First Class Reviews
Absolutely incredible team at DDR , So helpful and professional. I had a bad experience with A competitor in the past , But DDR reassured Me and My family all the way through that everything would be right for Me and My family. The dog they supplied is exactly what was described. The aftercare also is amazing what they provide , It just shows how much they love there dogs and care about You. I would definitely recommend these guys to buy A dog from wether it’s a working dog You need or A family pet with protection this is the place to buy from.
My puppy has had a bad bit of social anxiety which seemed nearly impossible to fix. Thanks to Ben and his team, within the first half an hour of being there, my puppy has opened up to the trainers and has even received good judgement from the team. Alongside this the trainers teach puppies everything they need, from home etiquette to home and owner protection. Overall a superb investment which has definitely paid off and will continue to do so for a long time in the future!
We recently visited DDR with our Cane Corso, who is aggressive with other dogs, I can’t even try and explain how different he already is after just one training session, I never thought I would see this day, where he can be with other dogs without showing any aggression. Ben and his handler has already changed our life showing us that he can train him to be a great dog, respectful of other dogs and calm around packs of other dogs, I thought I would never walk him off lead again, and now i can already see this will happen under Ben’s training and guidance. 100% amazing! Thank you DDR!
The Team at DDR have been exceptional from the start, having researched the company previously I knew of their great work, Ben’s been fantastic explaining everything thoroughly, not just the training but diet, and common behaviours of the breed which was great to learn. Though many of the team have worked with Ghost I’ve personally dealt more so with Elli shes been fantastic with Ghost who was just 15 weeks when he started with DDR, shes patient and helped me understand the methods behind his training needs, but more importantly opened him up to learn and be more confident with other people at DDR. just the beginning of a journey with Ghost and DDR but hands down you pay for what you get the fact I travel nearly 5 hours each way tells you how great these guys are. Quality
In October 2018, we purchased a working line GSD that was born and bred at the DDR academy. We bought the puppy as a family pet/protection companion. For several reasons we opted to take the long road in training the puppy alongside the DDR team as a family, opposed to purchasing one of their finished K9’s. As a family, we attended many 1-2-1 training sessions from the start. First came obedience, with small hints of protection training then gradually the team started to open him up to learning and mastering his skill set. Obedience, play drive, protection and agility. I cannot deny the process has been a real commitment in taking such a high calibre puppy that has an innate desire to protect, work, and get him to maintain being a family pet. That said, owning any puppy let alone a GSD is always a commitment. When attending the training sessions it always helped seeing dogs that are the finished article and provided the right motivation to keep us to the training regime. We had our own reasons for wanting to travel the zero to hero path and are now at the stage where looking back, it was more than worth the commitment. We can take some credit for our efforts as a family but if it had not been for Ben and his team, we would have never arrived here. I have had GSDs before when I was younger and I personally spent two years researching where to buy the best of the best when the time was right for us, and nearly committed to one of DDR’s competitors. I believe if I had of, and from first-hand experience, I am confident it would not have been anywhere near as effective. I have personally witnessed; others who have bought from different companies and even some that later visited DDR for correctional help. The puppy we bought is of an elite level. The litters I have witnessed since then are also of superior quality and the already ‘finished’ dogs, are the best I have seen. We have been visiting DDR for training purposes on and off for nearly two years. We have seen first-hand some of the many success stories and have witnessed the progress of some of the different puppies along the way. Ben and the team have taught our children, one of 13 and the other 10 years old to handle the dog in many different situations. Our training regime consisted of personal 1-2-1 and some residential boot camp at different times of the year. I highly recommend residential training if you are looking to go abroad on holiday. It’s been the perfect boarding for the dog and they keep progressing the training, but in a much faster paced setting. Amazing results after just a two week stay. The dog was fully compliant and carrying out significantly advanced commands from a very young age. Our dog is exceptional, the advice and information is superior. The service we have received, even to this day has been incredible. Nothing is too much trouble for them. When there have been several weeks whereby we could not make training, the team are always calling to check the progress, even now after nearly two years. The owner and driver of the business is brilliant. Training this type of dog is not like getting something out of a box and building it. It takes so much more, and not one method fits all. They tweak and change the dog as it grows mentally and physically to ensure you and the dog are getting the maximum of everything. If you are looking to buy the ‘finished’ K9 opposed to the zero to hero path, then congratulations, the hard work is complete. We now have a fully trained, intelligent and very well balanced dog that is not even two years old that will sooner sit with a baby or play football with a 10-year-old, as it would jump into extreme danger to serve and protect. Most dogs will protect to some extent, but knowing how to and more importantly, when too…. is critical. Genetics and getting the right bloodline is incredibly important. Knowing how to nurture, train and mould, is game changing. Thank you Ben and the team for all you do. We are forever grateful for everything. I would be happy to provide direct references.
