Metro K9 Academy’s Family & Personal Protection Dog Training program is built for families and professionals who want added security without sacrificing control, stability, or calm behavior.Every dog is temperament-tested and trained on a foundation of advanced obedience first, ensuring protection behaviors are clear, intentional, and handler-controlled—never reactive or impulsive. Protection work is layered thoughtfully and only when appropriate for the dog, the handler, and the household.
Protection Training That Puts Safety First
Protection training at Metro K9 is about judgment, clarity, and responsibility. Dogs learn when to act, when not to, and how to disengage immediately on command.
Training emphasizes:
- Control before capability
- Obedience before protection
- Calm behavior in everyday environments
- Clear handler authority at all times
These dogs are trained to live safely with families, move neutrally through public spaces, and respond only when asked.
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—without escalation - Protection Fundamentals (By Evaluation)
Targeting, drive channeling, bark & hold, controlled engagement patterns - Release & De-escalation
Immediate outs, recalls off pressure, calm handler resets - Home & Family Scenarios
Door protocols, perimeter awareness, vehicle 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 who want a well-mannered companion with trained deterrence, tight control, and predictable behavior in daily life.
Prerequisites (Required)
- Basic & Advanced Obedience (Metro K9 or comparable program)
- Pass evaluation for nerves, drives, and stability
Skills & Outcomes
- Reliable obedience & neutrality
- Alert/bark on command; calm when not cued
- Immediate outs and de-escalation
- Home, perimeter, and vehicle protocols
- Safe leash and long-line management
Advanced Protection (Off-Leash) — What’s Included
Who it’s for:
Experienced handlers seeking off-leash control and refined protection behaviors in more complex, real-world scenarios.
Prerequisites (Required)
- Completion of Family Personal Protection
- Advanced obedience foundations
- Pass comprehensive evaluation
Skills & Outcomes
- Off-leash reliability under heavy distraction
- Precise targeting and bark-and-hold
- Immediate recalls and releases off pressure
- Scenario proofing (multi-person, vehicles, low-light)
- Advanced handler timing and safety protocols
Pricing: Quoted after individual assessment.
We train communication first—so protection behaviors happen only when asked and stop the instant you give the cue.
How the Program Works
- Free Evaluation – Temperament, drives, lifestyle, and goals
- Customized Plan – Phases, milestones, and training venues
- Progress Blocks – Private lessons or Board & Train options
- Handler Coaching – You learn the same techniques we use
- Maintenance & Proofing – Tune-ups and advanced progression
Standards You Can Trust
- Limited enrollment for individualized attention
- Ethical, transparent training methods
- Real-world proofing beyond the field
- Structured owner handoff and support
Course Length, Cost, Certification
- Length: Typically 16 classes (Family Personal Protection)
- Cost: Starts at $2,500 (varies by K9 and goals)
- Certification: Awarded upon completion
- Refreshers: Lifetime options available
- Advanced Protection: Off-leash; pricing by evaluation
Call or text Bobby at 201-230-2285 to schedule a confidential evaluation and determine whether family or personal protection training is appropriate for your dog and household