Kirk C.
Conifer, CO
The Dog Guy
Pet care experience
I am different because I am a dog behavior trainer. Long ago, when I was 11 my family rescue a kennel of 20+ sled dogs and it became my life by choice. We taught dogs how to be dogs and how to be sled dogs. These sled dogs had to be ambassadors for kids nature programs so they couldn’t be unruly. My mother was an avid horsewoman and wildlife rehabilitator. As such, animal care is second nature to me. In 2016, I moved to the States and opened my open dog behavior training company in Texas and then Denver. I bought a pet food store in Ken Caryl in 2018 and sadly had to close it during the pandemic. In addition to pet food and sled dog gear, I offered behavior training services there. People call me when other dog trainers’ techniques are not working. It truly broke my heart to close my doors but the pandemic was tough on small business. After a few years of soul searching, I am coming back to the pet care industry in full force. My wife and I moved up to Conifer, outside of Denver, to fulfill our dream of having acreage and expanding our dog team. We are actively involved in Colorado sled dog sports with one of the local clubs. Rover is a temporary way to offer dog boarding until we can open our private facility and expand our dog services and education. Your dogs will come home with their batteries recharged feeling like they went to the best doggy retreat/camp EVER.
Reviews
We have a kennel of sled dogs from a wide variety of circumstances. Kirk has been a fantastic resource in helping us assimilate dogs with all kinds of behaviors - from happy-go-lucky to nervous to too-smart-for-their-own-good - into a cohesive pack of happy dogs. His unique ability to just look at a dog and see into their minds to the very core of what makes them tick is inspiring and gives him the ability to effectively see and address different behaviors based on each dog's need. We return for his sage advice and cheerful demeanor again and again.
It can be so hard to find a quality person who you trust to take care of your animal. When Kirk watches our dogs, they always come home happy and healthy. I am grateful to have found our number one caregiver! It is such a peace of mind to know our animals are in great hands when we are gone. Can’t recommend Kirk enough!
Kirk is phenomenal with animals. He always treats our dogs with the upmost attention and care. He comes from a family of dog behavioralists and caretakers from remote Canada. Caring for animals is his true passion in life.
It is always a pleasure working with Kirk. He's incredibly knowledgeable about dogs and has an understanding of their thinking that truly impressed me significantly more than anyone I've spoke with in the past. His personality is magnetic and he's a real joy to be around. I'm so glad we used Kirk and would recommend him to anyone.
About Kirk C.
Communication
Skills
Safety, trust & environment
Dogs will be kenneled in appropriately sized crates until they can be trusted to interact with the dogs respectfully and safely. This is apart of a dog behavior training routine. It establish trust and respect between us and all of the dogs. Even dogs that remain kenneled in the house, have hours of outside play time in the large dog yards. We will take into account what kind of physical play and social interaction your dog can handle. Senior dogs might be have their own bedroom at our house and go outside for easy walks. Puppies may require more play and crate training. We will assess the best care for your adult dog based upon behavior and energy level. This may include putting our dogs away to have your dog roam an area free.
Home
Information Kirk C. would like to know about your pet
Is your dog crate trained? Is your dog potty trained? Is your dog up to date on all vaccines? What is your feeding routine? Do you free feed? Does your dog pull on a leash? What kind of leash training tools are you using (prong collar, gentle leader, e-collar, etc.)? When do you allow barking and whining? Is your dog on medication?
A typical day
The dogs will have assess to run around the backyard with other dogs if deemed appropriate and safe. Frozen Kongs or chews can be given upon request. Please communicate with us in advance. Our goal is have your dog get adequate exercise and also able to chill in a relaxed environment. We don't encourage anxious excitement because it leads to inappropriate and unbalanced behaviors. There is a time and place for excitement and it's not 24/7.
Services
Kirk can host
Availability
I work part-time away from the house. Otherwise, this is my job and I am devoted to your dog(s). There might be a few days here and there that we are at a sled dog race and unavailable or out of town visiting family back in Canada, but other than taking care of dogs is 24/7. We have 5 dogs of our own that have to maintain great physical condition in order to partake in sled dog sports. Our home is like a little growing farm. Taking care of the animals is the first thing we do after we brush our teeth and start the coffee. They get several hours of play and cozy naps in our two large dog yards (probably 1-1.5 acres total). Dogs are the last thing we do before we got to bed. We react immediately to anything that comes up during the night as well. We keep very low energy in the house. It shouldn't be loud here. Any stress is addressed right away.
About Kirk C.
Communication
Skills
Safety, trust & environment
Dogs will be kenneled in appropriately sized crates until they can be trusted to interact with the dogs respectfully and safely. This is apart of a dog behavior training routine. It establish trust and respect between us and all of the dogs. Even dogs that remain kenneled in the house, have hours of outside play time in the large dog yards. We will take into account what kind of physical play and social interaction your dog can handle. Senior dogs might be have their own bedroom at our house and go outside for easy walks. Puppies may require more play and crate training. We will assess the best care for your adult dog based upon behavior and energy level. This may include putting our dogs away to have your dog roam an area free.
Home
Information Kirk C. would like to know about your pet
Is your dog crate trained? Is your dog potty trained? Is your dog up to date on all vaccines? What is your feeding routine? Do you free feed? Does your dog pull on a leash? What kind of leash training tools are you using (prong collar, gentle leader, e-collar, etc.)? When do you allow barking and whining? Is your dog on medication?
A typical day
The dogs will have assess to run around the backyard with other dogs if deemed appropriate and safe. Frozen Kongs or chews can be given upon request. Please communicate with us in advance. Our goal is have your dog get adequate exercise and also able to chill in a relaxed environment. We don't encourage anxious excitement because it leads to inappropriate and unbalanced behaviors. There is a time and place for excitement and it's not 24/7.
Location
Conifer, CO
Pets
Kirk C.
Conifer, CO