My husband and I bought Phillip, a Belgian Malinois from DDR last month. The whole experience from start to finish was outstanding. Ben really listened to our needs (we have small dogs and horses and the dog would need to be child friendly). After listening to other people’s opinions about guard dogs not being suitable for family life, this doubt was soon dissipated after spending several hours with Ben and the team at DDR. Most importantly, Ben listens to your needs and it became clear very quickly that he would not sell us a dog that would be unsuitable. We were shown many dogs and were given the opportunity to spend time with each of the dogs and participate in the training. No question or concern was left unanswered. We picked our dog up last month – he settled in from day one, integrated very well with our other dogs and is the most affectionate and loving canine you could imagine. Ben is always on hand to answer any questions and concerns which gave us a lot of confidence and we can only give the highest praise to Ben and his exceptionally professional and knowledgeable team. I researched DDR and many other competitors for months before deciding to purchase from DDR and we 100% made the right decision. If you are considering purchasing a protection dog, I urge you to follow them on social media and watch the incredible training that goes into these canines…it’s pretty impressive to say the least. Joe and Charlotte Fogel.
5 stars and my words are not enough of a recommendation for DDR guard dogs… Ben and the full team are so friendly, understanding, helpful and knowledgeable. After watching the videos on their website about dog on dog aggression, I was sceptical about achieving success in the time claimed, but i was blown away with the difference of my dog after even 5 minutes. I’ve been to other trainers and behaviourists, and spoke to many more on the phone who said they ‘might be able to help us’ but 5 minutes on the phone to Ben made me realise it would be worth the drive of over 300 miles and I was not disappointed. Before our trip to DDR my shiba inu rescue crossbreed was hyper aggressive, even with a dog over 200 metres away, she would pull, growl, lunge and bark, but if a dog was up close it was like she was possessed. It was impossible to take her for a normal walk, I had to drive over a mile to take her to a field that she could exercise without being overwhelmed by other dogs running around and coming up to her. However, after the introductions with the team, and only 2 minutes with another dog present, we were able to sit calmly with the other dog moving around, jumping and barking less than 2 metres away. Absolutely impossible, even 20 minutes before arriving there, when she became aggressive towards another dog on our little walk before our appointment, which was at least 20 metres away. Before visiting Ben and the team I would have to hide in bushes to avoid my dog even seeing another dog because of how aggressive she was, but the next day after being there I was able to go on a walk in a busy dog area for over an hour without incident and that includes walking past, walking next to, sitting, laying down next to and sniffing other dogs which she was meeting for the first time. You guys have truly changed my life, you have saved my dogs life and maybe saved another dogs life who she may have attacked. I can’t thank you enough. I wish I could do more for you, for what you have done for me and Lamia. Thank you so much!!
“couldn’t be happier” I met ben and his team when I went to look at buying a protection dog a few months ago, after telling ben my situation regarding family and lifestyle I was introduced to Duke (doberman). From start to finish they was brilliant and always worked around me a didn’t feed me any rubbish just was straight to the point. after a few sessions when I thought I was ready ben told me otherwise lol and wasn’t just looking to off load a dog. can’t tell you how many times I’ve spoken since on the phone and its never been a problem. the home invasion where the team came to my home went brilliant. Top team! Top Company! Thanks for everything
High level of staff customer training, was very friendly and we have a great Malinois, Hunter. Thanks to ddrs help we have both passed NASDU level 2 SIA and will be a team working in the industry! Thanks loads and great doing business
Can’t thank these guys enough. I wanted a Doberman to guard the house and look after my young family while I was away with work. We purchased a super intelligent and high spirited Doberman from Ben and could not be happier. He is so well behaved around new people, my child and other dogs. He is so eager to please and has never let me down. The level of training Ben and the team put into these dogs is second to none. Once again thank you everyone at DDR.
