Rising crime is prompting wealthy individuals globally, including ex-Formula 1 world champion Nigel Mansell, to invest £40,000 in personal protection dogs trained exclusively by UK specialist company A1K9.

The man behind A1K9 is experienced dog trainer Charles Wall, who has seen a dramatic increase in demand for his animals, which are trained for twice as long as any police dog.

His dogs, which can cost as much as £40,000, have gained such a reputation they are now a global commodity. He is currently arranging overseas handovers to the daughter of the ruler of Dubai and the former prime minister of Jordan.

Nigel Mansell has just taken delivery of his second dog from A1K9 at his home on Jersey. His first, Geisha, was with him for almost 10 years before she died. He originally contacted A1K9 after being assaulted outside his own home.

Other A1K9 clients include politicians, Premier League footballers and rock stars.

The dogs are trained to respond to a number of situations, including the use of firearms, and to respond to their owners’ instructions even in the most heated situations.

The dogs are supplied to families and individuals who, for a variety of reasons, wish to improve the personal security of themselves and their families. The dogs then fulfil a dual role in that family – one of trusted family pet and reliable and highly trained personal protection dog should the home or family become threatened.

Charles (above) has many years of experience training dogs of all types and is a member of the British Institute of Professional Dog Trainers, an accredited trainer and examiner with the National Training Inspectorate for Professional Dog Users and a master trainer with the Guild of Dog Trainers.

He personally oversees the training regime of every dog at A1K9 and takes great care to ensure customers choose a dog that suits their personality and lifestyle. Prior to them being handed over to their new owners, all dogs are assessed by Charles personally.

Because personal protection dogs are very much in demand Charles has seen more ‘opportunist’ companies spring up, and is worried about the quality of some of these firms and the training they provide. He warns potential clients to be on their guard against ‘bogus’ suppliers.

More information about A1K9 can be found on the company’s website www.a1k9.co.uk