About Sound K9
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.
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.
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:
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Understanding and meeting their unique needs.
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Sharing meaningful activities, not just ticking boxes.
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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.
Relationships First, Obedience Follows
When relationships break down, many owners jump straight to obedience training, expecting quick fixes to behaviors 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.
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.
Our Relationship Based Dog Training Philosophy
Our Team
Micah Tutt
Founder & Director
Pet & Working K9 Trainer
Certifications:
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Police K9 Decoy & Trainer
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Dog Cognition and Animal Welfare from Duke and Edinburgh University
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Completed courses offered by The Michael Ellis School for Dog Trainers
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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 & Board and Trains
Certifications and Experiences:
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Psychology B.A. and Product Design B.S. Dual Degree from Stanford University
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Completed courses offered by The Michael Ellis School for Dog Trainers
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Certification from Duke University on Dog Cognition and Animal Welfare
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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. Using his blend of academic knowledge and practical experience his goal is to prevent dogs from ending up in shelters by empowering owners with the skills to develop positive relationships with their pets.
Max Doza
Certifications and Experiences:
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4 Years as a Dual-Purpose Military Working Dog Handler
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Certified through programs by Dick Staal, Cameron Ford, and STSK9
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Completed courses offered by The Michael Ellis School for Dog Trainers
Max’s journey into dog training began in California, where he grew up surrounded by rescue dogs. That early exposure sparked a deep commitment to working with canines, eventually leading him into the U.S. military, where he spent four years handling dual-purpose explosive and patrol K9s.
With a strong foundation in real-world K9 work, Max brings both experience and precision to the Sound K9 team. He’s dedicated to refining his craft, continually studying under some of the industry's most respected trainers and keeping up with evolving best practices in detection and patrol training.
Outside of his professional work, Max owns three shepherd mixes, one of whom he’s actively training in scent tracking toward AKC certification. His thoughtful, well-rounded approach makes him a valuable asset for both board-and-train clients and working dog development. Whether he’s helping a pet dog build structure or preparing a K9 for service, Max’s focus is always on clear communication, purposeful training, and strong handler-dog relationships.
Get In Touch
Contact Form: CLICK HERE!
Phone: (206) 410-7100
Email: admin@soundk9.com
Facility Address: 11927 124th Ave NE, Kirkland, WA 98034
