Stein K9

Stein K9 offers structured training programs including Basic Obedience (4 weeks, weekly sessions) and Puppy Classes (4 weeks, weekly sessions) for dogs 10–16 weeks and 16 weeks+, respectively. Protection Training requires prior obedience completion and an individual assessment. Wilderness Training is customized for hiking readiness. They also provide intensive board-and-train programs, day training, and one-on-one behavior correction sessions. All training includes owner involvement and education. Group and private sessions are available. Additional services include grooming, pet boarding, and guided dog hiking trips.

Pricing Summary

Basic Obedience: $725 for 4 weeks of 1.5-hour weekly sessions. Puppy Classes: $699 for 4 weeks of 1.5-hour weekly sessions. Protection Training is available only after completing Basic Obedience and an individual assessment. Wilderness Training and Doggy Hiking Trips are offered as customized packages. Pricing for grooming, boarding, and pet-friendly trips requires a phone call for details.

Policies

Stein K9 offers a satisfaction guarantee for health issues related to breeding, promising to resolve problems in the best interest of the pet and owner. No specific cancellation or rescheduling policies are stated for training services. Visits to the facility require advance appointment.

Stein K9 is a dog training and breeding business founded by Tom Falkenstein, a K9 Whisperer, behaviorist, and trainer with over 25 years of experience. They specialize in training all breeds of dogs, with a strong focus on Working Line German Shepherds, offering services such as basic obedience, puppy training, protection training, behavior correction, and wilderness hiking training. Their 17+ acre facility includes indoor and outdoor training areas, and they provide board-and-train programs, day training, and customized pet-friendly trips. They also offer grooming services by appointment, pet boarding in secure kennels, and breeding of high-quality German Shepherds selected for intelligence, loyalty, health, and working ability. Tom emphasizes educating owners to understand their dogs’ behavior and works closely with clients during training sessions to ensure long-term success.

Their training programs are designed to address common behavioral issues including aggression, barking, destructive chewing, food guarding, separation anxiety, and biting. They offer both individual and group sessions, and their approach combines hands-on correction with owner education. Stein K9 also runs a Pet Therapy Program and supports service dog development, helping dogs transition into roles that assist their owners in daily life.

The facility is located on a serene 17-acre property in Gnadenhutten, Ohio, with fenced enclosures, spacious kennels, and wilderness trails for specialized training. Clients praise Tom for his deep understanding of canine behavior and his ability to transform even the most challenging dogs into well-mannered companions.

In addition to training, Stein K9 breeds and sells puppies and adult dogs with certified A1 hips and elbows, sourced from world-renowned East, West, and DDR working bloodlines. They prioritize health, stability, and temperament in their breeding program and offer a satisfaction guarantee for health issues related to breeding.

They welcome visitors by appointment and encourage prospective clients to tour the facility before committing to training or purchasing a puppy.

Accomplishments

Tom Falkenstein has over 25 years of experience training and breeding German Shepherds. He has trained dogs for law enforcement, search and rescue, IPO, tracking, and protection. His breeding program features dogs with certifications in A1 hips/elbows and titles including IPO3, SchH3, FH1, and KKL1. His dogs have won regional and national championships in obedience and protection. He is recognized for his expertise in working-line German Shepherds and his advocacy for preserving the breed’s original working traits.

How to Get Started!

Prospective clients are encouraged to call (330) 819-6853 to arrange a personal tour of the facility and discuss training needs. An individual assessment is required before enrollment in Protection Training. For training services, clients begin with an initial consultation to evaluate the dog’s behavior and determine the appropriate program.