The reason for five stars is quite simple. I have a now 2 year old German showline Shepherd. I took him to Ben and team as an aggressive 12 month old. He would lunge at any dog, and certain people. He was a social nightmare. On first meeting he lunged at Ben. After an initial assessment Ben decided to take him on. He had a four week ‘learning to learn’ program and uploaded videos of Barclay nearly every day. He was not an easy dog but Ben tapped into his attitude and wow he became an obedient balanced dog. I received training on how to continue training and connecting with my boy. No lunging, compliant and his obedience meant I could go out with him in public places and pubs etc confident that he would behave well. Six months later he went to Ben for a further two weeks and totally enjoyed protection training. A natural and gave him further skills in obedience. I now have an excellent example of what a gsd should be. Totally under control in any given situation, happy to meet people, gentle with kids and tolerant of other dogs. He is off lead a lot and his obedience is admired by all that see him. He is a totally different dog to when I took him on at nine months. No way would this have been possible if it wasn’t for Ben and his team. They are the best in the UK bar none. If you have a problem dog or simply want to learn obedience then this is the finest academy you will ever come across. Total value for money. Ben saved our dogs life and that’s a fact
2 years ago my family and I decided to introduce a protection dog into our home as I work away on business quite often. We did not rush Into our decision. Having spent a number of months interacting and meeting numerous dog trainers across the UK we were lucky enough to have DDR recommended to us. We found the DDR team to be extremely welcoming, professional, and supportive. It was clear from the start that DDR were a premium academy. within our first discussions we knew we had found the right Academy. DDR adopted a no rush approach, ensuring that our decisions and requirements were well thought through, Identifying the right dog for our family was a very considered and exciting process, with all family members involved. Once we selected our dog, all members of my family worked with the DDR team on training, handling and family integration. The Initial support and continued support Form the DDR team over the last 2 years have been above and beyond and we can not thank them enough. Whilst our dog has been highly trained in family protection we have been impressed with his balanced temperament and character, We have seen our dog grow into a loving and trustworthy member of our family, developing strong and loving relationship with our children we feel very fortunate to have found DDR and had the opportunity to complete our family. Thank you to Ben and the DDR team. Simply exceptional.
Delighted to say we purchased a female puppy from DDR guard dogs two months ago on the zero to hero programme following a home invasion, we made the decision to take steps to ensure we were protected as far as is practicable. I now know long term my family will be in the best hands with our newest family member, “Bella” a 14 week German shepherd. We are looking forward to watching her grow over the coming months, Ben and the team are on hand 24/7 and feel like a part off our extended family. Couldn’t recommend this team more…!
I’ve used Ben and his team with two of my dogs and found them very knowledgeable, friendly and dedicated to get results, Ben gave me the tools I required to control my dog in varied situations and made a better bond with them , i now have a well mannered dog who can also protect
We bought our European shepherd from Ben back in June 2019. We have a Farm with Competition Horses where we live and needed a dog to guard us and the horses alike. Ben identified a dog that he knew would suit our situation and since we brought him home Ben has been at the end of the phone any day or time if we need him. We are in complete awe of this dog, he is the most trainable animal we have ever had the pleasure of owning. He has the best natural instincts with the horses, he is so gentle with them (licks their noses when they put their heads down to his level) and he knows to stay out of the way of their legs without us ever having to of told him. The whole family are besotted with him as he is a complete sop with all of us and loves affection and cuddles but at the same time he does the job we bought him to do, he is the perfect family protection dog and we do not know where we would be without him! He is also in the most fantastic condition as he is fed on the perfect food for him which Ben supplies us on a monthly basis. This feeding solution takes any worry about if we’re feeding him right out of the equation as Ben always guides us on what he needs each month. And our dog absolutely loves the food, licking his bowl clean every day! Thank you Ben for knowing and training your dogs so well and knowing that our dog would be the perfect fit for us! Thank you also for all the help and advise, your service is phenomenal!
