K9 Partner Training Program
At Kelly’s K9s, Tails of Courage, we understand that some survivors already share a deep bond with their own dog — one built on trust, comfort, and companionship. The K9 Partner Training Program was created to honor that connection by offering survivors the opportunity to determine whether their dog has the temperament, confidence, and drive to be trained as a personal protection partner.
This program gives survivors a chance to strengthen an already powerful bond — transforming it into one grounded in safety, structure, and empowerment.
Our Process
Survivors bring their dog to Metro K9 Academy, where our head trainer, Robert “Bobby” Gierla, conducts a comprehensive evaluation of both the dog and the handler.
This evaluation includes:
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Temperament and Drive: Assessing stability, confidence, and natural protective instincts.
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Obedience and Control: Evaluating how responsive the dog is to commands and how much control the handler maintains under different conditions.
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Bond and Engagement: Observing how the dog and survivor interact, communicate, and work together as a team.
Every dog — and every survivor — is unique. Not all dogs are suited for protection training. Our trainers are always honest and transparent in their assessments, prioritizing safety and realism above all else.
If our head trainer determines that a dog is a good candidate, Kelly’s K9s covers the cost of the initial recommended training, helping the team begin their journey toward protection work.
Dogs not suited for protection work will not move forward in the program, ensuring that training is always safe, ethical, and appropriate for the dog’s temperament and ability.
Training Together
The K9 Partner Training Program focuses equally on the survivor and the dog. The survivor trains alongside their dog throughout the process, learning proper handling, commands, and safety techniques to build a strong and reliable partnership.
Survivors accepted into the program are expected to:
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Attend training sessions consistently.
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Practice skills between lessons.
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Follow all trainer recommendations and safety guidelines.
This commitment is vital. Consistency and engagement build confidence, discipline, and a lasting bond of trust.
Qualities We Look For
While each dog is different, those suited for protection training often display:
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Confidence: Calm and self-assured in new environments.
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Balanced Temperament: Protective but not aggressive or fearful.
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Trainability: Focused, eager to learn, and responsive to leadership.
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Bond with Owner: Loyal, engaged, and motivated by connection.
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Good Health and Physical Fitness: Capable of sustained training.
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Handler Control: Clear respect for and responsiveness to the owner’s commands.
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Maturity: Generally one year or older, with consistent, predictable behavior.
Even among qualified dogs, the level of protection training possible will vary. Some may excel in alert or deterrent work, while others may reach more advanced protection levels. Our trainers provide realistic guidance and ensure all training remains safe and appropriate.
Our Promise
The K9 Partner Training Program is about partnership, empowerment, and courage. It’s an opportunity for survivors to transform trust into confidence — learning side by side with their dog to build a protective bond rooted in respect and resilience.
Whether a dog becomes a full protection partner or simply grows in protective nature, obedience, and discipline through the process, the outcome is always the same: a survivor who stands taller, stronger, and safer with the loyal companion they love.