Rommel and Hector’s transition to their new home in Kentucky was handled with expert care by the CHAPERONE K9 team.
These two powerful dogs required a highly experienced handover process to ensure they bonded safely and confidently with their new owner. Our trainers travelled internationally to deliver a personalised transition plan, including on-site demonstrations, safety handling techniques, and guidance tailored to the family’s needs. We aimed to ensure Rommel and Hector settled comfortably, with structure and stability from day one.
The Result?
Two loyal, secure protection dogs now live their best lives as guardians and beloved companions.
Sure. As a business owner, I was travelling all over the United States multiple times per year, but we also breed thoroughbred race horses and live on 360 acre farm, out in Lexington, Kentucky.
I was very concerned about my family being home alone when I was travelling and felt they needed additional security, given that my wife and two young daughters would be at home alone. We live out of the city in the rural countryside, so it obviously can be very isolated.
I wanted security and peace of mind for my family. Obviously, being an Englishman, I was aware of the gun culture that is within the USA. There are many ways of protecting your family or personal property, i.e. safes, guns, or even a body guard and security, but a K9 is different to all of them. For instance, a dog can’t be bribed, a properly socialised and trained dog will do its duty every time without question. It won’t freeze, have a second thought or be bribed with cash!
I was looking for a dog that was bespoke to my family needs. First of all, it had to be suitable for our surroundings. We are a horse breeding operation. We have 50 horses of different ages on the property, with mares giving birth to foals on site.
We raise thoroughbred horses for profit and sell at auctions. The dog we needed must have the right temperament around livestock. Equally, we have staff who also live on site, so whatever dog we chose, we had to have complete trust in its ability. The ultimate factor was, how it would integrate into our family? Was it suitable? What type of daily maintenance would it need to satisfy its drive, i.e walking and exercise, dietary requirements, mental stimulation etc.
The team at Chaperone K9 scheduled a call with us to learn about our needs and lifestyle. They made recommendations on what they thought would suit our family. We selected a Rottweiler and a Cane Corso based on their advice.
Yes. These dogs where shipped from Leicester to the UK via Paris, France on a plane. Which, from the point of loading them in their kennels to the moment the trainers let them out at my home in Lexington, Kentucky they had been in transit close on 20 hours.
I was stunned at how well-behaved they were. As a horseman, I look at my horses in the eye with a window to try and read their mind. I’m looking for intelligence, class and drive. These dogs show that. Immediately they come under the trainer’s command, who had travelled with them to integrate them into my family.
Both dogs have superb temperaments. From an early age, it’s clear they have been socialised and prepared for their future roles. I have learnt to appreciate that value that differs between both dogs.
For instance, Hector the Rottweiler is my fun dog. He is always looking to play and engage heavily. Whether it’s ball, tug, fetch, or simple bite training, he has a strong desire to please.
Rommel the Cane Corso is completely different. He is extremely aloof and is at his happiest when he is just sitting round my girls’ feet. Sure he enjoys fetching the ball and playing tug, but when Rommel is finished, he is finished.
However, when we train with Rommel and we, for instance, bring in a scenario that makes him think that one of my daughters is in danger, he is a different animal. But not a shadow of doubt in my mind that when called upon in an emergency, they will do their job every time without thinking about it.
Absolutely. The team spent five days here in Lexington and stayed on site. We did multiple exercises and simple early bonding games to learn about the dogs and develop a relationship with them.
We then progressed to more security and technical training learning, such as how to control the dogs in a stressed situation. On the fourth night, the team did a simulated intruder and attempted intrusion into the house, to see how the dogs would react. That was noisy for a little while!
For me, the defining moment was when I released the dog on the decoy who was their trainer. I realised then that this had given me the confidence and knowledge that in the event of a nasty situation, these dogs would be there to deter and step in if needed.
Having experienced a break in when I was young living in Birmingham, I always remember my father coming home from work and not wanting to be in the house. He had the sense it had been violated. We moved out of that house within six months. He simply couldn’t settle. I never wanted to feel that emotion. As an Englishman, my home is my castle.
When you purchase a dog through Chaperone K9, they have a simple WhatsApp group where all the directors and trainers are members of that said group. Weekly updates and demonstration videos are uploaded, so you can be kept abreast with their progress. Obviously, living on another continent is a little hard to stop by and see the dogs, but it helped a lot.
We actually purchased Hector at 12 weeks old and while we didn’t get to see the puppy stage, we still felt involved with his development and progress. Thinking about it now, I’m glad I wasn’t involved in the puppy stage, as I certainly would not have the dogs we have now.
On point and detailed. By simply having that WhatsApp group, you can communicate and share videos of positives and negatives. The trainers who worked with the dogs can also give feedback and advice or concerns based on any material you upload.
For instance, I uploaded a video of the dogs walking and playing a bit rough. One of the trainers sensed and noticed the body language and advised me that Hector was being dominant and how to address that. These are experts in their field and the process does not end when the money is in the bank and the dog is at your home.
This is a great question. Hector and Rommel have been in our family now for four months and their value cannot be understated. They obviously bring a sense of security and protection, but also companionship and general heathy well being.
As I said earlier, I run two business and sometimes the mental exhaustion is severe. Any spare time is usually spent on the sofa, almost likely sleeping. I’m a type 2 diabetic and certainly didn’t look after myself as well as I should have. I’m a firm believer of, if you bring an animal into your home, be it a dog, cat, fish or bearded dragon you strike an agreement with that pet to love it and care for it. In return, they will offer you the same.
Hector and Rommel have improved my general health. I spend time each day walking up to 8 miles with them, which has resulted in me losing over 1 ½ stone. I would go as far saying I actually couldn’t imagine them not being in my life anymore.
Chaperone K9 are an established, extremely professional company. They offer a premium product and back it up with a first-class service. From the outset it was never about the sale, it was about understanding our situation and understanding the needs and how we came to this decision, then moving on how they can provide a solution to our requirements.
Be sure that the welfare of their dog is always the deciding factor. Their after-sales service is well-supported by the WhatsApp group and the trainers. For instance, we had an instance where Rommel developed a desire to chase skunks. This progressed and intensified rapidly over a two-week period.
After a few discussions, Chaperone K9 decided the best course of action was to send the owner and visit Kentucky and teach me how to handle the situation. Within a few hours, they had corrected the issue and changed my mindset in how to deal it with. I have no hesitation in recommending Chaperone K9 to anyone who is looking to invest in their personal security. That trust is given and they do not take it lightly.
