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Covering Greater Manchester
Professional Dog Training, Dog Walking and Pet Services
Welcome to Abbey Dogs dog training Manchester. Your pet is family & we’re here to treat them like our own. With love, care & dedication, we offer trusted dog training, dog walking & pet services to keep your furry friends happy, healthy & active throughout Greater Manchester. Whether it’s a walk, training or just some extra love when you’re away, we’re here for you.
Welcome to Abbey Dogs
About Us
Hi, I’m Claire – founder of Abbey Dogs and a lifelong dog and animal lover based in Manchester. I started Abbey Dogs with a simple idea: to offer trusted, personal, and genuinely caring services for pets and their people.
At Abbey Dogs, we believe dogs aren’t just pets, they’re best friends and true family members. That belief is at the heart of everything we do, and it’s why our services are designed to be as individual as your dog.
Walks with Abbey Dogs are more than just exercise, they’re engaging, enriching experiences. Your dog will get to explore a variety of environments, follow scents, investigate new textures, and enjoy plenty of mental stimulation along the way. These natural activities help build confidence, burn energy, and keep your dog happy and balanced.
And when it comes to training, Abbey Dogs takes the same caring, personalised approach. We focus on positive, reward-based methods that strengthen the bond between you and your dog while helping them learn in a fun, stress-free way. Whether you’re working on the basics or tackling specific behaviour challenges, our training is designed around real-life situations so you can enjoy everyday life together with confidence.
Why Choose Abbey Dogs
At Abbey Dogs, we combine professional care with genuine experience. As dedicated dog owners ourselves, we understand that caring for a dog goes far beyond simply walking them. Our insight comes not only from working with dogs but from living with them every day.
The inspiration behind Abbey Dogs began with Jasper, our latest recruit, a Cocker Spaniel cross who came to us at 10 months old after a very difficult start in life. His remarkable transformation motivated the launch of this business and continues to shape our values.
With experience owning and handling Labradors, Golden Retrievers, Springer Spaniels and Lancashire Heelers, energetic, high-drive dogs, we've gained valuable knowledge in behaviour, obedience, dog sports, and gundog training. This hands-on experience means your dog is in capable, confident hands.
Abbey Dogs is a one woman show. After leaving a streetworks and project management career in the corporate world, I’ve found my true calling in working with dogs. I work closely with a trusted home boarder and a reputable local training club, allowing us to offer a well-rounded, dependable service that supports every aspect of your dog’s wellbeing.
1:1 Dog Training & Puppy Education
1:1 Dog Training & Puppy Education
1:1 Dog Training & Puppy Education
I’ll teach you how to teach your dog—and keep it fun
Training should feel like a team effort, not a battle of wills. I’ll help you learn the ropes so you feel confident in your skills and proud of your progress (and your dog will feel pretty proud too).
What We Can Work On:
- Reliable toilet training
- A good diet and food manners
- Recall
- Door and gate control (threshold training)
- Sit, stay and down
- How to hold the lead properly, loose lead walking and walking to heel
- Distance control
- Puppy and dog socialisation (done the right way)
- Desensitising to scary things (e.g. vacuum cleaners, doorbells, fireworks)
- Preventing your dog from being overwhelmed by people or other dogs
- Getting used to handling, bathing and grooming
- Muzzle training
- Advocating for your dog in all environments
- Avoiding destructive behaviour
- Managing unwanted habits like jumping up, mouthing, or biting
Each session gives you the opportunity to practise your new skills while I support, guide and demonstrate alongside you. We take it one step at a time, building trust and progress at a pace that suits you both.
1:1 Behaviour Assessment
1:1 Dog Training & Puppy Education
1:1 Dog Training & Puppy Education
Like a first date… but with fewer awkward silences and more wagging
This relaxed 90 minute session is our chance to dig into what’s really going on with your dog. Whether that’s anxiety, overexcitement, frustration, fear, or simply not understanding the rules of human life yet.
We’ll take time to observe, chat, and build a clear picture of your dog’s world. Then, I’ll put together a down-to-earth, realistic training plan that suits you and your dog.
