ABOUT
STK9 Training Company
We are a family-owned business with over two decades of dog training expertise.
Our training sessions take place at the licensed Pasadena Pet Motel, adhering to rigorous animal control guidelines by Pinellas County Animal Control.
We place a high priority on individual attention, limiting our training to a small number of dogs at all times. This approach allows us to monitor and support each dog's progress closely, ensuring high-quality results.
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We offer professional dog obedience training in St. Petersburg, Largo, Seminole, Clearwater and surrounding Florida areas.
CERTIFIED HEAD MASTER TRAINER
Samantha Taylor
Meet Samantha Taylor, our Certified Head Master Trainer and the driving force behind STK9 Training Company. Samantha is a Certified Master Dog Trainer from Tarheel K9, with expertise in Professional Obedience, Patrol, Detection, Man Tracking, Trailing, and Behavior Modification. She also has over 20 years of experience working with dogs and is a double major graduate from the University of South Florida.
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Samantha's journey into dog training began at a young age, and her passion for dogs led her to pursue a career in training and behavior. She honed her skills at Tarheel K9, working with police, military, sport, and pet dogs.
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In terms of certifications and memberships, Samantha is a member of The National Tactical Police Dog Association and The International Association of Canine Professionals. She is also a Certified Pet Dog Trainer by the American Kennel Club and certified by The American Pet Dog Trainers Association.
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Additionally, Samantha is the president of the Tampa Bay Protection Sports Association Club, where she competes with her Belgian Malinois, Badfish and her German Shepherd dog, Ese Loco. Currently Badfish is going for her PSA 2. Samantha also achieved a PSA 1 and showed in the 2's with her Belgian Malinois, Ruco.
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Samantha has a number of recent achievements, including graduating from DNM University in 2023 as a Raw Dog Food Nutrition Specialist as well as a Pet Food Nutrition Specialist, and became an official PSA Judge in 2023.
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Samantha's commitment to dogs' well-being and her extensive knowledge in dog training make her an invaluable asset to STK9 Training Company.
HEAD PERSONAL PROTECTION DOG TRAINER & SPORT TRAINER
Matt Taylor
Meet Matt, our Head Personal Protection Dog Trainer and Sport Dog Trainer. He is a highly skilled professional in his field, having graduated from Tarheel K-9 Academy's Protection Sport and Decoy Trainer Certification. Matt is also a Certified PSA Decoy and serves as the Head Decoy at The Tampa Bay PSA Club. Additionally, he holds a bachelor’s degree from the University of South Florida.
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Matt has achieved significant recognition in his field. He was a National Select Decoy at the PSA Nationals in 2019, 2021, 2022, and 2023 and has been a multiple time South Regional Select Decoy. Moreover, he has been serving as a Senior Decoy for PSA since 2019.
Matt's partner in his work is Kados, his Dutch Shepherd. Kados is an accomplished PSA Competitor with PDC and PSA 1 Titles, and 1 leg of his PSA 2. He is also an Ultimate Air Dogs Competitor and was a Nationals Qualifier in 2018. Kados is also a trained Narcotics Detection Dog for STK9.
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Together, Matt and Kados form a dynamic duo, excelling in protection sports and ensuring the safety of our community. If you have any questions for Matt or are interested in personal protection or sport dog training, don't hesitate to reach out to us.
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