Who We Are
At LS K9 Advanced, we’re dedicated, balanced dog trainers driven by a shared passion for understanding canine behavior and strengthening the bond between dogs and their owners. Our mission is to elevate the standard of dog ownership through fulfillment, fair communication, and trust.
We believe every dog deserves compassionate, structured guidance—and every owner deserves the confidence and knowledge to bring out their dog’s best. Through balanced methods, continual learning, and real results, we help create relationships built on clarity and respect.
Together, we’re raising the bar for what it means to have a well-trained, well-understood, and truly happy dog.
The Full Story
Mid-2022, Lucas and Sara met through work after Sara moved to Oregon. They instantly connected through their shared dedication to dogs and training. Coincidentally, both welcomed high-drive female dogs that same year—each passionate about bite sports.
Their friendship evolved into a partnership, both personally and professionally. By 2024, they decided to take the leap, leaving their jobs to create LS K9 Advanced. Together, they aim to raise the bar for dog ownership through balanced methods, trust-building, and fair clear communication—helping dogs and owners live their best lives together.
Sara has always had a natural connection with animals. Her first memories involve her German Shepherd, Raja, and Chihuahua, Kira—at just three years old, she was already asking them for sits and downs. Growing up, her father’s well-trained dogs inspired her curiosity about canine genetics, behavior, and psychology.
After years of reading, learning, and helping friends and family train their dogs, Sara decided to pursue her passion professionally. In 2020, she made a career change from being a general manager in the food industry to working as a dog daycare attendant. She quickly stood out—stopping a dog fight during her working interview and managing large playgroups with ease.
Now, after three years of living and working with dogs in Oregon, Sara continues to grow as a trainer, helping one dog at a time reach their full potential.
Lucas's life has always been filled with dogs. With a mother who is also a dog trainer, he grew up immersed in the world of canine behavior. His Golden Retriever, Sissy, was his first training partner and lifelong companion.
By age 11, Lucas was already assisting his mom with dog training sessions, working with a variety of breeds and temperaments. At 15, he was hired part-time as a trainer while continuing his schooling and conducting self-driven research on dog behavior and training methods. After graduating, he advanced to Head Trainer and Daycare Manager, where he honed his leadership and hands-on skills working with dogs daily.
Zipper & Jinxx are the heart of LS K9 Advanced—the dogs that drive Lucas and Sara’s passion for training. Both girls are high-drive, adventure-loving dogs who have been best friends since puppyhood, long before they became sisters. Thanks to the dedication and training from Lucas and Sara, they now serve as incredible demo dogs and playful distractions during lessons, always eager to work and learn.
Zipper, a Belgian Malinois, came into Lucas’s life when he set out to challenge his training skills with a working-bred dog. After searching for the right match, he found Zipper—originally the pick of the litter in Texas. When she unexpectedly became available, Lucas flew out to bring her home. True to her breed, she was energetic, driven, and delightfully bitey from day one. Lucas’s goal has always been to title her in IGP, a protection-based bite sport, and their bond stands as a powerful example of what fulfillment and purpose can create between dog and handler.
Jinxx, an American Pit Bull Terrier, was imported from Brazil through the renowned Del Mantos Dogs kennel. After years without a dog of her own, Sara spent over a year researching breeds before choosing a driven yet balanced dog—one capable of both protection work and calm companionship. Fall of 2022, Jinxx arrived in Oregon, just in time for Thanksgiving. Since then, Sara has trained her in foundational protection work and is preparing to compete in French Ring, another bite sport. Together, Sara and Jinxx embody the power of fair clear communication and trust, showing what’s possible through balanced training and mutual respect.