It’s the first step to calmer walks, happier days, and a better relationship all round and important social skills.
We will also teach you how to properly socialize your puppy to prevent future behavioural problems.
Group Training & Social Sessions
1:1 Dog Training & Puppy Education
Group Training & Social Sessions
Train together, learn together
Not every dog needs a classroom, but some really do benefit from it! If your dog needs to build confidence, practise their manners, or just burn off energy in a positive way, I’ve got you covered.
Group sessions are held in Denton twice a week with the fab trainers at HG Dog Training (not for profit) on Sundays and Thursday evenings.
Cost: £5 per session (yes, really!)
These sessions are great for topping up your training, building social skills, and having a giggle with like-minded dog people.
Everyone’s welcome — from wobbly puppies to cheeky teenagers and golden oldies.
Transform Your Dog's Day with Abbey Dogs
Dog Walking Service's
Whether you're tied up with work or other commitments, it’s not always easy to make sure your dog gets the exercise and attention they need. At Abbey Dogs, we’re here to help—offering your dog the companionship, stimulation, and fresh air they deserve.
Why Daily Walks Matter
Socialization is crucial for puppies to develop into well-adjusted adult dogs. Our Dogs, if left alone for long periods can become bored and frustrated, which may lead to unwanted behaviours like chewing, barking, or anxiety. Regular walks help keep your dog physically fit and mentally stimulated, supporting a happy, well-balanced life.
Free Meet-and-Greet Visit
Before we get started, we offer a complimentary 30-minute meet-and-greet. This gives us a chance to:
- Get to know you and your dog
- Discuss their personality, routines, and walking habits
- Talk through access arrangements (we recommend a key safe or spare key)
- Answer any questions you might have
After this visit, you’ll receive access to your secure client portal (via Pet Sitter Plus), where you can manage bookings, update your details, and view invoices.
There’s no commitment required—this meeting is completely obligation-free.
What to Expect on the Walk
- The first walk is always solo so we can build trust and understand your dog’s needs. Some dogs will require more than one solo walk before being introduced to other dogs.
- Matching dogs for size, personality, energy levels, breed temperament and behaviour.
- On or off lead, dependent on recall and client preference.
- Longlines used to give those dogs with limited recall freedom. A well fitting harness is essential when using a longline, we can help with selecting the correct one for your dog although, we do have a limited selection available for your dogs to use while with us.
- Positive reinforcement using communication, praise and rewards
- Walks happen in all weathers*— we pick up from your home and return your dog tired, happy, and ready for a nap
*In hot weather, we take extra precautions: your dog may be driven to shaded woodland for a slow-paced sniff walk, or their walk may be moved to cooler parts of the day. You can also choose a home visit with mental stimulation.
We’ll also:
- Rinse and towel off muddy paws and bellies
- Refill water bowls
- Feed your dog or administer routine medication if needed
Flexible Booking to Suit Your Lifestyle
Generally all walks are Monday to Friday and have 3 time slots on offer, early morning, late morning and early afternoon, but we understand life doesn’t follow a fixed schedule. Whether your routine changes weekly or you’re home during school holidays, we’re happy to adapt.
- Let us know your schedule by the Monday of the week before to guarantee availability
- Last-minute change? We’ll do our best to fit you in
- The more notice you give, the better we can plan the perfect walk for your dog
Peace of Mind
- Your information is handled securely
- Your dog’s wellbeing is always our top priority
- We’re experienced, insured, and committed to providing a professional, caring service
Let us take the lead—so your dog stays happy, healthy, and well cared for, even when you’re not around.
Get in touch today to arrange your free meet-and-greet.
Extra Special Walks
Breed-Specific Dog Walks — Tailored for Wagging Tails
Some dogs are born sprinters, others are sniffers; some want to run a marathon, while others are in it for the snacks and the sniffs.
That’s where our breed-specific walks come in. We match dogs by energy, size, personality, and play style, so every pup feels like they’re walking with their kind of crowd.
