Derby House Dogs: The Vision Behind the Venue
How Derby House Dogs Began…
The original vision for Derby House Dogs began with Chris, a fully certified IMDT trainer, who wanted to create a dedicated, premium dog training venue in Wrightington where owners could access top-tier support in a purpose-built environment.
Too often, owners found themselves choosing between short-term courses, limited support, or travelling long distances to access high-quality training.
Chris wanted to build something different – a dedicated venue where dogs and their owners could access expert guidance, practical training, and ongoing support throughout every stage of their journey together.
What began as an ambitious vision quickly grew into something much bigger.
Within weeks of opening, IMDTB dog behaviourist Nicky joined the team, bringing advanced behavioural expertise and helping to expand the support available to owners facing more complex challenges. Together, Chris and Nicky have continued to develop Derby House Dogs into a training centre focused on real-life results, long-term progress, and exceptional client support.
The final piece of the puzzle was being able to offer top-quality, natural training products through our on-site “pod” shop.
To run this, we brought in Holly, an animal lover with extensive professional experience across pet retail, busy day-cares, and kennel management.
Holly’s background, combined with our trainers experience, means the shop offers far more than just natural treats and equipment. It offers trusted, expert advice.
Today, by combining a dedicated venue, a fully stocked shop, and a powerhouse team of professionals, Derby House Dogs stands as a truly comprehensive and trusted training centre.
Our Training Ethos & Methodology
At Derby House Dogs, we believe that training should be a joyful, stress-free experience for both you and your dog. Our methodology is deeply rooted in the rigorous ethical standards of the UK Dog Behaviour and Training Charter and the IMDT (Institute of Modern Dog Trainers).
Guided by our fully qualified senior staff, our entire team operates using modern, science-based, and force-free training methods. We do not use intimidation, pain, or harsh handling. Instead, we focus on positive reinforcement, clear communication, and understanding your dog’s individual needs to build a resilient, trusting partnership.