Our Reviews

We highly recommend

We got a personal protection dog from this company, and he has been a great addition to our family. The dog is well-trained, very loving and makes a great companion. We highly recommend PD Dog School to anyone worldwide looking for a personal protection dog.

Contacting Rob was one of the best things we have ever done.

We are the proud owners of a 12 month old German Shepard named Zac who, in 2005, could be a bit of a handful. He is just so playful and boisterous and I was finding him just a little hard work to handle, especially on the lead. A couple of months ago we contacted The Dog Listener who came to us and told us to just ignore him, I know it looks good on the TV, but how could you correct Zac by ignoring the problem as he didn't realise there was anything wrong and also we found it difficult to ignore Zac completely as he is part of the family. We then saw an advert in the paper for Rob's operational support, and thought it's worth a try so Rob could train us for us to train Zac.

We decided to book a 10-week training course and within the 1st week we had already noticed a difference in Zac and the way he behaved. Zac has calmed down a lot and we feel more in control. At the end of our training course, I am sure I will be able to take Zac anywhere and know that I feel 100% confident. It will be a pleasure to show everyone what a good, obedient dog we have. Contacting Rob was one of the best things we have ever done and without his help and confidence in us, and Zac, we would have been at a loss. Thanks Rob for all your hard work and advice, Thanks

Really enjoying working with Rob.

"Really enjoying working with Rob and his team, Both me and my GSD are learning a lot, Rob is down to earth and really easy to talk to, top class kennels with heat lamps so your poochs are safe and warm at night, great experience with a great team, thank you to all sheps training school."

Very responsible.

"I rang rob and got a reply within 15 minutes.. he came at times to suit me and took diesel straight away for me. He's been very responsive calling me every day to give me an update on how he's going on. It's his first week this week and I could tell a difference the second day I seen him. Can't wait to watch my dog learn and grow with Robert and the team! Exciting times ahead!"

Couldn't recommend highly enough.

"My rotweiller has really changed in just the first 3 weeks of our course, rob and the team really know what they're doing with clear instructions to follow through the week leading to our 1 to 1 once a week plus you can call anytime for advice or any other questions etc. lead and collar provided with a small fee for a muzzle (if needed) I cannot fault. I'm looking forward to seeing out the rest of the course with rob and the team and couldn't recommend highly enough. Also they have a high quality boarding kennels should you need to use it."

Brilliant trainer.

"Robert Metcalfe is a brilliant trainer who came to the Scottish Highlands from Nottingham today to help me and my german shepherd. My dog was dog reactive and within an hour my dog was walking beside his dog with no harsh methods /prong collar/e collar as was recommended my a local trainer here in Scotland. Robert has offered me and my 2 dogs a placement at Robert and Jaynes residential school in Nottingham including Robert and Jayne travelling up here to collect me and my 2 dogs to save the hassle of me travelling by train down to them . I would be on a 21 day training programme with my dogs . End of the training would be assessed by an independant police dog handler. Also Robert has kindly offered to travel back to the Highlands with us to make sure I get back safe with my dogs"

Changed her life and ours.

"I've sent in my two GSD for high level obedience training, my male Atlas is 4 months old and already highly trained, the only thing I've needed help with is some behaviour problems, within a few minutes Rob brought the excitement under control and taught me how. I adopted a female GSD last Saturday, the previous owner didn't tell me that she hadn't been socailised at 6months old and she was aggressive to people. I got her to like me and my partner after 30minutes but i knew i needed professional help with her. On the way home I called Rob and he told him the situation, the next day i took him to her and I've seen changes so drastic I now comfortable with her in public. Her personality hasn't changed, she's still a happy dog and even better with no fear of people so everyone is now safe. Thank you Rob and your team you've changed her life and ours."

A* Service

"Bought a gsd from rob around 2 years back after my Rottweiler past away, I was looking for a large dog to protect my property and family. Simba came and settled in and does what he was bought to do!!! Does not let anyone near and very protective over his family and property. A*"

Invaluable advice

"I have been working with Rob for 6 months. He has helped me train my dog throughout this time and given me invaluable advice. I have now a fantastic almost fully trained Belgian Malinois. It has been worth the effort and time and I cannot thank rob and his team enough. Very happy."

