With over 40 years immersed in canine training and behavior, I’ve developed proprietary methods rooted in foundation obedience—the essential cornerstone for all meaningful dog‑sport and everyday life success.

​

Recognizing a need beyond traditional kennels, I pioneered a resort‑style, enrichment‑focused boarding experience, filled with pools, agility fields, hiking trails, and even a petting zoo—creating an environment where dogs don’t just stay… they thrive . K9cation isn’t just boarding: it’s a dog’s dream vacation, where play, training, and TLC blend seamlessly.

​

• Licensed by the State of Colorado & Weld County, ensuring top-tier safety and regulatory compliance 

• A true dog sport trailblazer, offering AKC-accredited programs and virtual/in-person training for all levels family pets to working and competition dogs 

• Recognized regionally as a go-to resource for excellence in dog care and training, with a reputation built on trust, top reviews, and community leadership

Why K9cation Stands Apart

• Colorado's largest dog sport facility — pools, agility, off‑leash trails, barns, arenas, and more 

• Lifetime support & behavior solutions—we don’t just board; we help your dog grow smarter and happier

• Expert-led, personalized care from a team trained under my guidance, always with your dog’s safety, enrichment, and well-being at the center

I combine decades of professional training, AKC accreditation, and innovative, ranch-style boarding to lead Colorado’s dog care industry—building a trusted, expert-loved destination where dogs come home happier, wiser, and truly cared for.

Kelly Roll is a nationally respected dog trainer, behavior expert, and founder of K9cation — Colorado’s largest and most innovative dog sport and boarding facility. With over 40 years of experience, Kelly specializes in behavior modification, aggression rehabilitation, and building solid foundations for therapy, service, and emotional support dogs. Certified by the AKC, she offers professional instruction in obedience, temperament testing, and a variety of dog sports. Kelly’s balanced, enrichment-based approach is rooted in her lifelong passion for dogs and her mission to help every dog and family succeed together.

​

Kelly is a proud mentor and advocate for youth handlers. Her 4-H students have achieved top state honors and, more importantly, stronger relationships with their dogs. She believes the future of responsible dog ownership begins with educating the next generation.

​

“Every dog deserves the opportunity to thrive, and every owner deserves the tools and support to bring out the best in their dog. Whether it’s their first leash walk or their first blue ribbon, I’m here to help them every step of the way.”

​

Founder of K9cation | Nationally Recognized Dog Trainer | Behavior & Dog Sport Specialist

Kelly Roll’s journey with dogs began before she could even walk. Raised on a ranch in Erie, Colorado, Kelly’s family began raising performance Australian Shepherds in the mid-1970s under their ASCA-registered kennel, Mar-Kel. She entered her first conformation show at just two years old with her puppy, Frosty, and by age nine, was independently caring for and training a pack of 15 Aussies. These formative years built the foundation of a lifelong career dedicated to canine excellence.

Kelly’s early success in 4-H and junior handling was historic—becoming National Junior Handler of the Year three times in a row, gracing the cover of The Aussie Times magazine, and completing stock dog titles on cattle, sheep, and ducks before finishing high school. At just 18, she had already earned a Working Trial Champion title with her dog Trostel’s Elvis and completed her first herding champion.

​

Kelly went on to earn a degree in Communication with a focus on business and marketing at the University of Colorado at Colorado Springs on a full academic scholarship. Her professional background includes a distinguished 24-year career with the State of Colorado, retiring as the Director of Strategic Communication and Brand Management for the Colorado State Patrol.

​

In 2013, Kelly, alongside her husband Steve and daughter Haley, purchased their dream ranch in Hudson, Colorado. They operated a working ranch and a 35+ horse boarding facility before returning full-time to her true calling—dogs. What began as offering training to neighbors and friends evolved into K9cation — Colorado’s largest and most innovative dog boarding and sport facility.

​

Kelly created a unique training method that blends foundational obedience, behavior science, and the power of dog sports to enrich the lives of both dogs and their people. Her balanced, intuitive approach has helped countless dogs overcome aggression, anxiety, and fear-based behaviors. She’s even worked with court-mandated behavior cases, and provided specialized task training for individuals with disabilities, therapy dogs, and dogs pursuing search and rescue or service work.

​

​

​

​

​