A LITTLE ABOUT Radical k9

Training Your Dog Should Be Fun, Rewarding, and Built Just for You
Dog training isn’t just about teaching commands it’s about building a relationship. When you and your dog learn how to communicate clearly, life together becomes more enjoyable, less stressful, and a lot more fun. From puppies learning the basics to advanced working dogs fine-tuning their skills, every stage of training creates an opportunity to strengthen that bond.  At Radical K9, located in Elwood, Indiana, we take this idea seriously. Our training programs are designed not only to teach your dog skills but to help you both enjoy the process. No two dogs or owners are the same, which is why we customize every program to fit individual needs.

Why Training Matters
A well-trained dog is a happy dog. Training provides more than good manners; it gives your dog structure, confidence, and mental stimulation. For owners, it means peace of mind, safety, and a stronger connection with their four-legged friend.

  • Obedience creates freedom – Dogs who understand commands like sit, stay, and come can enjoy more off-leash time, social experiences, and adventures.
  • Training builds trust – Consistent, positive communication reassures your dog that they can rely on you.
  • It makes life easier – From house manners to polite leash walking, training helps prevent frustrating behaviors before they become habits.


The Radical K9 Difference
Many training programs focus solely on the dog. At Radical K9, we train dogs and their people together. After all, training doesn’t end when the session is over — it continues every day at home.  What sets us apart is our customized approach. We look at each dog as an individual: their age, breed, personality, and energy level, as well as your lifestyle and goals. Whether you want a calm companion at home, a dog who thrives in social settings, or an athlete ready for advanced work, our programs are built to get you there.

Services We Offer
We offer a wide range of training opportunities, from the essentials to specialized skills. Some of our most popular programs include:

  • Puppy Basics – Early training sets the tone for a lifetime of good behavior. We teach foundational skills like sit, down, leash walking, and recall, along with house manners and socialization.
  • Obedience & Manners – Perfect for dogs of all ages, this training focuses on everyday skills that make life at home and in public smoother and more enjoyable.
  • Advanced Training & Tricks – For owners who want to go beyond the basics, we offer advanced obedience, off-leash reliability, and even fun tricks that challenge your dog mentally.
  • Schutzhund Training – For working dogs and handlers looking to compete or pursue high-level protection sports, we provide access to a national-level Schutzhund field, fully equipped for training at the highest standards.
  • Board & Train – Dogs stay with us for an immersive training experience, learning skills in a structured yet home-like environment.
  • Boarding – When you’re away, your dog is cared for like family, with access to large turnout yards, age-appropriate playgroups, and daily enrichment.


Our One-of-a-Kind Facility
Located on a 21-acre farm in Elwood, Indiana, Radical K9 offers a training environment unlike any other in the region.  6 acres of hayfield and 11 acres of wooded trails provide endless opportunities for exercise, exploration, and off-leash training.  Dogs who stay with us are housed in our home not in a kennel block creating a calm, family-oriented environment.  Large turnout yards give dogs space to play and relax, whether on their own or in carefully matched playgroups.  This setting allows us to work on real-world training situations while also giving dogs plenty of room to thrive mentally and physically.

Why Our Approach Works
Dogs don’t just need training they need the right kind of training. Our approach succeeds because it combines:
Personalization every dog and owner team gets a tailored plan.
Balanced Environment we provide structure while ensuring dogs enjoy the process.
Owner Involvement training you alongside your dog ensures results last.
Real-Life Practice trails, fields, and home environments allow dogs to practice skills where they matter most.

We’ve seen shy puppies grow into confident companions, energetic dogs learn to focus, and competitive athletes achieve national-level success. The common thread? Training that fits the dog, the owner, and their shared lifestyle.

The Radical K9 Promise
At the end of the day, our mission is simple: to help you and your dog enjoy training together. Whether you’re taking your first steps with a puppy or pursuing high-level competition, we’re here to guide you with expertise, compassion, and a passion for dogs.

Ready to Start?
Training changes everything — for you and your dog. If you’re ready to begin your journey, we’d love to meet you.

📍 Visit us at our Elwood, Indiana facility (by appointment) explore our farm, and see firsthand what makes Radical K9 different.
📞 Contact us today to learn more about our training programs, schedule a consultation, or book your dog’s stay.

Because when training is built around your unique bond, every step forward feels radical.

Meet the Trainer: Marla Stickel

Behind Radical K9 is founder and head trainer Marla Stickel, whose lifelong passion for dogs has shaped both her expertise and her approach.

Marla began training dogs in 1994, when she joined her local 4-H dog club as a child. Her curiosity and dedication quickly grew into a career. In 2000, she joined her local Search and Rescue (SAR) team, where she spent nine years training and certifying four dogs in air scenting. During this time, she also partnered with the DELTA Society, certifying one cat and two dogs to provide comfort visits in hospitals.

In 2002, Marla graduated from the Michigan School of K9 Cosmetology and worked as a groomer for 18 years before retiring to focus fully on training. Her career also led her to a local veterinary practice, where she groomed, trained, and worked as a veterinary assistant. In 2007, she furthered her knowledge by attending Purdue University’s Canine Behavior Course, deepening her understanding of behavior and psychology.

But in 2008, Marla discovered her true passion: Schutzhund. After visiting her first club, she fell in love with the sport and has been actively competing at the world level ever since.

Today, Marla brings her decades of experience to Radical K9, with a special focus on rehabilitating dogs with behavioral problems. Her diverse background — spanning obedience, search and rescue, grooming, veterinary care, and competition — allows her to approach each dog with unmatched insight and compassion.