Steven Shepherd

A man walking outdoors with a black working dog on a grassy field, tall trees in the background, during sunset.

I have been training dogs professionally for six years, working with a wide range of dogs—from high-drive Belgian Malinois and energetic young puppies, to dogs struggling with reactivity, fear, anxiety, and aggression. I currently own two dogs: a German Shepherd who trains and competes in IGP, and a Belgian Malinois who has served as a reliable demo dog, helping other dogs work through behavioral challenges in real-world scenarios.

I have hands-on experience as a decoy and helper in PSA, French Ring, and IGP, giving me a deep understanding of drive fulfillment, working-dog behavior, and balanced training methods.

My passion for dogs started at a young age. I’ve had dogs my entire life, cared for family and friends’ dogs, and worked closely with rescue groups to help shelter dogs find successful placements. That foundation shaped the way I train today: with patience, clarity, structure, clear boundaries, and a genuine commitment to each dog’s well-being.


Silhouette of a dog with pointed ears and a curled tail on a black background.
A man with glasses and a black cap standing behind a black German Shepherd dog on a dirt path in a park during dusk, trees in the background. The dog has its tongue out.
A man in black clothing is holding a large black German Shepherd dog by the collar, and the dog is growling with teeth bared, showing its sharp teeth and pink tongue, outdoors in a park at dusk.

Meet the Pack: Loki

Loki is my 3-year-old German Shepherd and the heart of my pack. He’s my main demo dog and is currently working toward competing in IGP. Even though he’s not from a traditional working-line pedigree, Loki has proven time and time again that drive, heart, and consistency matter more than a label. He has become an incredible companion, a reliable demo dog, and a genuine prospect for sport work.

Loki has helped countless dogs work through fear, reactivity, and even aggression. His gift is adaptability — he can be exactly what another dog needs in the moment. Whether that’s confidently barking to help a reactive dog learn to hold their neutrality, or staying calm and steady around a dog showing signs of aggression, Loki shows them that dogs aren’t as scary as they might think. In many cases, he’s the “dog guide” that helps owners realize their dog just needed the right example.

He’s the perfect balance of crazy and calm — the exact combination that made me fall in love with the German Shepherd breed and with dog sports as a whole. I’ve been training dogs since 2019, but getting Loki took my passion and turned it into an obsession. That’s the power a dog can have on your life, and Loki is living proof of it.

He has taught me so much: how to solve reactivity, how to truly read dog behavior, how to problem-solve within a pack, and how to lead with structure and clarity. Loki is happiest when he’s training with his friends, hiking, doing bite sports with incredible trainers like Oscar Mora, and—of course—annoying his little sister, Zuka.

A person in dark clothing and a cap walking a black dog in a park with trees and grass.
Black dog with pointed ears sitting on grassy ground with its tongue out, in a natural outdoor setting.

Meet the Pack: Zuka

Zuka is my 1-year-old Belgian Malinois and the newest powerhouse in my pack. I first met her at Best Friends Animal Rescue, where she had been surrendered at just 2 months old. By the time she was 4 months, I brought her home — and from the moment I saw her energetic, lively, and loving personality, I knew she was meant to be mine.

Zuka is my demo dog and my introduction to the Malinois breed. Her gentle nature has made her an incredible partner for helping fearful or anxious dogs take their first steps toward confidence. She brings hope to owners who feel like their dog’s fear is too deep-rooted to fix, showing them that with the right guidance, patience, and example, progress is always possible.

Before Zuka, I honestly believed I’d only ever own German Shepherds. After meeting her, that changed forever. She made me fall in love with the Malinois breed, and now I can’t imagine my life — or my pack — without both.

One of my favorite things about Zuka is her quick learning and her explosive excitement to work. Even though she doesn’t participate in bite sports, her enthusiasm makes every training session fun, fast-paced, and memorable. There is never a dull moment with her.

Zuka is happiest when she’s running across open fields, training, cuddling any human who gives her attention, and, of course, playing nonstop with her brother Loki.

A man wearing glasses and a black cap smiling while holding a black dog in a park with trees in autumn leaves.

  • Professionally for over 6 years.

  • I work with puppies through senior dogs, addressing everything from mild to extreme reactivity. I train all breeds and tailor each program to the dog’s individual needs.

  • Once you receive your personalized training recommendations from SSK9 Academy, we’ll advise you what scheduling appointment to sign up for and plan for your pup’s start date for your board and train or arranging your private sessions—whichever program we choose

  • Unfortunately, we do not offer boarding services at the moment.

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