About Sound K9

Our Relationship Based Dog Training Philosophy

Rediscover the Joy of Companionship

At Sound K9, we understand that most people bring a dog into their lives for companionship. Yet, over time, that bond can fray. What starts as a cherished relationship sometimes shifts—your dog becomes just “there,” a fixture in your home rather than the vibrant partner you once envisioned. Miscommunication and unmet needs often lead to frustration, and that companionship is replaced by conflict.

Our mission is simple: to repair and reignite that bond, to help you rediscover the joy of having your dog as your best friend.

Relationships First, Obedience Follows

When relationships break down, many owners jump straight to obedience training, expecting quick fixes to behaviours they find challenging. But obedience isn’t the starting point—it’s the outcome of a healthy, thriving relationship. When you and your dog communicate clearly, respect one another, and enjoy shared experiences, obedience flows naturally. Your dog doesn’t just comply; they want to engage with you because they feel valued and understood.

Meeting Needs, Together

Dogs, like humans, have physical, emotional, and social needs. These go far beyond a simple walk around the block or a daily meal. They need to play, explore, and feel a sense of accomplishment—ideally with you.

Too often, owners treat these activities as separate. They take their dog on a walk while scrolling on their phone or send them off to play with other dogs at the park. While these activities can be beneficial, they lack the most critical element: shared experience. At Sound K9, we teach you how to truly engage with your dog, turning everyday routines into opportunities for connection.

The Power of Play

Play is at the heart of everything we do. It’s not just fun; it’s a language—one that builds trust, deepens your bond, and fulfils your dog’s instincts. Many dogs arrive at our facility unsure how to play or even whether it’s allowed. They’ve been suppressed, corrected, or left to entertain themselves for so long that they’ve forgotten how to engage.

Through the power of play, we help both you and your dog rediscover joy. When you play together, it’s not a transaction or a chore—it’s a shared experience, a partnership. And as you connect through play, you’ll find that your dog becomes more motivated, cooperative, and eager to engage with you in all areas of life.

A True Partnership

Dogs aren’t robots; they’re living, feeling companions who want to be part of your world. But relationships aren’t one-sided. If you expect your dog to be your best friend, you need to be theirs, too. This means:

Understanding and meeting their unique needs.
Sharing meaningful activities, not just ticking boxes.
Learning how to communicate in ways that make sense to them.

When you treat your dog as a true partner, everything changes. Your walks become moments of connection, your training sessions become shared achievements, and your everyday life becomes richer, fuller, and more rewarding for both of you.

Our Team

Micah Tutt

Founder & Director

Pet & Working K9 Trainer

Certifications:

Police K9 Decoy & Trainer
Dog Cognition and Animal Welfare from Duke and Edinburgh University
Completed courses offered by The Michael Ellis School for Dog Trainers
Completed courses offered by Ivan Balabanov

Micah has been training dogs for over a decade, with his journey growing organically.

In the early days, Micah learned the foundational skills for dog training and leash work, focusing on pet dog training. As he progressed on his journey, his passion for working dog breeds and challenge-seeking personality unlocked a new avenue of bite work. Currently, he not only offers services for pet owners but also works directly with police and navy canine divisions.

Many trainers adopt a comfortable style that works for enough dogs and then cease progressing. This is where the saying, "The only two things dog trainers agree on is that the third trainer has no idea what they're doing," originates. For Micah, however, the journey is ongoing; despite his extensive experience, he continually seeks out new methods and techniques. In the constantly progressing field of dog training, he believes that each new skill adds to his ever-growing toolbox, allowing him to evolve and excel as a dog trainer.

Dave Dubinin

Pet Trainer and Boarder

Certifications and Experiences:

Psychology B.A. and Product Design B.S. Dual Degree from Stanford University
Completed courses offered by The Michael Ellis School for Dog Trainers
Certification from Duke University on Dog Cognition and Animal Welfare
Puppy Trainer at Seattle Humane Dog Shelter

Dave's journey into dog training began with a deep passion for dogs and a commitment to understanding their behaviors. With a strong academic background in psychology and product design, he combines scientific principles with practical training techniques. Dave has gained hands-on experience through volunteering at dog shelters and working with behavior specialists, where he learned to read canine body language and develop effective training methods.

His personal experience with his dog, Tyson, a once-under-socialized pup, ignited his passion for training. Dave's dedication and compassionate approach led to Tyson's remarkable improvement, showcasing his ability to work with challenging cases. As a dog boarder, he has earned a stellar reputation for providing a safe and nurturing environment, consistently receiving top ratings and reviews from clients.

Dave continues to learn and grow in the field, always eager to explore new techniques and insights. His goal is to prevent dogs from ending up in shelters by empowering owners with the skills to manage their pets' behaviors effectively. Dave's blend of academic knowledge and practical experience makes him a promising and passionate dog trainer and boarder.

Stephanie Welch

Pet Trainer

Stephanie has been with Sound K9 since the beginning. She has over a decade of expierence working with and training animals. Stephanie was a horse training before getting into dog training. We are truly lucky to have her as a founding member of our team.

Stephanie trains both pets and working dogs and is primarily doing board and training for Sound K9. She is highly selective on the dogs she takes on.

Stephanies results, recommendations and wait list speak to the level of training she provides.