Derek has been involved with the training and behaviour of dogs from a very young age. He grew up caring for and training various gundog breeds and retains a passion for specialist search dogs such as spaniels who he continues to showcase in the Shadowquest Working Dog Display. However his primary experience is gained from his time as a police dog trainer and instructor.

Derek’s distinguished career spans in excess of 30 years working full time with dogs, 25 years of which were as a police dog trainer and instructor. During this period, Derek has successfully competed at the highest level in both police and civilian trials. In 1989, 1990 and 1991 he won the Cheshire Police Dog Trials, a notable achievement for being one of the only handlers to win during three consecutive years. In 1991 Derek and his police dog Thor were awarded a Pro Dogs Gold medal for outstanding team work and bravery in recognition of their arrest record and ability to work in potentially life threatening circumstances.

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It was during his illustrious career with the police that Derek began his training and behavioural classes for problem dogs both working and civilian. Having gained a wealth of knowledge about dogs and the causes for their behaviours, Derek decided to use his knowledge to help others and began training classes which he continues to run today. During these classes Derek not only helps owners to better understand their dogs and solve their behavioural issues but also helps to repair the relationships between dog and owner by participating in obedience, control and confidence exercises.

In 1989 Derek single handedly created the acclaimed Cheshire Dog Display Team which has gone on to become one of the leading dog displays in the UK. The display team is made up of owners and dogs who have attended his training and behavioural workshops. Many of the dogs are rescues and presented severe issues such as aggression and separation anxiety. With Derek’s guidance the owners were able to rehabilitate these dogs and turn them into well behaved, happy family pets that now perform in front of massive audiences around the country.

Derek specialises in the assessment and rehabilitation of problem dogs, he possesses a wealth of experience in canine behaviour modification. He is recognized as one of the countries leading authorities in canine aggression and is a full member of the Canine and Feline Behaviour Association. Derek’s expertise is regularly utilised by a wide range of professional organisations including  British Police forces, Social services, the RSPCA and the Veterinary profession. He excels as an expert witness in dog related court cases under the Dangerous Dogs Act.