Protection Dog Trainers

Protection Dog Trainer - Bob Pocock

Personal protection dog senior trainer, Bob Pocock, has over 43 years experience in handling and training police dogs in the UK. An integral part of the team; Bob brings a wealth of experience and knowledge to K9  Protector

Bob joined the Wiltshire constabulary in 1969. In his service he was an operational Police dog handler for 25 years and in his time made some very high profile arrests and won many regional competitions and trials with his dogs. In 2000 he completed his UK home office instructors course and then went on to become the forces senior police dog instructor. In 2010 he retired with 42 years service bringing his skills and expertise to K9 Protector.

Bob's constant enthusiasm to improve his candidates is much valued and his wealth of experience in the development of protection dogs is second to none. He continually assesses each protection dog throughout his or her training to ensure that the protection dogs that pass our rigorous training programme are the very best family protections dogs available in the UK.

Protection Dog Trainer - Alaster Bly

Personal protection dog senior trainer, Alaster Bly, was a police dog handler in the UK prior to establishing K9 Protector as the leading family protection dog supplier in Europe. 

Alaster joined the Metropolitan Police in 1988 and then the Wiltshire Constabulary in 1996. In his service he spent the majority of his time as an operational dog handler. Handling general purpose dogs, drugs search dogs and tactical firearms dogs. Alaster left the service to set up K9 Protector and is a specialist in obedience. His commitment is evidenced by the standard of the protection dogs he develops.

He says that the pursuit of improvement and quality are his goals when training Elite family protection dogs to the highest standards. However don't just take our word for it look at our testimonials page you will see a wealth of customers that have invested in a protection dog from K9 Protector.

Through his work with K9Protector and his service in the police Alaster has often been called upon as an expert spokesman on the subject of  protection dog training by the national media. His most recent being his interview on the   Radio 2 "Jeremy Vine show.

Alaster heads up this small but experienced team overseeing the training and development of protection dogs at K9 Protector.

"From our established breeding program we are able to cement breed characteristics that suit a dog to the role of a Family Protection Dog.

However it's always a 60/40 split between genetics and development from a young age. It's something that were very good at and combine that with real world training we produce the very best protection dogs"

Sadly there is no regulatory body or watchdog for the training and sale of protection dogs in the UK so I would encourage you to do your research as the potential purchase of a protection dog is a well considered one and an investment that should protect your family.

Protection dogs should be balanced individuals trained to exacting standards and most importantly the individual dog should be a perfect match for the client. The match between client and protection dog is an essential one. Each dog is different in terms of drive and personality let alone size and structure so there are a few things to consider when looking at a potential family protection dog for your family.

Protection Dog Trainer - Sian Bly

Personal protection dog program trainer Sian Bly was recruited from the civilian dog training world.

Sian comes from a large dog training background and brings a level of balance to our training program between police background and civilian training. She is very involved in the selection and developmental work of protection dogs.

Each of our dogs are tested thoroughly in a home environment and Sian developed a structured program that tests suitability and sociability in any domestic circumstance 

I have also worked with some vulnerable clients that have suffered terrible violence at the hands of criminals and it's really opened my eyes as to the threat level some people have in their lives. I find it really satisfying when I complete a protection dog handover package with a new client and see their confidence and demeanour change as they realise that once bonded their new family member will stand in harms way for them.

Personal protection dog trainer, Sian Bly, had this to say about her role at K9Protector

"I have worked for K9protector for over six years. My main duties are home testing fully trained adult dogs. The selecting of dogs to enter our breeding program. The whelping of the puppies and raising them into adulthood to become family protection dogs. It's so satisfying to take a puppy from birth to adulthood. Along this journey they become confident individuals through our structured program of obedience, environmental training and protection training.

Every day is different for me and it's a wonderful experience being able to develop and work so many different dogs and knowing their individual personalities.

It makes me very proud when protection dogs leave us to their new homes and the new owners comment how lovely they are and how well they adjust to their new situations.

Prior to coming on board I had sixteen years experience in the private sector developing and training large breed working dogs."   

Protection Dog Trainer - Kieran French                   

Kieran was recruited under our apprentice program. This has enabled him to learn every aspect of kennel management and welfare prior to undertaking our protection dog training program. Kieran was awarded a distinction level diploma in Working dogs in 2016 and has become a real asset in the developmental work surrounding defence drive. Kieran will continue to study and this year will work toward his higher diploma in Working dogs.

"The training of protection dogs is very complex and there are many things to consider when selecting or breeding a dog for this role. My role at K9 Protector has enabled me to develop my knowledge of selection, breeding, training and most importantly welfare.

The welfare of a protection dog or any dog for that matter in my care is paramount. At K9 Protector we also board previously sold family protection dogs so that produces individual welfare requirements in itself. In my role at K9 Protector I have travelled all over the UK and abroad providing training as we handover trained protection dogs to families." 

Protection Dog Trainer - Ben Skidmore

Ben was recruited under our apprentice program. This enabled him to learn every aspect of kennel management and welfare prior to undertaking our protection dog training program. Ben was awarded a distinction level diploma in working dogs in 2018. Ben is a team player who had this to say about working at K9 Protector:

"My apprenticeship at K9 Protector has given me a great grounding and as I progress I am becoming more involved in every aspect of protection training. It really is great to see the development of the young dogs as we take them from pups into adulthood."

Protection dogs in the UK are now very common and lots of people choose to invest in a protection dog to look after their family. Since working at K9 Protector, I have met people from all walks of life that for many varied reasons require the peace of mind a protection dog can give".