At Deafinitely Trained K9 Services (DTK9), we believe effective dog training starts with communication.
Our goal isn’t simply to teach a dog to perform commands. It’s to help dogs and their people understand one another, build confidence, and develop skills that work beyond the training session.
Founded by Steven Keith, ABCDT, DTK9 provides practical, humane training for dogs and their owners, with specialized expertise in deaf dogs, visual communication, rescue and adopted dogs, and special-needs training.
Whether you’re starting with a puppy, bringing home a rescue, working through everyday challenges, or learning how to communicate with a deaf dog, we’re here to help.
Our Training Philosophy
DTK9 follows Least Intrusive, Minimally Aversive (LIMA) principles.
That means we focus on humane training strategies and consider the individual dog, environment, learning history, motivation, and behavior before deciding how to approach a training challenge.
Training isn’t about winning a battle with your dog.
It’s about teaching your dog what works, creating clarity, and setting them up for success.
Clear information helps dogs understand what we're asking.
Behaviors that produce meaningful outcomes are more likely to be repeated.
Training should develop gradually rather than asking for more than the dog is ready to handle.
Dogs learn more effectively when the people around them communicate clearly and consistently.
Every dog comes with a different history, personality, environment, and set of challenges.
That’s why DTK9 focuses on understanding the individual dog rather than relying on a one-size-fits-all approach.
Our training can help with:
The goal is to give you practical skills you can continue using long after a training session ends.
Deaf dogs can learn, communicate, explore, play, and thrive.
They simply experience the world differently.
DTK9 specializes in helping owners develop effective visual communication systems for deaf and hearing-impaired dogs.
Instead of depending on verbal commands, we teach owners how to use appropriate visual cues, body language, attention-building exercises, environmental awareness, and other strategies that make sense for their individual dog.
Puppyhood is more than teaching a few basic commands.
It’s the time to begin building the communication, confidence, habits, and relationship that will shape your dog’s future.
DTK9 can help you establish strong foundations through age-appropriate training focused on practical everyday life.
Puppy training may include:
The goal isn’t a perfect puppy.
It’s a puppy learning how to succeed in your world.
Pulling on the leash can turn a simple walk into a frustrating experience for everyone.
DTK9 helps owners understand why their dog is pulling and develop practical walking skills based on communication, reinforcement, engagement, and the individual dog’s needs.
Training may address:
The goal is not simply a dog that doesn’t pull.
It’s a dog that understands how to move through the environment with you.
Training multiple dogs isn’t simply training the same dog twice.
Different personalities, relationships, energy levels, and reinforcement histories can create unique challenges in a multi-dog household.
DTK9 can help you establish clearer routines and communication while working toward:
The goal is a household where everyone can succeed.
Bringing home a rescue or adopted dog can be incredibly rewarding—and sometimes challenging.
Your new dog may have an unknown history, unfamiliar behaviors, anxiety, or difficulty understanding the expectations of their new environment.
DTK9 can help you create a practical transition plan focused on:
You don’t have to know everything on day one.
Training can help you and your dog learn each other.
Whether you’re living with a deaf dog, welcoming a rescue into your home, working through obedience challenges, or simply looking to build a stronger relationship with your dog, Deafinitely Trained K9 Services LLC (DTK9) is here to help.