Metro K9 Academy
Service area: Serves Randolph, NJ and the Tri-State area; offers nationwide placement with transport options.
Service Overview
Types of Dog Training
- Family Dog
- Working Dog
- Behavior Modification
- Competition / Agility
Specialty Focus Areas
- Basic Obedience
- Puppy Training
- Leash Pulling
- Reactivity / Aggression
- Jumping on People
- Barking Excessively
- Biting / Nipping
- Recall
- Resource Guarding
- Fearfulness
Training Formats Offered
- Private Lessons
- Group Classes
- Private Facility
- Board and Train
Program Formats
- One-Time Consultation
- Sessions Package
- Ongoing Weekly
- Intensive Program
Types of Dogs
- Working
- Herding
Age of Dogs Trained
- Puppy (<1 year)
- Adolescent (1-2 years)
- Adult (2-8 years)
Dog Training Methodology
Methods:
- ✓ Positive Reinforcement Only
- ✓ Positive with Some Corrections
- ✓ Balanced Training
Equipment:
- ✓ Clickers
- ✓ Food Rewards
- ✓ Harnesses
- ✓ Flat Collars
- ✓ Martingale Collars
- ✓ Pinch Collars
- ✓ E-Collars
- ✓ Obstacle Courses
Programs include private obedience training with customized plans, group classes for puppies and adults, and intensive board and train options lasting weeks to months. Family personal protection training and Schutzhund/IGP programs are offered for advanced work. Each program includes owner handoff lessons, written practice plans, and ongoing support. Puppies receive early socialization and foundational training before going home.
Pricing & Policies
Pricing Summary
Pricing varies by program: private lessons, group classes, and board and train options are available with detailed level-based pricing on their website. Custom programs like the “Build a Beast” and “Bodyguard” levels can reach up to $16,000. Deposits are required for puppies and trained dogs, with refund policies outlined in contracts.
Policies
Contracts for trained dogs and board and train programs include deposit terms and cancellation policies. One review alleges a client’s $8,000 deposit was partially withheld after contract cancellation, with claims of unreturned funds. No official policy is published on their website regarding cancellations or rescheduling.
Testimonials
Could not recommend Metro K9 Academy more. I brought my dog to build confidence and the changes he made I could have never done without the guidance, support, and expertise of Bobby and the whole team. Watching my dogs confidence grow and seeing him take on the world with less fear will always be worth every penny. I will be returning for sure for refreshers and future training needs.
– Client
Bob and the team at Metro K9 are outstanding! It is a true commitment and partnership to have him train not only your dog, but also you and your family. He invests a lot of time and resources into customizing a tailored plan to address your needs and goals. We noticed significant improvements each week. Now several weeks later after completing the program, we truly have a different dog. Bob is extremely knowledgeable, professional, and communicated effectively every step of the way. Our family highly recommends him and his services for all of your training needs.
– Client
Bobby and the rest of the team at metro k9 are just the absolute best! I got my first German Shepherd puppy 3 years ago from Bobby and he will not be my last. From the beginning, Bobby never hesitated to answer any and all puppy questions I had. Metro k9 cares tremendously about breeding stunning shepherds and training incredible working dogs. I boarded my stubborn Loki for a month + of training when he was 1; his obedience and off leash attentiveness improved tenfold. There is no other place or people I’d trust leaving him with. We still attend weekly obedience training and protection classes because my dog loves the people and environment as much as I do. Metro k9 is a family that cares about the relationships they build with the dogs as much as those formed with the humans. I’m so happy I found them 3 years ago!
– Client
About the Trainer
Metro K9 Academy is a family-owned dog training and breeding facility in Randolph, NJ, founded by Robert Gierla with over 30 years of experience. They offer private lessons, group classes, board and train programs, and family personal protection training for German Shepherds and Dobermans. Their training focuses on real-world results with clear owner handoff, emphasizing temperament, health, and humane, evidence-based methods. They also breed AKC-registered puppies from European bloodlines, provide trained adult dogs for sale, and offer specialized programs like Schutzhund/IGP, scent work, and K9 awareness safety classes. Their facility includes a Schutzhund-size field, agility course, and immaculate indoor/outdoor kennels. They serve families, law enforcement, and corporate clients nationwide.
Their training philosophy combines hands-on experience with ongoing education in canine behavior, ensuring consistent communication, structured reps in real environments, and written practice plans for long-term success. They tailor programs to individual dogs’ temperaments and owners’ goals, whether for companionship, protection, or competition. They also provide ongoing support and weekly refresher classes for clients.
Metro K9 Academy is known for its structured owner coaching, nationwide placement options, and partnerships with organizations like PSEG and United Water for corporate dog-bite prevention training.
Accomplishments
Founder Robert Gierla has trained thousands of dogs for families, law enforcement, and high-profile clients. Metro K9 Academy provides corporate dog-bite prevention training for major companies like PSEG and United Water. They breed AKC-registered German Shepherds and Dobermans from European pedigrees with health testing and temperament screening.
How to Get Started!
Prospective clients can call or text to schedule a free evaluation. During the evaluation, trainers assess the dog’s temperament and goals to recommend the appropriate program—private, group, or board and train. Puppy buyers can reserve a pup from upcoming litters after consultation.
Contact Information
Availability
- Weekdays
- Weekends
- Morning
- Afternoon
- Evening
Hours
8am-6pm
Associations
- AKC
Languages
- English
Misc Features
- wheelchair accessible parking
Other Services Offered
- Dog breeder
- Kennel
- Pet boarding service
Location
124 Dover Chester Rd, Randolph, NJ 07869Listing Tools for Trainers
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