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Professional Dog Trainers

Training Through Trust and Respect

Stefano Filippelli

Owner / Head Trainer

“Dogs are our best teachers. But, it’s only when we stop, tune out the noise, and listen to them do we begin to learn. ”

Stefano Filippelli

K9 Intuition's founder and head trainer, Stefano Filippelli, is an Animal Behavior College graduate with a certification in Dog Training. What makes Stefano different than most trainers is the fact that he specializes in behavioral modification. Stefano has experience in dealing with dogs most trainers refuse to work with. He focuses on healing dogs that are animal reactive, human aggressive, former fighting dogs, fearful dogs and dogs that just need a little help to be more balanced. Stefano is a favorite choice of many Southern California dog rescues who need help with some of the difficult dogs they rescue. He uses trust, respect, and gentle hand to rebuild the dog's faith in humanity and with the help of his pack, trust in other dogs. 

Stefano, like many other people, had an extremely difficult dog and struggled to deal with him daily. His dog Astro, had become very reactive and developed a fixation of attacking other dogs. Astro's aggressiveness was pushing his family to the brink. After being given an ultimatum by his wife, he was forced to seek out help. He ended up reaching out to Cesar Millan at his Dog Psychology Center. With help from Cesar and many hours of work on Stefano's part, they were able to rehabilitate Astro and turn him into a working demo dog for Stefano. The experience of working with Astro inspired Stefano to go back to school and become a certified Dog Trainer through The Animal Behavior College.  All of this opened up an opportunity to become an assistant instructor for Cesar's team at the Dog Psychology Center. Stefano now uses his training and experience he acquired while working there to rehabilitate other broken dogs.

Stefano, not only trains in and around Los Angeles, but also travels around the country assisting families with their troubled dogs. His work has also caught the attention of producers at the Hallmark Channel. Stefano is now proud to be the Head Trainer on the Hallmark Channel's American Rescue Dog Show, where they showcase the best of rescued dogs across our country.
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Candice Shafer

Lead Trainer

Candice started out like every good trainer, looking for help with her own dog. Her journey to find the right trainer to fit that fit her needs brought her to Stefano. Her dedication and persistence in working with her dog but more importantly improving who she is as a human really stood out to Stefano. When he decided to bring her on as a volunteer is when her abilities with dogs really began to shine. She combined her love of dogs and her love of humans to make her a truly well balanced trainer. Now Stefano is proud to call her Lead Trainer and in many regards his Consigliere. Candice specializes in basic obedience, prey drive, treadmill, leash manners and dog reactivity.

Noah Kubler

Trainer and Kennel Staff

Noah began his journey with K9 Intuition as a dedicated client, developing a passion for dog training. After years of hard work, shadowing, and volunteering, Noah has become a key trainer at K9 Intuition. He also plays an essential role in staffing our kennels throughout the week.

Kayla

Trainer

As a child, Kayla was often called the “dog whisperer” by family and friends. She has always had a deep love for all animals, with dogs holding a special place in her heart. Becoming a dog trainer was never part of her original plan. Like many of K9 Intuition’s clients and trainers, her journey into dog training and canine psychology began after a difficult experience with her own dogs. That challenging period inspired her to want something better for her future dogs.



In 2021, Kayla welcomed Harper, a Belgian Malinois mix, who changed the trajectory of her life in countless ways. Drawing from a lifetime of dog ownership and her education at K9 Intuition, Kayla is passionate about sharing her experiences with the community so others can build healthier, clearer, and more connected relationships with their dogs. She is excited to help dog owners become the confident leaders their dogs need.

Nikko Filippelli

Child and Dog Interaction Specialist

Nikko's natural kind and gentle soul paired with his confidence he has gained from working with his father is just what every dog needs to learn to be comfortable and safe around children. Nikko brings his unique skill set as a powerful tool to the K9 Intuition team. 

Our Extended Pack - Testimonials

"Stefano came in and made what seemed impossible, possible! My dog was trying to kill my cats. He walked in and changed everything! I'm sitting here the day of his lesson with both of my fur babies calm and comfortable. I highly recommend him." 

Mia Francovich

"My daughter got a female pit from the shelter about a year ago. Yona is about 3 years old, very playful and loving. She is a sweet dog, but try to come into our house. Very different Yona.. and she has no manners. Stefano is amazing. His specialist training strategy has helped us with her. She is one very stubborn dog, but day in and day out we are using the tools he has given us to help her/help us. Thank you so very much for all your help."

BEATRICE PREWITT

"Stefano, what you were able to do to rehabilitate Rocco in one weekend, after a local person told us might take a year, is nothing short of amazing and we are forever grateful! Rocco, Jordan, and I learned a lot about ourselves as well as one another from the experience! Thank for all that you, Jen and your entire team do everyday to help the Roccos of the world as well as owners like us that mean well!"

FRED, JORDAN, AND ROCCO

"Karen Thomas and I were very impressed with Stefano Filippelli and the results we saw very quickly! We now enjoy our walks and the dogs appreciate the leadership skills he taught us! Thank you so much Stefano Filippelli, We HIGHLY recommend K9 Intuition for training and education."

DAASHIA COCHRAN