At Abbey Dogs, we’ve designed these walks with pet gundogs in mind—Labradors, Spaniels, Flat coats, Retrievers and their delightful crossbreed cousins like Cockerpoos and Labradoodles. However, we also welcome other breeds from herding breeds to those sweet flat-faced dogs who still want in on the fun (with a few extra pauses, of course). And will tailor walks more towards their breed types.
More Than Just a Walk!
These aren’t your average strolls in the park. Our walks are packed with activities that engage your dog’s brain as much as their legs, because a fulfilled dog is a happy dog.
Here’s what you can expect:
- Hunting games to channel natural instincts
- Fun retrieves to burn off that working energy
- Recall training to fine-tune those come-when-called skills
- Impulse control games for steadiness
And while it all feels like fun and games to your dog, they’re secretly learning everyday life skills too:
- Coming back even with distractions
- Walking calmly around other dogs
- Taking turns and showing food manners
- Managing frustration
- Focusing when the world is full of temptations
Just a note: These aren’t “training done for you” sessions — they’re enrichment walks that complement the work you’re doing at home.
The Perfect Mix of Play and Pause
We believe in balance. That means our walks include calm moments too, sniffing breaks and space for dogs to just be dogs. This helps prevent over-arousal and keeps the group relaxed and happy.
We always finish with a calming scent activity, helping your dog wind down so they head home relaxed, content, and ready for a snooze.
Ready to Join the Pack?
These group walks are a great fit for:
- Pet gundogs and gundog crosses (Labradors, Spaniels, Doodles, etc.)
- Dogs aged 1 year and over
- Friendly dogs who enjoy off-lead time with others
- Dogs who can walk calmly on-lead when needed
Contact us to find out more
Weekend Adventure Walks
More Than Just a Walk—It’s an Adventure!
Weekends are made for wagging tails and muddy paws! Our Weekend Adventure Walks are two-hour outings where your dog can hike, sniff, splash, and play somewhere a little more exciting than the usual route. We explore scenic countryside trails or visit secure adventure fields packed with agility equipment, tyres, sand, ball pits, water features and more!
Each adventure is carefully planned based on the group, and all locations are within 30 minutes of Manchester. A perfect little getaway for your four-legged explorer.
What to Expect
- Pick-up – Your dog will be collected in our fully crated, comfy van.
- Explore & Roam – We start with a hike where dogs can stretch their legs and sniff around.
- Brain Games – We include mentally stimulating activities to keep things interesting.
- Cool Off – In summer, we head to spots with streams so your dog can paddle and stay refreshed.
- Adventure Field Visits – If we’re visiting an adventure field, we still enjoy a 45-minute walk first.
- Home Time – After all that fun, your dog is given fresh water, rinsed and towel-dried if required, and returned home happy, tired, and ready for a nap.
Is your dog adventure-ready?
For group adventures, dogs should be:
- At least 1 year old
- Microchipped and wearing a collar with an up-to-date ID tag
- Fit, healthy and able to walk for over 60 minutes
- Friendly with other dogs and humans
- Good on the lead and responsive to recall
New places, new smells, and a whole lot of fun.
Get in touch to book their next adventure.
SENIOR DOGS - Special Care for Extra Special Dogs
Because age doesn’t stop the tail wags or the need to explore.
You might have noticed your older dog tires more easily than before and takes life at a slower pace, especially when it’s warmer. But hey, who says slowing down means missing out? Sometimes the best adventures happen at a stroll-and-sniff speed.
Fresh air is important, but now it’s less about covering miles and more about quality time. Abbey Dogs is here to help with gentle, tailor-made walks that suit their pace. Because sometimes the highlight of a walk is the perfect sniff spot (and maybe a cheeky squirrel sighting).
Routine is a winner for dogs at any age. Keeping your older dog active but at the right level helps keep their joints moving, eases any aches, and keeps their mind sharp.
Around 80% of dogs over eight years old have arthritis in one or more joints, sounds like a pretty common reason for those slow-mo moves.
We offer bespoke walks to keep your dog comfy and happy, without pushing them too hard.
Our fully fitted out van includes a ramp to aid your dogs entry and exit, protecting those joints from further stresses.
