Eric West founded Black Anchor K9 in 2024 after building his training experience during a 17-year career in the United States Navy. As a Military Working Dog handler, his work has included obedience, tracking, and specialized detection training for explosives and narcotics.

Eric brings that experience to family dogs through clear communication, consistent expectations, and training plans built around the individual dog. His goal is not only to improve behavior but also to give owners the knowledge and confidence to maintain their dog’s progress at home.

A father of three, Eric understands how important it is for training to work within the realities of everyday family life.

Bryon Lavin has worked professionally with dogs since 2001. He began his career training dogs in the pet retail industry in Austin, Texas, where he developed a strong foundation in canine behavior and obedience. He later established his own training company, specializing in fear-based aggression, behavior modification, and confidence building.

Bryon focuses on helping dogs and their owners develop stronger relationships through a clearer understanding of behavior and communication. His experience also includes advanced obedience, public-access training, task training, and service-dog development.

Today, Bryon works with an organization that trains and provides service dogs for veterans living with PTSD, traumatic brain injuries, and military sexual trauma.

Colleen Strom brings more than 12 years of animal training and husbandry experience across numerous species, including canines, marine mammals, and primates. Her diverse background has given her a deep understanding of how animals learn and how thoughtful communication can shape behavior.

Colleen specializes in puppy foundations, reactivity, and behavior modification. She combines science-backed positive reinforcement with balanced training methods to help dogs develop confidence, stability, and reliable skills.

She is especially passionate about helping owners better understand their dogs, including the traits and needs associated with different breeds, so families can build stronger and more successful relationships with their companions.

Tatyana manages the client experience and day-to-day operations behind Black Anchor K9. She oversees client communication, applications, scheduling, agreements, payments, and the internal systems that keep each training program organized from enrollment through completion.

She works closely with clients and trainers to maintain clear expectations, coordinate the next steps, and ensure families feel supported throughout the process. Her role allows the training team to stay focused on the dogs while giving owners a consistent point of contact throughout their experience with BAK9.