A huge thank you!

"I was so delighted to find Robert and his team. My dog is a stray from Romania. She is a beautiful loving dog. Unfortunately she came to me in December 2020 with no training whatsoever. Her recall was excellent and she is a wonderful loving dog. It was very easy to house train her. The trouble was that I could not get her to accept a lead and collar. If I tried to approach her with them she would rush to her safe bed and tremble with fear. So we were stuck in the house and garden. Something awful must have happened to her in Romania. She would not let me groom her or dry her paws. Because I couldn't take her out her claws grew really long. I tried to get in touch with her rescuers but they refused to deal with me. In the meantime we really bonded. She was responsive to commands. I knew that I did not have enough knowledge to help her. I saw Robert's website and felt that he could help me. She went to his training school and has done really well. I give Robert and his team five stars. I was sent videos of her progress. Robert was always available if I had any queries. The team collected her from me and brought her home. She was seen by a vet and her claws were clipped. Bella and I now have a lovely future together. A huge thank you to Robert and his team."

Cannot thank Rob and his team enough

"I have been working with Rob for 6 months. He has helped me train my dog throughout this time and given me invaluable advice. I have now a fantastic almost fully trained Belgian Malinois. It has been worth the effort and time and I cannot thank Rob and his team enough. Very happy. Stephen Hargreaves CEO"

I can't thank Rob enough

"Not sure if it was luck or fate that led me to meet Rob when I was looking for a new dog that would double up as protection for me in this awful society we live in. Rob invited me over to meet max who I had seen and then suggested I came over for a training session to see how we got on together. Once I took max home I had access to 24 hour advice and support if I had any concerns as well as weekly training sessions for max that I could access. Rob wanted to make sure max and I were he right fit for each other and I felt confident and able to work with him to get the best out of him. I can't thank Rob enough and would highly recommend him for his vast knowledge of dog training incorporating his compassion for dogs"

Friendly, knowledgeable and welcoming

"We found Rob's website when we were looking for protection training our gsd Shelby. Right from the first phone call with Rob found him friendly knowledgeable and very welcoming, inviting us on a tour of his facilities. He offered us a package which suited us and so far Shelby has been with Rob on 3 one day training sessions and 3 Sunday sessions. We are already noticing improvements in her behaviour and learning more with each session."

I can't thank Rob enough

"Not sure if it was luck or fate that led me to meet Rob when I was looking for a new dog that would double up as protection for me in this awful society we live in Rob invited me over to meet max who I had seen and then suggested I came over for a training session to see how we got on together . Once I took max home I had access to 24 hour advice and support if I had any concerns as well as weekly training sessions for max that I could access. Rob wanted to make sure max and I were he right fit for each other and I felt confident and able to work with him to get the best out of him I can't thank Rob enough and would highly recommend him for his vast knowledge of dog training incorporating his compassion for dogs"

He has bonded with me admirably, and accompanies me everywhere I go

"Hello Mr Metcalfe.... Just a note to say that the 20month old Rottweiler (Roger), that I bought from you around Christmas time, has now settled in with me really well...He has bonded with me admirably, and accompanies me everywhere I go...I am very pleased with him, and look forward to many happy years together .....Kind regards...Royce Walby. "

Have turned Pete's, Liz's and Gus's lives round

"Gus is a German Shepherd who is currently being trained by Rob for obedience. Gus belongs to Liz and Pete. Before contacting us they took Gus to Roger Monkford, celebrity dog trainer and behavioural expert, Jan Farrell, and a host of other trainers but had to walk away with no results. They even had him placed on the K9 version of Valium to calm him down. We have done approximately 5 training sessions and have turned Pete's, Liz's and Gus's lives round to the pleasant side of dog ownership. If you wish to speak to Liz and Pete you can do so on : 01424 774166 Ask for Liz or Pete regarding Gus."