First & Foremost, I want to say Thank you Ben and the Team. I can’t Thank you enough for introducing me to Alfie – GSD. His not only fit into the Family so well but his obedience and loyalty are incomparable. Furthermore, the after service has been fantastic, I can call Ben anytime for advice, his been one call away. The level of Customer Service has been above and beyond my expectation. DDR Guard Dogs has been providing me a one stop solution, Alfie’s food is delivered to me every month, they have a wide range of products and that certainly keeps him very excited as his in for a treat every day with different range of meats. If your looking for a Guard Dog who can also be a loving Pet, I can assure you, Bens Training is not one of the, his THE BEST TRAINER IN THE UNITED KINGDOM! Once again, Thank you Ben & The Team for all your continued support!
Ben and his team are a delight to work with, they really know their stuff! I have taken my cousins personal protection German Shepard to them for additional training sessions and they were able to rectify several issues we were having with him. I found their assistance invaluable, so much so I enlisted their assistance with training my sisters 3 month old Cane Corso, after just one lesson she is already sitting and laying down on command! I am also in the process of purchasing a Personal Protection dog from them for additional security at my home for me and my young family. These guys really know what they are doing and I feel 100% safe having their dogs around children too!
I have enjoyed watching DDR’s training videos for a long time before I decided to put my dog in for residential bootcamp whilst I went away on a family holiday. I always thought it was great seeing the different breeds and all the different scenarios they put them through. I thought I had trained my dog to quite a good standard of obedience already but Ben and his team are another level. My dogs drive has increased making him even more eager to train and he seems more confident and relaxed at home. Ben is also advising me on to how to progress my dogs confidence training in the protection side so next time he stays at DDR he can improve even more. I can’t speak highly enough of the facilities and the staff. Thanks again much appreciated.
Picked Kane up from DDR today after his first 2 week residential training and taken him on a lovely forest walk. It was a pleasure and he had a great time. We were able to walk Kane off the lead with complete confidence, he came across several situations whilst we were out which we were never able to deal with previously. He was controlled and reacted perfectly to the training techniques shown to us. A big thank you to Ben and his team, we will see you soon.
Our Family Purchased a fully trained K9 from DDR Guard Dogs back in January of 2019, the dog has settled in to our family wonderfully, perfectly balanced, great with the children and our existing dog whilst as sharp as a needle with his defensive alertness and skills. The entire process from start to finish was entirely professional and extremely in depth, the after care & follow up support support has also been great. I don’t normally write reviews but I would strongly recommend anyone that is looking for a professionally trained defence dog whilst having all the balance of a family pet to contact Ben and his team.
We took our 9 month old GSD to Ben and his team at DDR for a two week residential after being with a different trainer for several weeks that did not work out. The dog and us learnt more in that two weeks (and handover) than in two months with the previous trainer. The service we received was excellent, customer focused and most importantly dog focused. Ben assessed our dog and then moved his schedule around to fit him in to the residential programme on short notice as we did not want our dog staying with the previous trainer. During the assessment Ben made sure he knew the areas that we wanted to work on with our dog so that these were the focus as well as other smaller issues. We received video updates almost every 48 hours of our dog who was very happy working and learning with the staff and Ben. We had been working on putting weight on our puppy as he was a rescue and underweight when we got him, we voiced this concern to Ben and the team made sure he was well fed whilst he was there and managed to get him to gain weight whilst there. The handover process on pick up day was very thorough, Ben and team spent 2 and a half hours with us and the dog making sure we knew how to carry on the foundation training he had learnt when we got the dog home. The time and patience with us was so appreciated, making sure we could ask questions and correct us if needed. When we collected him he had even been washed and groomed for us! We were given all options and no extras were forced on us, no pushy sales at all. We chose to have an E-collar, Ben didn’t think we would need one, but it has made a world of difference for us getting recall and off leash obedience almost perfect in just 7 days post pick up. We have FaceTimed Ben when we have had an issue and had regular contact since picking up the dog, checking in with how he is doing. What we have been given is an excellent training foundation and a dog that is happier and more balanced overall. He will be going back later in the year for some protection work! Well worth the 6 hour round trip! We highly recommend Ben and the team at DDR.
