“SIT DOWN, FIDO!”

Footballers are turning to dogs to help safeguard their homes

There are two things in life that really deter a burglar: Duncan Ferguson, or a huge dog.

In recent years, football’s leading stars have increasingly found themselves the targets for criminals – not least thanks to a fixture list that generously tells potential burglars when they’ll be away from home.

Sadio Mané’s house was ransacked while he played for Liverpool in the Champions League, while Belgium’s Jan Vertonghen and Romelu Lukaku have also been robbed. Dele Alli was at home when thieves struck, held at knifepoint as they stole watches and jewellery in May.

Ferguson twice took on crooks who tried to loot his residence, and twice he won. But not everyone can live with Big Dunc.

Instead, Raheem Sterling, Marcus Rashford, Paul Pogba, Jack Grealish and others now own guard dogs. A number of companies specialise in training and selling the canines, including Wales- based A1K9. They have dealt with Premier League players and sold five to Dave Whelan ( right), Wigan’s owner when they won the FA Cup.

“Would you fancy going through a window if there’s something on the other side with 42 teeth smiling at you?” asks Charles Wall, A1K9’ s top trainer.

“If one of my dogs sees potential violence for its owner or family, it’s going to engage without any commands. A German Shepherd will go from being asleep to being able to work in a couple of seconds. They’ll hear a person 30 yards down the drive.” However, stereotypes of a snarling mutt tied up with a big chain are long gone. These dogs are intended to be part of a family, and won’t show their ‘ other’ side unless needed. “Typically, within a week I get a call saying, ‘ It’s like they’ve always lived here’,” says Wall. “But if they engage, they’ll take anyone clean off their feet. You’re talking about 35 kilos of dog hitting you at 30mph, chest high.”

A top dog can cost £ 50,000: Wall’s clients have also included Dubai royalty and Russian oligarchs. He had to turn down an unnamed legend, though ( but was prepared to reveal it was an ex- England captain who played in LA). “Their PA wanted to speak on their behalf, but if I can’t deal with the person who’s going to have the dog living with them, I won’t do it,” insists Wall. “I want to make sure I’m supplying a dog that is adequate for their needs. You’ve got to train the client, so they know all the commands and feel comfortable with the dog. “I’ve had young players who have had the money, but my question is, ‘ Do you have the time for the dog?’ A protection dog is not for everyone.”