As a result of this meeting he purchased Bear from us

"Dan was looking for a German Shepherd suitable for his ten-year-old son that needed to be of an excellent temperament and a high standard of obedience. After spending many hours driving around the country and visiting many kennels and training agencies, he arranged to meet us in Milton Keynes with his wife and family. There he met Danny Green and his dog Buddy who was doing a security patrol dog course with us. As a result of this meeting he purchased Bear from us. We then arranged for two more follow up sessions at Milton Keynes and two more with Dan and his family at his home in Kent. Danny is happy to speak to potential clients looking for an obedient family pet. : (Pease contact us for details)"

John is more than happy to recommend

"We supplied John Jones with Ozzy who is trained to an executive level of personal protection. He is not only a first class protection dog but also a great friend to John's son. John is more than happy to recommend protection dog training to anyone looking for a top quality protection dog. If you would like to speak to John about Ozzy you can do so by ringing 01380 724677. John was so happy with his first dog he has now purchased a 2nd dog from us. Roy and Brunel came to us for training as Brunel had problems with dog aggression and generally bad behaviour. They have both been trained by our instructor Rob, and Brunel is now very well behaved and is a pleasure to own."

Level 2 personal protection dog

"2009 Jaffa was sold in 2009 to Richard and Joe as a Level 2 personal protection dog. As a family pet and a also to work in a public house. Richard is happy to speak to any potential clients please call 07917005651."

Mojo is trained to executive personal protection level 3

"Mojo is trained to executive personal protection level 3 and was a Czech Republic import and supplied to a family in Warwickshire in 2009. Johnathan his owner will be more than happy to speak to anyone with any questions. He can be contacted on : 07766 914553 or 07824 591635."

Toby 18 month old level 1 personal protection dog

"Toby 18 month old level 1 personal protection dog, sold to an existing client who has a fencing business in leeds west yorkshire, his previous dog past away in which we supplied. For a testimonial speak to will direct to his mobile 07833786186. Dog sold in 2010."

Fantastic family member

"Tj has been working with PD Dog School since he was 6 months old and he is a fantastic family member but knows how to protect when needed."

Many thanks

"Many thanks for bringing Billy a fifteen month old very handsome German Shepherd Dog to my home. He is very well behaved, has a very pleasing temperament and has settled with me very well. Thank you for giving me some assistance and advice with him I am looking forward to being associated with you and caring for Billy for some time to come. "

He has always fixed me up with the correct dog

"I've been dealing with Rob now for over four years. I've had a few dogs off him now for guarding, family pets and protection. He has always fixed me up with the correct dog for my needs and delivered very professional training to go with it. I would highly recommend! "

Will certainly be recommending him

"We were at a complete loss with our 12 month old german shepherd and were days away from giving up hope. That was until Rob from PD Dog School assured us he would be able to help us. Over the course of just 12 weeks, Robs transformed Willow and has changed all our lives. Willow is now an asset to the family and we couldn't be happier with his progress. Cant thank rob and his team enough for everything they've done. Will certainly be recommending him to anyone struggling with their dogs aggression and all round mis-behaviour. Thanks again! "

Couldn't recommend PD Dog School enough

"Ever since Sugar Ray started with Rob @ PD Dog School, immediately he has become calmer around the house with the children and our other dog where we had previously been experiencing a lot of nipping and jumping. Sugar is around half way through his training and we are very proud of how well it is going so far, he listens and reacts to commands where other pups from the same litter are lacking. At only 9 months old his training and his ability to listen to instructions is so much more advanced compared to our older dog when she was learning. He has just started his bite work and praise drive and already his mental maturity is excelling. Sugar is always extremely excited to see Rob when he arrives to collect him and we can see the friendship they have built over the past couple of months which is very settling to know he is happy when he's away from his family home. We couldn't recommend PD Dog School enough to take care of your pets and teach them some amazing skills."

