Shepherds K9 Services

Shepherds K9 Services offers intensive board and train programs (typically 3–4 weeks), private facility-based training sessions, and ongoing follow-up support. Owners receive hands-on “train the human” exit sessions to reinforce training at home. Programs include behavior modification, obedience, agility, and working dog skills. Lifetime follow-up is provided at no additional cost. Training is conducted by Stephanie personally, not staff, ensuring consistency.

Pricing Summary

Pricing is not publicly listed. Training packages vary by program type (e.g., board and train, private sessions). Clients are encouraged to schedule a consultation to discuss goals and receive a customized quote. Boarding and grooming are available only to training clients and priced separately.

Policies

Boarding is available only to training clients. Grooming is available only to training and boarding clients. No specific cancellation or rescheduling policies are stated, but clients are encouraged to contact Stephanie directly for arrangements. Lifetime follow-up support is included with all training programs.

Shepherds K9 Services is a dog training business owned by Stephanie Shepherd Ezzo, a certified dog trainer with 15 years of experience. She specializes in training dogs of all ages and breeds, including family pets, estate guardians, and working companions. Services include private and facility-based training, board and train programs, agility, service/therapy training, and fully trained dogs for sale. Grooming and boarding are available exclusively to training clients. Stephanie emphasizes educating owners on structure, balance, and accountability to build lasting behavior change, and she provides lifetime follow-up support. Her training approach is rooted in understanding canine behavior, with a focus on preventing and correcting issues like fear aggression, resource guarding, and anxiety. She also draws on personal experience with protection dogs and international eventing to inform her training methods.

Stephanie’s facility in Stanley, NC, is clean, safe, and equipped for structured training and socialization. Clients receive regular photo and video updates during board and train programs, and exit sessions include hands-on training for owners to continue progress at home. Her clients consistently praise her patience, expertise, and genuine care for both dogs and their families.

Accomplishments

Stephanie has 15 years of hands-on training experience. She holds a BS in Animal Behavior, is CPDT-KA certified, and is an IAABC Certified Dog Behavior Consultant. She previously served as Training Director and General Manager at Dogs by Andy. She has competed internationally in Eventing with her horses and trained protection dogs in real-world environments.

How to Get Started!

Prospective clients must schedule a consultation call to discuss their dog’s needs, goals, and program options. Consultations are free and can be arranged via phone or email. After the consultation, clients may enroll in a board and train program, private sessions, or other services based on their needs.