Protection Training That Puts Safety First
Metro K9 Academy’s Family Personal Protection program builds a stable, controllable, and reliable companion who can deter threats and respond on command. Every dog is temperament-tested and trained on a foundation of advanced obedience, so protection behaviors are clear, safe, and handler-controlled—never impulsive.
What Your Dog Learns
- Advanced Obedience & Control: heel, place, recall, outs/leave-it, neutrality under distraction
- Confidence & Nerve Strength: environmental exposure (surfaces, crowds, noises, vehicles)
- Deterrence on Cue: alert/bark on command, posture, and presence while maintaining control
- Protection Fundamentals: targeting, drive channeling, “bark & hold,” and safe engagement patterns (as appropriate)
- Release & De-escalation: immediate outs, recalls off pressure, and calm resets with the handler
- Home & Family Scenarios: door protocols, perimeter awareness, car approaches, travel routines
At-a-Glance: Basic vs. Advanced Protection
| Feature | Basic Family Protection | Advanced Protection (Off-Leash) |
|---|---|---|
| Primary Goal | Foundation control + deterrence for home/family scenarios | High-level, off-leash control and engagements on cue |
| Control Level | On-leash/long-line; strong management and neutrality | Reliable off-leash performance under heavy distraction |
| Core Skills | Heel, place, recall, outs/leave-it, alert/bark on command, door/car protocols, perimeter awareness | All Basic skills plus precise targeting, bark & hold, advanced releases/recalls off pressure, complex scenario work |
| Environments | Home, yard, vehicle, neighborhood | Home/public, vehicles, night work, multi-person scenarios, environmental stressors |
| Prerequisites | Temperament pass; Basic & Advanced Obedience (can be taken with us) | Completion of Family Personal Protection + Basic & Advanced Obedience (Metro K9 or comparable pro program) |
| Typical Handler Role | Learn leash handling, timing, and household protocols | Advanced handling, off-leash control, ongoing proofing/tune-ups |
| Pricing | Starts at $2,500 (varies by K9) | Individual assessment (quoted after evaluation) |
Basic Family Personal Protection — What’s Included
Who it’s for: Families and owners who want a well-mannered companion with trained deterrence and tight control at home and around the public
Prerequisites (Required)
- Basic and Advanced Obedience from Metro K9 (or comparable professional program)
- Pass evaluation for nerves, drives, and stability
Skills & Outcomes
- Advanced obedience & neutrality: heel, place, stay, reliable recall
- Deterrence on cue: alert/bark when asked; neutral when not
- Outs/leave-it & de-escalation: stop immediately on handler cue
- Home & family scenarios: front-door protocols, perimeter awareness, vehicle approaches, travel routines
- Leash/long-line management: safe, predictable control in real life
Advanced Protection (Off-Leash) — What’s Included
Who it’s for: Qualified teams seeking off-leash control and refined protection behaviors for complex, real-world situations.
Prerequisites (Required)
- Completion of Family Personal Protection at Metro K9 (or equivalent)
- Basic and Advanced Obedience from Metro K9 (or comparable professional program)
- Pass evaluation for nerves, drives, and stability
Skills & Outcomes
- Off-leash reliability under substantial distraction
- Targeting & bark-and-hold with precise cueing and control
- Immediate release/recall off pressure; calm reset with handler
- Scenario proofing: multi-person encounters, low-light/noise, vehicles, public settings
- Handler proficiency: advanced timing, clear communication, safety protocols
Pricing: Determined by individual assessment after evaluation.
We train clear communication first so protection behaviors happen only when asked and stop the instant you give the cue.
How the Program Works
- Free Evaluation: Temperament and drive assessment; goals, lifestyle, and environment review.
- Customized Plan: We outline phases, milestones, and training venues (field, home, public).
- Progress Blocks: Weekly lessons or immersive options (Board & Train) to accelerate learning.
- Handler Coaching: You’ll practice the same techniques we use so results transfer at home.
- Maintenance & Proofing: Ongoing tune-ups, scenario refreshers, and advanced progression.
Standards You Can Trust
- Limited dog counts for individualized attention
- Ethical methods that prioritize clarity, safety, and stability
- Real-world proofing beyond the training field
- Structured Handoff: so you know exactly what to do and when
Course Length, Cost, Certification, and Refreshers
- Length: Typically 16 classes for Family Personal Protection
- Cost: Starts at $2,500 for Family Personal Protection; varies by K9 and goals
- Certification: K9 certification awarded at completion
- Lifetime refresher courses: Available to keep skills sharp
- Advanced Protection: Fully off-leash; pricing by individual assessment
Questions? Call/text Bobby at 201-230-2285