Meet Steve
I’m the founder and owner of Deafinitley Trained K9 Services (DTK9 Services), a veteran-owned and operated dog training business built around one simple belief: better communication creates stronger relationships between dogs and their humans.
I’m an Animal Behavior College Certified Dog Trainer with a special passion for working with deaf and special-needs dogs. Living and training with my own deaf dogs has given me firsthand experience with visual communication, hand signals, consistency, patience, and adapting training to the individual dog rather than forcing every dog into the same system.
DTK9 focuses on basic obedience, manners, loose-leash walking, deaf dog training, enrichment walks and adventures, and one-on-one coaching for dog owners. My goal isn’t simply to teach a dog a list of commands. It’s to help owners understand why their dog behaves the way they do and give them practical tools they can continue using long after a training session ends.
My background as a U.S. Army veteran and professional law-enforcement instructor has shaped the way I teach: clear communication, consistency, patience, practical application, and training with purpose.
Outside of DTK9, much of my life revolves around animal rescue, advocating for shelter dogs, fostering and helping dogs who might otherwise be overlooked.
Whether you’re starting with a new dog, struggling with everyday obedience, looking for meaningful enrichment, or learning how to communicate with a deaf dog, DTK9 is here to help you build something bigger than obedience.
Clear communication. Confident dogs. Stronger bonds.
Veteran Owned & Operated • Certified Dog Trainer • Deaf Dog Training Specialist
