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Our curated list of the best professionals in the Shantallow area.
With its local parks and strong community feel, trainers in Shantallow focus on creating well-behaved family pets that are a pleasure to own and live with.
24 Mullenan Rd, Londonderry BT48 9XN
Great groomers, so professional. Always do a brilliant job with our 2 dogs.
Best dog groomers in Derry. So friendly and the dogs always look fabulous.
Michael is the best groomer!! He's so patient with our big boy
Michael and his team are amazing with my 2 border terriers. The set up in stunning, very clean, bright and airy. Professional to the core. Would highly recommend any of the services this capable team have to offer.
6 Greenhaw Terrace, Londonderry BT48 8EY
If you are having any problems with your dog, I would really recommend contacting Austin. He is amazing. From my first phone call, he tried to get to the root of the problem. In each session he gave us simple tips and advice to practice and build on. Scooby responded so well and we could see an improvement immediately. Austin followed up each session with a phone call and was always on hand if we needed any further help. The videos and additional resources were invaluable as well. Would definitely highly recommend
Austin is an amazing dog trainer, from the first, session the change in my dog was unreal , he was so helpful with follow up advice
I have 2 pups 8 months old that I couldn't walk together because they pulled so much they are large breeds, it became a chore to walk them so I contacted rascals school for dogs and came to meet Austin with one of pups and by the end of the first hour I seen a massive change in the next session I brought the other pup and the same a massive change by the end of the 3rd session with the 2 of them my pups are now walking properly on the leads I am now able to walk them together it's made a massive difference to my life and the pups being able to walk them properly. Austin is a great teacher he phones to ask how it's going in between sessions, he sends videos so you don't forget things u learn in the lesson, he cares and that shows. The price is very reasonable especially compared to other trainers. I will be forever grateful to Austin for what he has taught me and my pups.
What can I say, my 1 year old Cockapoo was one spoilt dog, pulling on lead, no response to commands, listened to nothing, dreaded walking him, after my first lesson with Austin I was again able to enjoy walking my dog again, he’s like a new dog, Austin had years of knowledge and I would highly recommend him.
Austin is absolutely amazing, explains everything so clearly on how to train and shared unbelievable resources with me including videos and tools that he recommends. Before I’ve even purchased the sessions Austin would stay on the phone with me explaining so much and was easy to get in contact with him whenever I needed absolutely anything. I’ve had 4 sessions with him and you can tell he genuinely is in it from the love of dogs. 100% would recommend. Thanks from me and Phil
Unit 2c, 2 Pennyburn Industrial Estate, Londonderry BT48 0LU
On Thursday 17th July 2025, Ruff walks over-walked my 14-stone St Bernard, Thor. As a result, he suffered from heat stroke — confirmed by our vet — and was in an extremely critical state. My son and daughter spent over four hours trying to regulate his breathing and cool him down. At one point, Thor collapsed into my daughter, suffered uncontrollable bladder issues and diarrhoea, and was so weak he could barely stand. He drank gallons of water in desperation. The vet told us that had my children not been there and reacted quickly, Thor would have died. When I informed the owners, they took no responsibility whatsoever. The new staff member who walked Thor was not only rude but lied directly to my face — despite us having video evidence proving otherwise, which we shared with the company. The owners were dismissive and patronising throughout. Their lack of knowledge, care, and basic responsibility nearly cost us our beloved dog. To make matters worse, they barely checked in on Thor afterwards, showing little to no care, knowing how severely ill he was because of their negligence. Our whole family was heartbroken, spending the night thinking we might lose him. It then took over a week for Thor to show any signs of getting better, I had to hand feed him for over a week- and even then he hardly ate. This company showed very little compassion, no accountability, and no concern for Thor. Due to this ordeal we are disgusted, devastated, and completely and utterly let down by a company we once trusted and will never put Thor in anyone else’s hands again.
This is without doubt the premiere dog training and walking team in the NW of Ireland amazing stand and facility's
I recently attended a seminar/workshop hosted by these guys. I can say with confidence that in the 12 years I've been attending workshops I've never seen something so seamlessly run and well organised. Lisa and Gareth are extremely professional, and their friendliness and hospitality made me feel like I've known them for years. it's clear that they're extremely passionate, knowledgeable and experienced at what they do. When it comes to their business nothing short of perfection is provided. their facility is immaculate and it's clear that they go above and beyond for every client that comes in their door. Thanks you guys for such a phenomenal weekend I can't wait for the next.
Since moving back to Derry Ruff Walks have been our lifeline. Between structured dog walks with Gareth, Samantha and the entire crew, to unit days & training with Lisa and to some Sunday socials it has made our entire life a lot easier. 🐶our dog loves them all! Known he’s in good hands makes is great and being able to walk both a dog and a pram has changed my life!We’re so happy we’ve found Ruff Walks and I would recommend them to anyone!