I would highly recommend

"3 weeks ago I was really struggling with my German shepherd puppy she is a big powerful lady and I felt lost in my training. After speaking to multiple trainers I came across PD Dog School. I had lengthy chat with Robert and explained what was happening. He immediately gave me reassurance. My lady left for 2 weeks residential where Robert sent me videos and called regularly to update me on her progress. When she returned Robert spent the afternoon showing me/training me how to handle my dog correctly. He Has been on hand 24/7 for support and advise. Today we had a 1 to 1 training where Robert travelled to us when he arrived my dog was overwhelmed to see him which proves the bond and respect he has with her. 3 weeks in and I feel like me and my dog are now a team she is heal walking sit/ stay and all with distractions. Roll on the next session. I would highly recommend PD Dog School"

So thankful that I have found you

"Hi Rob just went for a lead walk with Dana and she walked heel the whole way and she didn't really take any notice when there was a runner on the other side of the road. So thankful that I have found you as a trainer and it is worth the drive as this was after only one official session! Imagine what she'll be like in a couple of months"

Very impressed with the service

"Rob came to assess our dog Narla and from the first session he had with her, you could see the difference, he got her to sit, walk to heel and stay. Every week she has progressively got a lot better, cant wait to see how much she comes on in the next couple of weeks. Would highly recommend Rob and his handlers always making it easier for us with having work and young children, schedule and timings always making it easier for us, with their personalised training programs. Very impressed with the service would definitely recommend, definitely received value for money. Thanks Alex & Katie."

Fast and Friendly

"I am really pleased with the service we received. We wanted to ensure our dog was suitable to live with a group of vulnerable children. The service was fast and friendly, providing regular updates with a great aftercare package. When Kiwi arrived with us she was very nervous pulling on her lead and was scared of other dogs. After a week of intense training at the centre Kiwi came back with a new lease of life and very obedient. She is now gentle and has bonded with the children and the team! Thank you"

What a difference a day makes!

What a difference a day makes!! After an assessment and a days training, we have a different dog. From an excitable 14 month old puppy we now have a walk to heel and sit on command little lady. Can't wait to see the future transformation as we progress with the training. Many thanks Rob

It's such a great experience

"I've never had a dog before due to non family support and personal commitments - a dog is for life hey. Well, now my career commitments are simply 13.5 hours a week. I'm financially stable and live on a 10 acre plot. So, I thought now was the time to investigate getting a dog. I have been looking after a German shepherd for an elderly couple yet Ruby was never mine. I'd fallen in love with the breed. Smart, dedicated, loyal and loving yet needs lots of mental stimulation. I was looking for a part trained Male German Shepherd 1-2 years old. However, I searched for weeks relentlessly, yet found the the price of a trained animal from £6500 and way higher!

I contacted various dog training schools and got nowhere. Then, I contacted PD Dog School and received an email from the owner kindly telling me that I'm looking for something very unlikely to find. Robert told me that any trainer that's spent their time daily training a dog for 1-2 years are doing so to produce an Operational dog and thus the animal will have taken blood sweat and tears and so will come with a heavy price. Robert suggested i reorientate my search and finances towards a GSD that was likely 6 months old and obedience trained. A dog that would be accepted into the police - would demonstrate that it would then be worth their time to train to the highest level. Robert had an incredible blood lined Male, 6 month GSD and would come down to check me and the environment out. Robert and his lovely wife spend a whole afternoon with me and my family getting to know each other. After they left, we couldn't believe our luck. Not only was the dog incredible but Robert was offering to be on hand for the lifespan of the animal even offering for me to visit him anytime, would give me all the accessories our dog would need (astonishing handmade leather and brass lead, grooming kit, food etc!) I'm from the Tech industry and we would call his a complete managed service!

Needless to say, the dog was incredible and I'm fortunate to live in a beautiful location so, the dog would inevitably enjoy a wonder life.

Having witnessed how Robert operated and the response of his dogs to his commands - I not only wanted the dog but thought actually, I want those Dog Handling skills too. Robert works with actual Police Handlers to aid our development- an incredible privilege and experience. We train in a group of no more than 8 student and taught by multiple experienced handlers. Sadly, "I" need Far more training then Major the dog. It's such a great experience. I look back at other families dogs, well behaved and badly behaved and now starting to catch a glimpse at the startling and radical difference of professionally trained animals. Have a huge respect and a bit of awe actually. It's a daily commitment of hard work via positive reinforcement yet Unfathomably worth it.

So here I am, with a stunning GSD called Major and I'm training weekly with Robert to become an accredited Handler. This way I'll bond with Major to an infinitely greater extent and can flexibility be subcontracted to events that require a protection presence."

