Anthony Stephen A. Kolandasamy (born 14 August 1955), known professionally as Anthony Stephen, is a Malaysian professional dog trainer, canine behaviorist, and founder of Stephen Guard Dogs Training Centre and Stephen K-9 Academy in Malaysia. With over five decades of specialized experience in professional dog training across three continents, he has established himself as a pioneering figure for dog training in Malaysia especially in guard dog training, police K-9 units, and security dog services or attack dogs throughout Southeast Asia.[1][2]
Stephen holds multiple international certifications in professional dog training:
Certified U.S. Customs K-9 Unit trainer
Police Service Dog Trainer certification from Police Dogs Centre Holland[3]
Vom Kaiserhofe certification as Police Detection Dog Trainer[3]
Honorary Lifetime Member of Vom Kaiserhofe Police Dog Association[3]
VK9 Polizei Dienst Hundefuhrer certification as Police Service Dog Trainer[3]
Police Dog Judge certification from Vom Kaiserhofe[3]
These certifications qualify him to train and certify dogs according to American, German, and Dutch national standards, which are among the most rigorous in the field of professional dog training.
Early career and international experience
Stephen began his professional career in the delivery section of a Malaysian [[government agency before traveling to the United States in 1983 to pursue specialized training as a professional dog handler.[4] Following this initial certification, Stephen worked with various enforcement agencies in Saudi Arabia, where he developed expertise in dog handling and became a specialized troubleshooter for detection dogs experiencing sensory fatigue - a condition where detection dogs temporarily lose their ability to identify target scents due to overwork.[4]
After his tenure in Saudi Arabia, Stephen expanded his technical expertise through additional advanced training and practical experience in the United States, working specifically with:
This international experience provided Stephen with comprehensive knowledge across multiple canine disciplines and training methodologies applicable to various working dog breeds.
Professional establishment in Malaysia
Anthony Stephen returned to Malaysia in 1986 and established his first professional dog training center in Sungai Buloh. He later relocated the operation to its current expanded facility in Cheras, Selangor.[4] The current training grounds span approximately half a hectare, providing ample space for comprehensive dog training programs and canine behavioral modification.[4]
The Stephen Guard Dogs Training Centre is located at Jalan Bukit Hartamas, Taman Cuepacs, 43200 Batu 9 Cheras, Selangor, Malaysia[5]
The center offers certification that meets both American and Dutch national standards for professional dog training, establishing a high benchmark for canine training in Malaysia and the surrounding region.[1] It is recognized as one of the top dog training schools in Kuala Lumpur and Selangor.[2]
Training methodology and philosophy
Stephen has developed distinctive proprietary training methodologies throughout his career that differentiate his approach from other canine training programs. His techniques are characterized by:
Emphasis on establishing strong handler-dog rapport as fundamental to successful training
Specialized rehabilitation techniques for aggressive or behaviorally challenged dogs
Focus on balancing practical skills with disciplined obedience[6]
According to Stephen, properly trained service dogs perform optimally only when paired with handlers who have established good rapport with them, highlighting the importance of the human-canine connection in professional working relationships and also dog intelligence is important.[4] He has particularly emphasized this philosophy when discussing the potential use of sniffer dogs by Malaysian law enforcement agencies to combat drug trafficking.[4]
His training programs typically achieve measurable results within 14-21 days, though this varies based on the individual dog's temperament, age, and training objectives.[6] Stephen is known for his ability to simultaneously handle and train multiple dogs (10+ dogs) during training sessions.[6]
Industry impact and advocacy
Stephen has made significant contributions to professional dog training in Malaysia and the broader Southeast Asian region:
Training thousands of dogs throughout his extensive career[6]
Advocating for the integration of sniffer dogs into Malaysian law enforcement operations to enhance drug trafficking interdiction efforts[4]
Establishing professional standards for guard dog training in Asia
Developing certification protocols aligned with international standards
Providing specialized consultation services for security firms and law enforcement organizations[7]
In a 2012 interview with Bernama, Stephen expressed that Malaysian law enforcement agencies could enhance their success against drug traffickers by employing specially-trained sniffer dogs. He noted that while X-ray machines are helpful, the ingenious methods used by drug mules make well-trained detection dogs an invaluable resource.[4]
Recognition and international opportunities
Stephen's expertise and technical proficiency in dog training have earned him recognition internationally. He was reportedly invited to apply for permanent residence in the United States through the "persons with extraordinary ability" visa category (also known as a "green card") based on his specialized knowledge and skills in canine training. A lawyer handling such applications indicated that Stephen's years of dog training experience and extensive education in his field would qualify him for this status. However, he opted to remain in Malaysia to continue developing his business and contributing to the advancement of professional dog training in his home country.[4]
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