Today we’d like to introduce you to Kimberly Cerio.
Hi Kimberly, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
I began my professional dog training career in 1999 at a boarding and training facility north of Chicago. There, I honed my skills by working with a wide variety of dogs from basic obedince, minor to severe behavioral issues, police and personal protection dogs. Over the years, I continued to gain extensive experience in behavior modification, companion dog training, service dogs, dog sports, including personal protection, obedience, and agility.
I also trained and handled several detection and working dogs. I was the president and training director for a search and rescue team in NW Illinois. My German Shepherd, Cooper, and I had the opportunity to contribute to numerous criminal investigations across the United States over his career.
Aside from my career in the dog training industry, I served as a Police Officer for the Chicago Police Department. During my career with CPD, I was a member of several specialized units and was the higest decorated female officer, at the time of my retirement in 2015.
After my retirement in 2015, my husband and I relocated to north Texas. For me this was a homecoming as I was born in San Antonio.
In 2015, after settling on our 11 acre ranch in Springtown Texas, I continued my law enforcement career with the Hurst Police Depearment. In 2016 my husband and I built Texas K9 University, I continued to pursue my passion for training, coaching and all things dogs, officially retiring from law enforcement in 2022, Texas K9 University grew into a trusted north Texas institution that all people could bring their dogs to learn, grow, problem solve, and explore new activities with their best friend.
Since the inception of TXK9U, my husband and I also created a 501.c(3) non profit organization, Buddy Up K9.
The mission of Buddy Up K9 is to provide trained or thoughtfully matched companion dogs to current military members, veterans, first responders (past and present), and Gold Star families. We are committed to supporting the emotional and mental well-being of those who’ve served by pairing them with a loyal, steady presence—one they can care for and count on every day. We are proud to provide this service completely free of charge. Our aim is to reduce the alarming rates of suicide within these communities by offering more than just a pet—we offer purpose, connection, and hope. Each Buddy Dog becomes a lifeline, helping individuals and families navigate life beyond the call with support, routine, and unconditional companionship.
In 2023 I saw a gap in the dog training community. Many owners struggled with decisions and pathways to the best outcomes concerning their dog or future dog. These decisions ranged from picking a breed or type of dog that would best suit their family dynamic, choosing a dog from a rescue or a purposefully bred litter, advice on setting up their home to best suit their dog within their lifestyle, how to approach choices such as vet care, nutrition, fitness, as well as planning training, travel and everyday activities. I created Kim Cerio Canine Consulting to fill this gap. It has become a “one stop shop” to assist families in reaching their goals for everthing dog.
I have been able to bring my expertise and extensive experience to every stage of dog ownership. I specialize in creating seamless, lifelong bonds between dogs and their owners. My approach, for all of my endevors, is rooted in behavioral science, psychology, a deep understanding of canine behavior and at the root of it all, my lifelong passion for all things dog.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
I don’t believe that any path traveled is a smooth, straight line. That said, I have been fortunate in creating all my companies and organizations in that while my path is typically far from a straight line, I ahve been able to avoid or succesfully navigate the dead ends and obstacles. I am the dreamer and creator, my husband is the planner and more practical side of our relationship. We both believe deeply in organic, purposeful and strategic growth. This proved to be a lifesaver when the pandemic effected our entire world. Up until then we had been conservative in the growth of TXK9U. When the world shut down, we took the opportunity to build additional climate controlled, indoor/outdoor kennels and a 2000 sqft indoor training space. While many people were stuck at home with little or no outlets for their dogs, we were considered essential and opened our new space and our ranch for people and their dogs to come and safely interact, deepen their relationships and form new ones. I feel we helped people struggle less during that time. There are always the daily struggles when dealing with our animal friends but honestly, I see these as a part of this lifelong journey I am on,
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
My work with dogs, and running a training facility, on a macro daily level consists of making sure all the dogs are fed, watered, clean, happy, healthy and trained. On a micro level each day brings new challenges, goals, setbacks and a ton of creativity, joy, frustration and excitement gratitude and love, with each dog and their human.
Every dog presents new challenges. From a dog who has learned that aggression is the answer. Whether that aggression is based in fear or true genetic or learned aggression. These are dogs that take time to teach trust, boundaries, and the skills of how to navigate the world. The same can apply to a dog who is so withdrawn and afraid they can not function. The approach I take with these two issues may look similar, depending on the dog, their genetics and past experiences or I may need to do a deep dive into my creative mind to develop new strategies.
One of the things I believe I am best known for and sets me apart from others is my honesty, my no nonsense, practical and kind approach for both the dogs and their humans, as well as my strong belief in perfection (or as close as we can get), and that the small things matter. Whether I am coaching a client to compete at a national or world level, or coaching the person that just wants to enjoy peaceful walks with thier dog, my foundational approach is the same. We should build a strong foundation of skills, expectations, relationship, and goals to create the outcomes that we desire.
There are so many things I am proud of but most recently I am proud of my accomplishments in the sport I do with my personal dogs. I participate in the Protection Sports Association. One of my poudest moments was taking 1st and 2nd place at the 2024 Midwest Regional Championships in Level 2 with my dogs, Oosa (1st place), and Lana (2nd place). The competitor list was stacked with some of the most talented teams in the US. I am also extremely proud to have been accepted into the PSA’s Judging program and am currently a Deputy Judge for the sport.
Is there something surprising that you feel even people who know you might not know about?
One thing that surprises most people when they get to know me is that I was a circus performer growing up.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.kimcerio.com/ | https://www.texask9university.com/ | https://www.buddyupk9.org/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kim.cerio.canine/ | https://www.instagram.com/buddyupk9/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TexasK9University/ | https://www.facebook.com/people/Buddy-Up-K9/100069013216345/
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@KimCerioCanineConsulting https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC4WMS82ehVWKD8szeaD5lEg
Image Credits
Kevin Goode Photography