Highly recommend Rob and his company

"I have purchased a dog off of Rob from PD Dog School, I am really grateful that he has helped me out to start my security business, not only did he give me the dog at a reasonable price but also he chucked in a days training as well which has taught me a lot on how to handle myself and the dog.I highly recommend Rob and his company. "

5 star

"Due to a busy work schedule and emergency call outs, my family are home alone in a rough area. Never had a dog before and came across Protection dog service and spoke to a polite chap Robert. Very informative and educational as I discussed my concerns and he had a dog for me within a month. I highly recommend Robert and his team/staff very supportive, polite and professional. I have an amazing dog and service. 5 star. Once again thank you."

An absolute godsend

"I was diagnosed with Complex PTSD (cPTSD) several years ago and my condition meant that my life was often lonely and isolated as I struggle to maintain any relationships and interact with people; often being confined to the house, alone, for long periods of time. The minute I bought Martin from you, my life has changed exponentially. I couldn't have imagined how much a working PTSD dog would change my life. He "senses" my emotions and reacts accordingly - responding to my "fight, flight or freeze" moments as required when we're outside. He's an absolute godsend when I need to go shopping; because he's trained to come into the shops with me and keep people at a distance from me, it allows me to feel "safe" when in a crowded store. His greatest benefit to me is that when I have a flashback or nightmare he will put his "chin" on me to reassure me.

Having to walk a dog means I have to leave the house even if I don't really want to; once I'm out people always comment on how well trained he is and that's thanks to you training him before I bought him. I can't thank you enough for Martin; you selected the right dog for my requirements. I've only had him a year but I've finally got some independence back - with his assistance I'm leading a far more functional / normal life. Thank you.

I really can't say enough

"I Really can't say enough about PD Dog School. It's really amazing what Rob has done for me and my family. I got in touch with Rob after seeing Jango on the Internet and fell in love with him, after long discussions and many telephone conversations we decided that Jango would be coming to a good home with us! We were then hit with Covid-19, not sure if my job was safe I got in touch with Rob and explained that we were not in a position at this time to Take Jango in to our home.

Then the most amazing thing happened, my wife works as a phlebotomist for the NHS working on the front line, I'm a former army soldier. Rob contacted us and decided because of what my wife is doing on the front line, and me being an ex service man he wanted to gift Jango to our family, he added he wanted to give something back. We were shocked at such an amazing gesture and very grateful, Jango is such a well trained awesome dog he has settled in to our home extremely well, he adores my 2 girls and they adore him, Rob has also invited us to carry on training with him. Rob is always in touch and if we need any advice all I have to do is call him, I would certainly recommend Personal Protection trained dogs to anyone looking for that family bond with the added security.

Thank you guys from the bottom of our hearts

Thank you for the lesson today

"Thank you for the lesson today, it was amazing! Never thought Drama would get on with another dog straight away like that. Drama is a very snappy dog and dislikes people, you've changed my dog. 100% happy with today, I would give 5stars rating."

Money Well Spent

"I would like to thank you on your excellent efforts, and time, that you've put into helping me with my Doberman Leo. His obedience and overall behaviour is much better and has shown that he can do the protection work as well. You're very fair but firm with him and always very professional. Money well spent and he's still a great dog, but just listens more, thank you for all your help."

It is as if we have had him forever

"I have bought Buck from Mr Rob Metcalf as a personal protection dog as well as a family dog in 2007 and we are very pleased with him in every way. It is as if we have had him forever and it has only been a couple of weeks. His behaviour has been perfect and if I ever needed another dog I would have another trained dog from Rob. I would be happy to recommend Rob and his services. Yours Thankfully, P.A Worthington."

