Business Details
8 Years
experience
Emergency
services
Your Trusted Partner for Dog Boarding, Training & Adventure in Telluride, CO
Telluride K9 Adventure School was founded in 2018 by Sierra, a lifelong animal care professional with over two decades of experience. Our approach combines applied ethology, risk management, and outdoor adventure to help dogs thrive in human environments. We prioritize kindness, nature immersion, and reciprocal relationships between humans and animals. As a certified Family Dog Mediator and K9 Medic instructor, we maintain rigorous safety protocols and continuous education in canine behavior and emergency care. Our services include structured overnight boarding, day hikes, training programs, and specialized handling for weddings and film sets. We operate across Southwest Colorado, emphasizing unceded Indigenous lands stewardship and community service.Our facility integrates home-like comfort with professional-grade safety standards, offering nearly 24/7 supervised care with minimal kennel time. With certifications from the American Kennel Club and membership in the International Boarding & Pet Services Association, we combine scientific expertise with practical experience. Our team maintains Wilderness First Responder credentials and collaborates with local humane societies through volunteer programs. We guarantee transparent communication, personalized care, and evidence-based behavioral development tailored to each dog's unique needs.
Services
Overnight Boarding
Day Hikes
Training Camp
Wedding Services
Pet Sitting
Equine Care
Exotic Animal Handling
Canine Concierge
AKC Evaluations
Emergency Services
Details
- Year established: 2018
Highlights and features
- Fully licensed & insured with 20+ years of professional experience
- Nearly 24/7 supervised care including overnights
- Outdoor, nature-based focus with no artificial turf
- Certified in Canine Wilderness First Aid and Advanced CPR
- Consistent one-on-one care with owner-operator supervision
Associations and certifications
- American Kennel Club (AKC) Evaluator
- Family Dog Mediator (LEGS)
- K9 Medic Instructor
- International Boarding & Pet Services Association (IBPSA) Member
What people say
Super communicative
Took great care
Best animal whisperer
Knowledgeable about dogs
Exhausted when picked up
Services
Overnight K9 Camp
Our overnight boarding program provides structured outdoor adventures and home-like comfort for dogs. Guests enjoy daily mountain hikes, socialization with balanced packs, and personalized enrichment activities. Each dog receives GPS tracking, natural grooming, and paw massages in our secure, fenced facilities across three scenic locations.
Day Hikes
Guided mountain hikes combine physical exercise with behavioral training in natural settings. Dogs learn trail etiquette, wildlife neutrality, and recall commands while exploring diverse terrain. Our expert handlers ensure safety through advanced risk management protocols and wilderness first aid certification.
Training Camp
Ethology-based training programs address adaptive behaviors through structured pack experiences. We specialize in applied behavior analysis, using positive reinforcement to develop social skills and environmental adaptability. Sessions integrate outdoor challenges with cognitive enrichment activities tailored to each dog's needs.
Wedding Services
Professional canine management for weddings and special events ensures pets remain calm and secure during celebrations. Our handlers provide transportation, grooming, and on-site supervision using advanced defensive handling techniques. Custom packages accommodate luxury events and elopements with exotic animal experience.
Pet Sitting
Personalized in-home care includes feeding, medication administration, and enrichment activities for various species. Our visits feature photo updates and behavioral observations, maintaining continuity of care while owners travel. Services extend to exotic animals and livestock with specialized handling expertise.
People
Sierra
Owner/Operator
Certified canine ethologist with 20+ years of professional animal care experience. Wilderness First Responder and K9 Medic instructor specializing in behavioral development through outdoor adventures. Holds advanced certifications in AKC evaluations and family dog mediation.
Questions
What makes your dog boarding different from traditional kennels?
We combine home-like environments with professional-grade safety protocols, offering outdoor adventures and personalized care instead of cage confinement. Dogs enjoy structured pack activities and wilderness experiences.
Do you handle special needs or exotic animals?
Yes, our staff has extensive experience with exotic species including reptiles, birds, and livestock, along with specialized training for unique behavioral requirements in dogs.
Are your staff certified in animal emergency care?
Our team maintains certifications in Canine Wilderness First Aid, Advanced CPR, and trauma care, with owner Sierra holding Wilderness First Responder credentials and veterinary technician experience.
How do you ensure dog safety during outdoor activities?
We implement strict risk management protocols, GPS tracking, and small pack sizes. Staff are trained in defensive handling and environmental hazard mitigation for mountainous terrain.
Can you accommodate dogs with behavioral challenges?
Our ethology-based approach addresses behavioral issues through structured outdoor experiences and personalized training plans developed by certified applied behavior analysts.
What areas do you serve in Southwest Colorado?
We operate in Telluride, Placerville/Sawpit, and the Uncompahgre Plateau region between Ridgway and Montrose, with transportation services available across the Four Corners area.
