Von Klein Stein Working Dogs

Offers Basic Handler Course (2 weeks, 80+ hours), One-Week Refresher Course, and Advanced Handler Course (scenario-based, hands-on). Dogs are pre-trained and ready for handler integration. Training emphasizes patrol tactics, scent detection, tracking, and handler protection. Programs are designed for police K9 teams and include certification preparation through NCATS.

Pricing Summary

Pricing not publicly listed; services are tailored for law enforcement agencies and include customized K9 procurement and training packages. Contact for quote.

Policies

Not specified. They emphasize long-term customer support and stand behind their K9s with an unmatched guarantee, but no formal cancellation or rescheduling policies are stated.

Von Klein Stein Working Dogs is a full-service police K9 kennel with over 30 years of experience, owned and operated by veterans. They specialize in training and providing high-performance working dogs for law enforcement, including Belgian Malinois, German Shepherds, and Dutch Shepherds. All K9s are imported from reputable European kennels and hand-selected for temperament and workability before training. They offer customized K9 training programs for police departments, including Basic Handler Courses, One-Week Refresher Courses, and Advanced Handler Courses focused on real-world patrol tactics. Their trainers, Criss Gardner and Joe Smith, are active or former law enforcement officers with decades of street experience and national certification credentials. While their primary focus is on police and working dogs, their training methods and expertise may benefit dog owners seeking advanced obedience, behavior modification, or working dog preparation. They emphasize officer safety, honesty, and long-term customer support, standing behind every dog they sell.

They operate from a 20+ acre facility in Sherwood, Arkansas, and serve law enforcement agencies nationwide. Their services are not marketed toward general pet owners, but their training philosophy and high standards may appeal to owners seeking elite-level working dog training.

They do not offer general pet training, grooming, boarding, or daycare services for non-working dogs.

Accomplishments

Criss Gardner established VKSWD in 1988, trained the first IPO 3 dog in Arkansas, and has served as a judge at National Police K9 Olympic events and a certifying official for the National Narcotic Detector Dog Association. Joe Smith is a certifying official for the State of Arkansas and has trained K9 teams across the country. VKSWD is the only kennel in Arkansas with firsthand police K9 street experience.

How to Get Started!

Prospective clients must contact VKSWD directly to discuss needs, as services are tailored for law enforcement agencies. No public booking system or online intake is available.