I have a great dog - thanks to him

"In January 2006, I had 2 options with Bailey, my large rescue Doberman, put him to sleep at the request of the local parish council, or figure out a way to save him. I had tried obedience classes, special workshops, and some one to one training but Bailey was profoundly disturbed. He was exceptionally aggressive at any moving objects but particularly dogs and bicycles and had pulled me across car bonnets on more than one occasion trying to attack a child's wheeled buggy or bicycle. He'd also attacked other dogs and turned on me if he couldn't get to them. A good-natured dog in the house he was an evil menace outdoors. Rob specialises in training dogs for security and personal protection. All I wanted was a dog I could walk without returning home in tears. What I've ended up with is a dog I can walk in a crowded place, past other dogs and bicycles, comfortable in the knowledge that I can retrieve the situation if he does decide to "have a go". In addition, I also have a dog that is now trained to police standards, speak on command and passive site work, working in environments with plenty of distractions and physical threats. He's not perfect, but he's a totally different dog to what he was. There are loads of dog trainers in the UK who claim to work with last resort difficult dogs, or defensive guarding breeds like "Dobes" and "Rotties". But as an ordinary mortal and without police resources available to me, I've not found a single one in my search that's achieved what Rob has with my dog. Bailey is still alive – and I have a great dog – thanks to him."

I am very happy to recommend Rob and his company

"I purchased Merlin from Rob 3 years ago. An executive personal protection dog for my family and me. As i work in the security and close protection industry. I am very happy to recommend Rob and his company PD Dog School."

Since Robert supplied us with a guard dog we have had no problems!

"I have known Mr Robert Metcalfe in a variety of capacities for many years. He has worked for me since September 2011 in various security rolls and a personal trainer for our security dog, Zac. Zac was supplied by Robert and he is a great asset for our business. We have been victims of armed robbery's in the past, but since Robert supplied us with a guard dog we have had no problems since! Robert is organized, efficient, extremely competent and has an excellent rapport with people of all ages. His communication skills are excellent. I highly recommend Robert as a professional dog handler. If you have any further questions with regard to her background or qualifications, please do not hesitate to call me."

She slotted into our family as she had always been with me

"I am severely disabled and use a disability scooter. After being attacked four times and the police not helping in any way shape or form, I decided to get a protection dog as my Labrador, Poppy, is of course not meant to do a job like this. After searching the net for some time and contacting some companies, I decided to go with PD Dog School. My reason being that Robert was so easy to talk to, having reasonable prices and most importantly was interested to get me the right sister for my dog Poppy. He chooses Senta a German Shepherd dog. When Senta went to the training I felt unprotected but now she is fully trained! Robert also sourced another fully trained German Shepherd, Jess, and she slotted into our family as she had always been with me. Now I have two executive protection dogs on my side and feel very safe! If you think about getting a best friend and protector for you or your family, I can highly recommend Robert."

I am pleased that It looks like I made the right choice.

"I am disabled living alone and wanted a dog for a companion. After much research into different breeds, I went for a Boston terrier. (Vasgo). Like all puppies, he is full of beans. and proved a bit of a handful for me. Jumping up and trying to show me who was taking who for a walk. I answered an advert in my local mail for a dog trainer. Being of limited mobility i felt that dog training classes wasn't an option for me. I had a meeting with Mr Metcalf which was a great idea my chance to see if he was the right man for the job. as there are a lot of chancers who think they are good trainers!!! Mr Metcalf put me at ease asked me what I wanted for our needs. With no pressure on my decision. This was week two of Vasgo's training and he has started to be a different dog. I was amazed as to how he has come on. He seems to be a different dog. I am pleased that It looks like I made the right choice."

Would highly recommend

"I think PD Dog School is a great business I would highly recommend that you take up the service that is offered I'm very happy with what they have done with my dog thanks to Robert and his team for the hard work."

Thank you so much.

"We have the sweetest, GSD from PD Dog School. She's so clever and has settled into our family life with 4 children very well. If we had room for more we'd definitely use PD Dog School again. Thank you so much"

What a wonderful dog.

"We had adopted Zebb from rob and Janice 2 weeks ago and what a wonderful dog he is, he is very well behaved and easy to train, when they came to drop him off they had even brought his Mam, dad and sister so we got to meet them also, you can tell straight away that they are well trained dogs just from there manner. Zebb is settling in really well with us and is behaving so well. I highly recommend one2one training for any dog owner as they keep in touch with you even once you have the dog where many people that sell dogs don’t bother, they have offered some training for us also with zebb which we look forward to getting done with them."