Regular gentle exercise can boost their quality of life, and even add a few extra tail-wagging years. So even if the pace is slower, a daily walk counts.
Your old friend still treasures fresh air, kind company, and a slow wander with someone who understands their pace.
Contact us to find out more
PET SERVICES
Puppy Pop-Ins
Puppy Pop-Ins
Puppy Pop-Ins
Because even tiny paws need a break in the day!
Whether you're at work, running errands, or juggling a busy day, we know it’s not always easy to be there for every little woof and whimper. That’s where our Puppy Pop-In visits come in, offering your pup some company, care, and fun while you're out and about.
Let’s face it, puppies can get a bit bored (and cheeky!) if left to their own devices for too long. A little visit can make all the difference, breaking up their day and keeping tails wagging instead of getting into mischief.
Choose the visit that suits your pup best:
- 15-minute visit:
A quick drop-in to refresh puppy pads, top up food and water (as agreed with you), and let your pup out for a quick toilet break.
- 30-minute visit:
Everything above, plus time for play, cuddles, and a little brain-boosting fun to keep your puppy happy and settled.
We also offer a helpful add-on: Need your pup taken to a vet appointment for a jab or check-up? We can do that — just let us know.
Once they’re fully vaccinated, we can extend the visit to 45 minutes, including a gentle 15–20 minute walk to help them start exploring the world safely and build their confidence on the lead.
Once used to the outside world your puppy is welcome on our group walks!
And if we’re seeing your puppy regularly, we’re happy to start weaving in basic training and good manners too—making the most of those early learning weeks!
Get in contact to see what we can do to help
Pet Pop-Ins
Puppy Pop-Ins
Puppy Pop-Ins
A little extra help for the pets that matter most
We all have days when life gets hectic – whether you’re working, tied up with commitments, or simply need a bit of backup, it’s reassuring to know your pets are in good hands. That’s where Abbey Dogs comes in.
Our Pet Pop-In service is designed to give your pets the care and attention they need, right in the comfort of their own home. Whether it’s feeding the cat or giving an older dog a bit of company and playtime, we’ve got you covered.
We care for all sorts of animals – dogs, cats, rabbits, guinea pigs, hamsters, ferrets and more. No fuss, no stress – just gentle, reliable care tailored to your pet’s routine.
What a Pop-In can include:
- Fresh food and clean water
- Medication if needed
- Litter trays and cage cleaning
- Comfort breaks and garden time
- Playtime and cuddles
- Bringing in post and putting out the bins
- Watering your plants
- Lights on, curtains drawn – keeping things cosy and secure
Our service is completely flexible – whether you need us for a one-off visit or regular check-ins, we’ll work around your schedule. And we’re always happy to follow any instructions or quirks that make your pet feel more at home.
At Abbey Dogs, we’re pet owners ourselves, so we know how important it is to leave your animals with someone you trust. We’ll treat your pets like one of our own – with kindness, patience and plenty of love.
Prices:
£10 per 15-minute visit – and we don’t charge extra for more than one pet.
Simple, supportive and completely tailored to you.
Your Pet's Safety, Your Peace of Mind
Health & Safety, Security And Key Holding
Here at Abbey Dogs we aim to assist all clients in keeping their dogs healthy and in great shape both physically and mentally. We will always ensure that they are mentally stimulated on whichever walk you choose.
All dogs will be walked on lead until we are happy they have a reliable recall and are keen believers in the use of longlines while dogs are learning a reliable recall.
- Leads will be provided to keep yours clean and mud free!
- Dogs will NEVER be left unattended.
- All dogs must have up to date vaccinations, flee and worming.
- Their safety and happiness are our main priorities.
- Canine first aid and CPR trained, fully stocked canine first aid kit always on hand.
The Abbey Dogs van is fully insured and boasts fully fitted custom made cages and comfortable bedding for the safe transport of your furry friend. Onboard we are kitted out with first aid kits and treatments for those minor scrapes such as stepping on thorns….Ouch!
