Darren James is a story of success from his early junior dog handling days to training celebrities for the second annual "The Underdog Show". Please know, however, that Darren's story is not one of pure luck and good timing, rather that of often gritty hard work, perseverance and steadfast forward thinking. Darren has well-earned his position in the dog training industry and shares his truths about how dogs enhance our lives and what we owe to them in return.

To begin, Darren was born in Merthyr Tydfil, South Wales to renown dog breeders, the late Roy and Yvonne James. From his parents Darren developed his basic skills in kennel management, handling and training, moreover, the unwavering integrity required to manage and maintain a lifestyle and career with dogs.

These skills have since translated into an ongoing stream of accomplishments, awards and personal victories, such as television appearances on Ant & Dec and "The Underdog Show" and other behind the scenes work involving the training of dogs. In addition, and since moving to his Surrey school location, working with celebrities has been a regular part of Darren's work with clientele to include a London-based Supermodel, top Britain sitcom actor, pop stars and celebrity sports players.

While Darren has been honoured by his growing reputation and high profile referrals, his genuine pride stems from the continuation of the business his parents helped establish nearly 50 years ago, Royvon Dog Training Schools - a business that has remained the first and leading specialists in their field since Darren took ownership in 1994.

Nonetheless, Darren remains grounded about his past and future because the dogs keep it that way, as Darren states:

"Dogs live in the now - they aren't bothered with details, they just want to know what's in it for them at this moment. It's difficult, even for someone like me who's been around dogs all their life, not to impose human qualities on them and want them to rest, perform or celebrate as it suits me, that's just not the way they function. Therefore, it is my responsibility to think first and always about their well being and how I can play a part of ensuring that they live to the full potential they deserve, with the owners playing an integral part in making this happen. This is the true full time job and it couldn't be more rewarding. And, whether I like it or not, at the end of the day, they are the ones that tell me whether I've succeeded or failed."