About the Trainer
Toss and Robin, On their last SAR mission 2013
Indian Peaks Wilderness
I’m m the owner and trainer behind K9 Academics, providing private, in-home dog training for families across Northern Colorado.
With more than 40 years of professional experience working with service, working, and companion dogs, my focus is on helping both dogs and owners build clear communication, confidence, and practical skills that last.
Over the years, I’ve trained service dogs, therapy dogs, and competitive obedience dogs, and I bring that same structured approach into every home I work in. My background includes military service as a former MP, as well as serving in Colorado as a certified Search and Rescue dog handler, Training Director, and Lead Certification Evaluator. I’ve also assisted in the training of patrol dogs for law enforcement.
K9 Academics began informally in 1988 when friends and community members started asking for help training their dogs. What began as helping a few people grew into a lifelong professional pursuit built on education, hands-on experience, and real-world application.
Training has always been my passion. As a teenager, I began teaching our family dogs basic obedience and tricks. Growing up in Alaska expanded that experience into sled dog training and skijoring, which later led into competition obedience, tracking, scent detection, and advanced performance work. Along the way, I’ve trained across multiple disciplines and species, always focused on building reliable skills through thoughtful, humane methods.
While dogs often learn quickly, lasting success comes from supporting the people on the other end of the leash. My programs emphasize owner education alongside dog training, helping families understand how to practice, communicate, and maintain progress between sessions.
If you’re ready to build a stronger relationship with your dog through structured, personalized training, I’d be happy to help.
What Clients Can Expect
Private, in-home sessions tailored to your dog and your household
Structured programs designed for lasting results
Clear guidance and hands-on coaching for owners
Humane, science-based training methods
Practical skills that work in everyday life—not just during sessions
Ongoing support as you and your dog progress
970-576-0873
Our programs work best for families who are ready to practice between sessions and actively participate in their dog’s training.
When you’re ready to get started, explore our training programs below to find the right path for you and your dog.
Not sure where to begin?
Choose the program below that best fits your dog’s age, experience, and training goals.
Private in-home training for puppies focused on manners, confidence, and real-life skills.
Structured in-home training for obedience, behavior challenges, and everyday reliability.
Specialized training for teams pursuing advanced development and performance goals.
Advanced skills and enrichment courses for dogs ready to build beyond basic foundations.
Brav and Coffy pulling my kids as part of their daily job delivering newspapers. Our family couldn’t have survived without Brav and Coffy’s help.
Private, in-home training designed for real-life success.
What Sets Our Programs Apart
Private, in-home sessions
Structured academic-style programs
Owner coaching included
Humane, science-based methods
Real-world results
Every program focuses on clear communication, owner education, and practical skills that last—right in your home environment. Our programs work best for families committed to practicing between sessions.