We have plenty of water and natural treats (all grain & chicken free) as well as means of washing a very muddy dog and an endless supply of towels. So if seeking out the muddiest of puddles is your dogs most favourite thing to do, don’t worry he will be returned to you mud free!
Fully DBS checked and your keys will be left unmarked, in a safe when not in use. In addition to our key holding service, should you ever get locked out, we are happy to come round and let you in for free!
We are fully insured by Protectivity Insurance. In addition to this we have the experience and expertise that many agency style/independent walkers do not. Meaning your pup is in the safest hands possible whilst in our care!
WEDDING SERVICES
Wedding Day Dog Care by Abbey Dogs
Make your special day truly unforgettable by including your beloved dog with Abbey Dogs’ bespoke wedding package—designed to treat your furry friend like the VIP they are!
How It Works
Before your big day, we’ll meet with you and your dog to discuss your vision and preferences. Based on this, we create a tailored package just for you, which you can review and approve. As part of the package, we include a one-hour bonding walk with your dog before the wedding day. This helps us get to know each other and allows time to address any questions ahead of time.
Our Popular Options:
- Option 1: We collect your dog, take them for a walk, and ensure they’re perfectly groomed and comfortable upon arrival at your venue. Acting as your dog’s dedicated guardian, we’ll be with them throughout the day—whether that means accompanying them during key moments or letting them explore the venue or local area safely. After the celebration, we can return your dog to you or take them home, depending on your preference.
- Option 2: Your dog enjoys a day out away from the wedding hustle, with plenty of fun activities and care. We’ll keep you updated with photos and messages, including text alerts when we pick up and drop off your dog—helping you relax and enjoy your celebration worry-free. If you are away until the following morning we can add in an early morning walk and feed to see him through until you arrive home.
These options can be mixed and matched to perfectly suit your needs.
Due to high demand during wedding season, we recommend booking early to secure your spot.
Booking Details
A non-refundable 50% deposit is required to confirm your booking, with the remaining balance due two weeks before your wedding day.
A Note from claire
No gimmicks. No empty promises. Just honest training support.
As a newer trainer, I like to keep things real. My priority is to offer you full transparency, I won’t make big promises I can’t back up or pretend I’ve got all the answers (I’m not a wizard... yet). What I can promise is honesty, effort, and a genuine commitment to helping you and your dog figure things out together. And if something’s outside my current skill set, I’ll point you in the right direction faster than a greyhound spotting a rabbit!
I’m lucky to work alongside and have the support of three brilliant trainers with decades of experience - my guru mentors and all round dog training legends!
So if I don’t have the answer, I know someone who does!
I am affiliated with the British Institute of Professional Dog Trainers (BIPDT) as an obedience instructor (the organisation behind the first national pet code framework later adopted by the Kennel Club), Attended a BIPDT Course and obtained a Certificate in Instructional Techniques and achieved stage 1 Honours and I continue to invest in my own development — regularly training in higher-level courses with the aim of becoming an advanced trainer and behaviourist.
I currently hold diplomas in:
- Canine Behaviour
- Canine Communication
- Dog Training
- Puppy Training
- Gundog Training
- Canine Anxiety
- I also hold an up to date DBS and Canine First Aid.
At present, although qualified in a range of areas, I offer training specifically in general obedience, reactivity and behaviour, unfortunately I do not work with dogs showing aggression currently but I can put you in touch with trainers experienced in this area.
Professional Development
At Abbey Dogs, we believe that caring for your dog means never standing still. That’s why we’re fully committed to ongoing professional development, continuously updating our skills and knowledge to provide the highest standard of care.
We stay current with the latest research and best practices in dog training, behaviour, and welfare, so you can be confident your dog is in capable, compassionate hands.
Lifelong learning is built into everything we do. From attending accredited courses and gaining industry-recognised qualifications to learning alongside trusted mentors with decades of experience, we’re always working to improve. This allows us to use the most effective and humane methods, tailored to each individual dog and situation.
We also believe in being open and approachable. As we grow, we love sharing that knowledge with you, whether that’s offering guidance, answering questions, or simply explaining the “why” behind what we do. Because when you’re informed, your dog benefits too.
