 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 with a focus on applied ethology, 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 applied ethologist, I work with your dog's true nature and help them develop their best personality traits while still training for the obedience 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 tired, 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 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 wide variety of behavior and ethology 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 in the future.
-In progress: Diploma in Canine Aggressive Responses (ISCP) (150hr course w/ dissertation)
-In progress: Applied Ethology Family Dog Mediation Professional Course (LEGS/ Kim Brophey)
-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, 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.
-15 years of paid, professional horse starting and training work (specializing in bridleless & eventing)
-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,) L.E.G.S...
-2 year internship with Mary Ann Simonds in Wild Horse Behavioral Ecology
-Member of Wilderness Medical Society; FAWM candidate 2016-2023