Why Our Pricing Is Based on Training Level
When you research “trained dogs for sale”, prices vary by kennel and by dog. The main drivers are breeding quality, health testing, and the amount of professional training invested. At Metro K9 Academy, trained dog pricing reflects the level of training and proofing each dog has completed.
Training Levels vs. “Better” Dogs
There aren’t “lesser dogs” at Metro K9 Academy; there are only dogs at different training levels. Some homes need a finished family or personal protection dog; a started or intermediate-level dog best serves others. You won’t be pushed into paying for training you won’t use. Pricing scales with how far the dog has progressed, not with base quality.
Our Quality Standard (What Every Dog Includes)
Every Metro K9 dog starts with the same foundation. No shortcuts.
- Temperament-first selection from proven European working lines
- Breed-appropriate health testing (e.g., OFA/DM for GSDs; cardiac echo/Holter, vWD, thyroid for Dobermans)
- Trainer-led foundations (obedience, leash manners, neutrality, clear markers)
- Licensed vet health certificate and complete records
- Owner handoff & support so training transfers at home
Official Levels at Metro K9
Our trained dogs are offered in clearly defined tiers so you can choose the right balance of maturity and skills: Puppy, Started Puppy, Trained Juvenile, Bodyguard, Executive Family Protector and Presidential Family Protector. Each step adds time under a pro handler and expands the skill set.
What Each Level Emphasizes (At-a-Glance)
- Companion levels (Puppy, Started Puppy, Trained Juvenile)
Crate and house routines, door and car manners, sit, down, stay, leash walking and heel, recall, calm greetings and neutrality around people and dogs. Each step adds duration, distraction-proofing and cleaner leash work. - Bodyguard
All companion skills, plus place, table manners and obedience in motion. Adds bark on command with a friendly off switch, bite and out on command, response when challenged, and protection of family, home and car, including stopping violent threats. Obedience always comes first. - Executive Family Protector
Everything at Bodyguard, plus bark and hold, response to passive threats, multiple attackers, and a controlled send-out and recall, with scenario work that keeps the dog neutral in daily life. - Presidential Family Protector
Our highest level of maturity and proofing. Everything at Executive, plus guarding a specific area or person, searching the home and tracking suspects. Includes pro-level handler coaching at handoff.
Every placement includes owner lessons, a simple at-home plan, and post-placement support so results transfer to your household.
Compare Every Level
Prices start at $4,500 for a puppy, $6,800 for a started puppy, and $15,000 for a trained juvenile. Protection levels start at $25,000 (Bodyguard), $75,000 (Executive Family Protector) and $95,000 (Presidential Family Protector). Each paw in the table below marks a skill included at that level. Final pricing depends on the individual dog.
| Puppy $4,500+ | Started Puppy $6,800+ | Trained Juvenile $15,000+ | Bodyguard $25,000+ | Executive Family Protector $75,000+ | Presidential Family Protector $95,000+ | |
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| Puppy Group Obstacle |
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| Crate Trained |
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| Sitting at Door |
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| Climb Command |
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| Place Bed Stay |
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| Table Manners |
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| Wait for Food |
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| Car Manners |
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| Car Broken |
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| Wait to Exit/Enter |
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| Stay in Place/Seat |
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| Sit |
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| Down |
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| Come |
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| Walk On a Leash |
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| Heel |
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| Sit Stay |
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| Down Stay |
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| Sit In Motion |
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| Down in Motion |
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| Heel |
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| Come |
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| Retrieve Object |
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| Release Object |
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| Speak |
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| Tactical Obstacles |
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| Deterrent Turn On Aggressively |
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| Turn Off Friendly Greeting |
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| Bite On Command |
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| Out On Command |
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| Bite When Challenged |
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| Protect Family/Home |
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| Protect Car |
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| Bark & Hold |
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| Stop Violent Threats |
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| Turn on Passive Threats |
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| Multiple Attackers |
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| Guard Specific Area/Person |
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| Search Home |
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| Send Out For Bite |
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| Recall |
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| Tracking Suspects |
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Updated 10/1/26
How We Match You to the Right Dog
Our goal is simple: get you the right dog for your situation, so you’re confident on day one and happy for years to come.
We start with your real life (family, visitors, kids/pets, travel, neighborhood) and recommend the temperament and training level that truly fits. You’ll get a clear timeline, what’s included at that level, and the handoff coaching to make the transition easy at home.
We show how skills scale from Companion to Protection: obedience clarity, neutrality, duration/distance, public manners, and, when appropriate, deterrence and control, so you can choose with confidence.
With level-based pricing, you don’t pay for training you don’t need. You pay for the reps and results you’ll actually use. Our aim is that you’re not just satisfied, but thrilled with your choice.
Next Steps
- See Available Trained Dogs
- Prefer a tailored build? Explore Build-a-Beast
- Find your new family companion
Ready to discuss options and current availability?
Call or text 201-230-2285
Want a head start without a finished dog? See our started German Shepherd and Doberman puppies, or read Puppy vs. Trained Dog.