The Ruff Walks team are without a doubt the best training and walking facility about. My dog (border collie-cross, rescued so mix unknown) is a super nervous boy and his reactivity can come across as aggressive. I had tried 3 other training options in and around town and none of them really helped (2 actually made him worse). When we started with Lisa we did the 1-to-1 training and it was an incredible help. The ethos that she works with is very much; if you do the work I'll help you any way I can, but if you don't I'm not the right trainer for you. After 3 days she had me convinced I knew what I was doing. Lisa is such a real and genuine person, she'll tell you the honest truth about what you're doing, and how ots affecting your outcome, but she'll do it in a way that isn't demeaning or discouraging - when you work with her she becomes an almost therapist and your dog (and your) biggest fan! We joined the Structured days a little later and his change in obedience was palpable. The structure and method of these days are amazing, and the little run-down report you get when picking them up is beyond helpful - not to mention cute. We then moved on to the Pack walks and Gareth/Sam/Steph could not have been more amazing. Their confidence in handling what some would deem a 'problematic' dog was the nominal. They had him walking with other strange dogs in no time without issue (he would be reactive to dogs and people). They cannot be faulted and are just genuinely great people! In addition to these amazing services they also offer a 'Dog Gym' an evening a week and a Sunday social once a month. The dog gym is unreal - you learning obedience in an obstacle layout with a circut method, so your dog has to learn to only focus on you, plus it is great craic. The Sunday Social is open to anyone who wants to go, you don't have to be a client, and it's basically a giant pack walk - Lisa will come around and give tips on handling and obedience when she can throughout the walk. They switch up the locations too, so it's as fair on everyone as possible! Unfortunately, my dog had to have surgery just before Chrsitmas, so I have had to keep him out of all activities, but even then they have been messaging to check up on him and I - these are genuinely amazing good-hearted people and I cannot recommend them enough!
Puppy socialisation and life skills classes.
Focus on building a strong, positive bond with your dog.
Finding qualified dog trainers in Shantallow means connecting with professionals who understand the unique character of this vibrant Derry neighbourhood. From training puppies near Shantallow Community Centre to managing reactive dogs along the Foyle riverside paths, our certified trainers deliver personalised obedience training, behaviour modification, and puppy socialisation programmes tailored to this community's needs.
Serving families throughout Shantallow, Galliagh, and surrounding areas, we've successfully trained over 850 dogs in the past eight years, helping local residents raise well-mannered companions suited to both urban living and the beautiful countryside access this area provides.
Shantallow presents distinct training opportunities shaped by its mix of residential estates, community green spaces, and proximity to both urban amenities and rural walking routes. The area's family-friendly atmosphere means dogs regularly encounter children, other pets, and neighbours, making proper socialisation and obedience essential for harmonious community living.
Our trainers specialise in addressing challenges specific to the area, including desensitising dogs to traffic along Racecourse Road, building confidence for walks through Shantallow Park, and ensuring reliable recall for those enjoying countryside walks beyond the neighbourhood. We understand local conditions and tailor training to prepare your dog for everyday situations you'll encounter throughout Derry.
Our puppy programmes focus on the critical 8-16 week socialisation period, introducing young dogs to Shantallow's environment including local traffic, community activities, and various surfaces. Training covers house training, crate training, bite inhibition, and essential commands, building confident puppies ready for life in this active community.
We address common behavioural challenges including leash reactivity, excessive barking, separation anxiety, and fear-based responses. Using positive reinforcement techniques, we help dogs develop calm, appropriate behaviours whether encountering neighbours in estate common areas or passing other dogs during local walks.
For dogs progressing beyond basics, our advanced training builds reliable off-lead control essential for safely enjoying local parks and countryside walks. We develop solid recall, distance commands, and advanced lead work, giving owners confidence their dogs will respond reliably in any situation.
Dog training in Shantallow typically ranges from £35-60 per hour for private sessions, with 6-week group classes averaging £120-200. Puppy programmes generally cost £150-250, while specialist behaviour consultations range from £55-85. Many trainers offer free initial phone consultations and mobile services throughout the area.
Begin training immediately when bringing your puppy home around 8 weeks old. The critical socialisation window between 8-16 weeks makes early exposure to Shantallow's environment essential. Puppies can join group classes after initial vaccinations around 10-12 weeks, though dogs of any age benefit from professional training.
Basic obedience typically requires 6-8 weeks of consistent training, while behaviour modification for issues like reactivity may take 8-16 weeks depending on severity. Most dogs show noticeable improvement within 4-6 weeks when owners practice daily between professional sessions.
Professional dog training in Shantallow creates well-mannered, confident companions who thrive in this community-focused neighbourhood. Our proven methods combine expert techniques with local knowledge, ensuring your dog becomes a valued family member and positive presence throughout the area. Contact us today to schedule your initial consultation and begin your journey toward a perfectly trained dog.