About Vivid K9
Hi, I'm Vicki DeMarco, founder of Vivid K9.
I didn’t become a trainer because dogs were always “easy” for me. I became a trainer because I lived the reality of struggling with my own dogs — the stress, the guilt, the frustration of not knowing what to do next.
My
Why
My first dog taught me the hardest lesson of all: love isn’t enough if you don’t have the right leadership, structure, and understanding. Her loss fuels everything I do today. Every dog I train and every owner I coach is a chance to make sure no one else has to go through that same heartbreak.
Every dog I train and every owner I coach gets the benefit of those lessons. You’re not just learning “obedience commands” with me—you’re learning how to think differently about your dog, how to communicate in a way they understand, and how to build a partnership that lasts.
Now, with three challenging dogs of my own and years of working through the “hard stuff,” I can say this with confidence: I don’t just talk the talk — I walk the walk.
My
Philosophy
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Train the dog in front of you — not the dog you wish you had.
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Educate the owner — because true change starts with you.
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Build the relationship first — structure, routine, and clarity create the foundation for freedom.
I care deeply about the dogs in my care, but just as much about the humans holding the leash. Training with me isn’t about quick fixes. It’s about transformation — for both ends of the leash.
Because when you shift how you show up for your dog, everything changes.
My
Approach
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Relationship first, obedience second. Structure, routine, fulfillment, and clarity before the fancy stuff.
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Owner education is non-negotiable. You can’t change your dog if you don’t change how you lead.
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Tools with timing and purpose. I introduce the e-collar in week two, after the dog understands the basics, so it adds clarity—not confusion.
No quick fixes. I don’t patch holes. I build foundations that last.
Credentials
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Graduate, Animal Behavior College
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Mentorship with respected trainers, including Stephanie Vachinsky (Method Canine); currently pursuing certification through her program
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5+ years in training facilities: behavioral cases, private lessons, and group classes
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Former shelter training staff: coaching volunteers and preparing dogs for adoption
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Active in rescue work: evaluations and fostering to prepare dogs for permanent homes
Meet the Demo Dogs
6yr old | Pitbull
Ringo
Ringo is the first dog she's ever rehabilitated from the shelter that she previously worked for. The first time Vicki met Ringo, he was a wild dog! In the shelter he was uncontrollable because his strength and energy made him a bit scary. She decided to foster him so she could give him extensive training at my home for a better chance at finding his forever home. Well, that was that. Since then he has helped her rehabilitate countless dogs and has been a great example of how, with just some leadership and clear communication, a crazy wild dog can turn into the best dog you've ever had.
3yr old | Wolfdog
Trek
Trek is 50% gray wolf with the other half being a mix of Malamute, German Shepherd and Alaskan Husky. Trek showed up at the shelter when he was 2mo old. He was struggling because he was not just a regular "shepherd mix," and showed major resource guarding issues, stranger danger, and needs help on a daily basis to conquer fears of the human world. With all that said, he never ceases to amaze her. He is my most solid helper dog. He has helped rehabilitate aggressive dogs, fearful dogs and overly crazy dogs that may be too much for others. He has been a wonderful, unexpected, addition to her pack.
4yr old | Mutt
Dozer
Dozer came to Vicki through a previous client. He was severely insecure which looked like "aggression", had major resource guarding issues, showed fear when you tried to walk him in different environments and was having trouble with his then housemate. Now? He is her adventure dog, her paddleboard buddy and the main dog that helped raise Trek. With the right communication and education, dogs like Dozer can be successful in life. He is her constant work-in-progress but also her biggest success story. You may not see him in sessions but he will be a huge help with socializing your dog.