Geoff Moore

Ross Allan isn’t just “old school”—he’s the real deal. And when I say “old school,” I don’t mean outdated—I mean proven, effective, and grounded in solid, no-nonsense methods that don’t rely on treats or gimmicks. Ross trained my German Shepherd back in 2011, and that foundation set her up for a lifetime of excellence. For 13 years, people constantly commented on her flawless obedience and razor-sharp recall. That kind of consistency doesn’t come by chance—it comes from expert training.

When we sadly lost our beloved girl, it was a no-brainer to send our new GSD pup to Ross. This time, it was my partner’s dog, and we both knew the value of early socialisation and structure—especially before entering Ross’s renowned “puppy military training.” Ross’s six-week program is intensive, and the dog stays with him throughout. You can visit, but it’s under his direction—because he’s training your dog properly, free from the usual owner-induced confusion.

Ross has a clear set of do’s and don’ts that aren’t just advice—they’re vital. Follow them, and your dog will thrive. Ignore them, and you’ll likely unravel the good work. His methods work, and the investment is worth every dollar.

This time around, our pup responded even better to the training than our older girl did—and we believe that’s largely thanks to Ross’s Puppy Training book. Reading that before sending her to him made a huge difference. If you’re considering getting a dog, do yourself a massive favour: contact Ross before you even bring your puppy home. Talk to him about breed choice, ideal timing for picking up your pup, early development, and how to choose the right dog from a litter. His knowledge is vast and hard-won—and it’s yours if you ask.

Growing up in the area, Ross’s reputation was already legendary to me. But now, having had two German Shepherds trained by him, I’m more grateful than ever that I met him. If you want a dog that turns heads for all the right reasons, start with Ross Allan.