Some people train dogs to sit, stay, and fetch. Steve Scott trains dogs that can calmly play with children one moment, then instinctively protect a family when every second counts.
It’s a rare skill that has made him the trusted choice for high-profile clients, including celebrities, business executives, and families seeking the highest level of personal security.
Yet behind the impressive client list is a man whose philosophy is refreshingly simple: a protection dog should first and foremost be a loving, dependable member of the family.
Steve Scott is a veteran of the US Army, where he deployed to numerous countries and spent time living in Europe.
During his military service, he developed working relationships with some of Europe’s leading protection dog kennels, laying the foundation for what would become a lifelong career.
Following his military service, Steve moved into law enforcement, where he earned recognition as the head trainer of his Police Department’s K9 Unit.
It was there that years of real-world operational experience shaped his practical, results-driven approach to training, something that continues to distinguish Scott’s K9 from many other protection dog providers.
Combining his extensive training expertise with access to some of Europe’s finest working dogs, Steve has built a reputation for producing Family Protection Dogs and Police Dogs of exceptional quality.
Known for his straightforward, no-nonsense teaching style, Steve ensures every owner understands how to confidently integrate a fully trained protection dog into everyday family life.
He personally trains parents, children, and other household members, helping them learn how to safely and effectively work alongside their certified protection dog in a variety of real-life situations.
As a certified trainer, Steve is committed to matching each family with a dog that is affectionate, stable, and highly social at home, while remaining fully capable of protecting those it loves should the need ever arise.
Steve caught up with K9 Magazine to talk about dogs, work, and life.
Tell us all about all the dogs you’ve loved in your life.
This business all started because I was stationed in Europe while in the Army. I met some German dog trainers and ended up buying a German Shepherd puppy named Harro.
I was able to learn from the Germans and even met some Dutch and French dog trainers as well. That dog ended up becoming my protection dog in Italy and my police dog in later years. I truly attribute my business 100% to Harro.
You’re obviously a huge dog lover. How long have dogs been a major part of your life, and how would you explain the importance of dogs to someone who hadn’t ever experienced the joy of a canine/human relationship in their life?
I’ve been an animal lover since a young age. I started training the family’s golden retriever in obedience just to see if I could. I don’t think there is a more powerful bond that a person can have than with a dog, especially a working dog
What are your favorite things to do with your dog(s)?
I love to work with the dogs as much as hang out with them.
You have a really interesting career… What advice would you give to the many people who want to follow your path in career terms? What are the absolute best (and worst) things about your work?
I’ve always run the business like this:
1. Dogs come first.
2. Clients come 2nd.
3. Business comes 3rd.
Here are our quick-fire questions. Are you ready?
Which do you prefer and why?
Big dogs or little dogs?
Big dogs.
Calm, relaxed dogs or dogs who live at 100mph?
Calm.
Dogs who do as they’re asked most of the time, or dogs who do pretty much whatever they like whenever they like?
Dogs that do as told.
Dogs who love to walk by your side or dogs who like to race off and cover ten thousand yards in 3 seconds?
Walk by my side.
Days off or days at work?
Every day is a day off because all I do is play with dogs.
The fastest route or the scenic route?
Fastest.
Nighttime or early morning?
Early morning.
Describe the last time you laughed out loud because of something you saw a dog do.
When they just do silly dog things like sleeping on their back.
What do you like to do in your downtime?
Watch TV with my dog.
What is your current favorite Animal charity?
PTSD Dog for Vets.
Finish the following sentence, “Dogs are…”…
Better than most people.
Thanks, Steve!
