Jacob is our head trainer and co-founder here at the Yorkshire Canine Academy. Jacob grew up around dog’s, specifically German Shepherds. The passing of his childhood dog Soffi in 2013 triggered a desire to work with dogs. After spending a few years volunteering to walk friends’ dogs while studying, Jacob decided to finally get his own dog Ranger. Shortly (but not wisely) followed by Darla in 2016. Out of his depth, both dog’s behaviour took a turn for the worse which called for some behavioural intervention for both dogs. After some help from dog trainers, many hours studying animal behaviour and undergoing countless online courses, Ranger and Darla were transformed into the trusty stooge dogs you’ll see around today. Having worked as professional dog trainer for over 6 years and training over 2500 dogs, Jacob brings a wealth of experience to the team. Jacob has a passion for working with large breeds but even more so, with motivated owners that want nothing more to help their dogs. In 2021 Jacob added a 3rd dog to his team, Stark the Belgian Malinois, who has featured in many of our puppy training tutorials, Jacob aspires to compete with Stark in protection Sports in the future.
Ranger (Staffy Cross), Darla (Romanian Street Dog) and Stark (working line Belgian Malinois)
English Bulldog! (Rescue of course)
Jacob once found a Labrador playing in traffic on a dual carriageway, while studying at university. The two were inseparable for 3 days while Buddy accompanied Jacob to rugby training, lectures, and the gym. Eventually Buddy owners were traced and buddy was returned home, Jacob was gutted.
Ian (also affectionately known as Kirkey) is one of our senior trainers and co-founder of the YCA. You may have heard his name before, in very different circumstances. Ian is an ex-professional Rugby League player who had many notable performances with Leeds Rhinos, earning himself 5 grand final rings (yes, FIVE). Upon his retirement, Kirkey took up a career in strength and conditioning, gaining another grand final ring but this time as coaching staff. Ian got his first dog aged 11, an elderly and wayward Rottweiler who taught him many lessons in management of behaviour rather than ‘fixing’a problem. He had another two rescue dogs before his current team of four. Three rescues, (Rita 10, bullbreed. Blue 4, whippet/spaniel and Nerf, Frenchie), and a fresh Frenchie puppy Cora. Having studied behaviourism with the BCCS Ian was inspired by Jacob’s justification of modern dog training leading to a more inclusive life for dogs. Subsequently he bought into Sensei Jacob’s ways and hasn’t looked back! Kirkey enjoys working with all dogs and issues but has a particular penchant for a cute Frenchie, even the biters!
Rita (Admin assistant and Bullbreed cross), Blue (definitely not a Spaniel), Nerf (a rescue Frenchie), Cora (Frenchie)
Probably another Frenchie
Kirkey is a steady natural strongman competitor.
Despite being one of our youngest members of staff, Elisha has a wealth of experience training her own dogs from the age of 16, and has recently entered into the world of protection sport with her Cane Corso, Chief. Her love of dogs began with her first dog, Eddie the Jack Russell, at age 9. Since then, she’s gone to the opposite end of the size spectrum, currently owning a Cane Corso and a Presa Canario. Elisha studied for her level 3 in Equine Management at college and has previously trained and kept race horses before joining us here. Elisha loves nothing more than getting some downtime, adventuring in the lakes with Chief and Kyra, but when she’s at work she never stops. This girl is the toughest cookie we’ve ever met and isn’t afraid of a hard day’s graft. If you’re ever wondering how you can show your appreciation to Elisha as your trainer, Salt and Vinegar Squares, or Peperamis are the answer.
Kyra (Presa Canario), Chief (Cane Corso), Texas (Belgian Malinois)
Bull Herder
Small but mighty – not only is Elisha well versed in handling large dogs, she is a UK all styles kick-boxing champion!
YCA’s very own southern fairy, proof that sometimes, fate really does have a sense of humour. I first came to YCA as a client through the Training With Instinct programme when it first launched, desperate for help with my dog-reactive Rottweiler, Thor. I’d already tried it all, from pure R+ to old-school “yank and crank.” Every method seemed to make things worse. Then came TWI. I didn’t just fix my dog… I found my passion. (And, somewhere along the way, I fell for Kirky too.) Not long after finishing the programme, I asked Kirky and Jacob for a job, and here I am. From struggling dog owner to full-blown dog trainer, living proof that the right guidance can change everything.
Thor (Rottweiler) & Tennessee (Dutch Herder)
Rottie or a Frenchie
I can deal a royal flush from a shuffled deck of cards
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I first came to YCA with my Cane Corso, Freya, she lacked confidence, and I just wanted her to enjoy life a little more. Fast-forward a few months, and during one of our sessions, YCA announced they were looking for junior trainers. I figured, why not give it a shot? Four months later, I’m officially part of the team — proof that sometimes your dog’s journey leads you right into your own.
Freya, Cane Corso
Anything between a pug and a Kangal (still an ongoing household debate…)
While on a military exercise in Kenya, I came face to face with a wild elephant in the middle of the night, came way too close to being flattened
Brought to you all the way from sunny Northern Ireland, Chloe is one of our newest members of staff and has taken on the role of Admin Assistant. Having moved to Leeds for university she fell in love with it and never left. Her love of dogs began with her first puppy – Lily, the golden retriever – who was definitely only bought to appease her after the arrival of her little sister. The golden retriever theme continued throughout her childhood, and she has experienced first-hand how it feels to have two dogs of the same breed behave entirely different to the other. As an adult, her love of dogs continued, volunteering as a foster mom for a Staffy rescue before finally giving in and getting one of her own. Enter…Kevin. Kevin is the little ginger Staffy you may see on site, he occasionally makes an appearance as a stooge but is more frequently found sleeping in between bouts of being an absolute lunatic. Chloe has always had an interest in the YCA and been involved from a distance, as a close friend of Jacob and Ian. So, she jumped at the chance when they offered her the role. Chloe will be the person with whom you have most contact, outside of your trainer, as she sends all our emails and mans the phone – so please excuse the accent when you give us a call (translator available on request).
Kevin (Staffy cross), Dolly (Bullherder)
A clone of Kevin
Once, during uni, Jacob changed Chloe’s name to Linda on facebook. As a result, anyone from her uni days, including Jacob’s family, still refer to her as Linda (7 years later).
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I first joined YCA as a client, just wanting to learn how to do more with my dog, Honey. What started as training sessions quickly turned into a full-blown passion, now I’m the Client Success Manager, making sure every client not only hits their goals but actually enjoys the journey with their dog. Watching those transformations happen every day is easily the best part of the job.
Kaiser (German Shepherd/Collie) & Honey (Rottweiler)
Either another Rottweiler or an English Bull Terrier
Around here, I’m better known as THP, Toni Honey Pie
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For over a decade, I worked as a freelance event groom and head groom, travelling across Europe with Olympic riders, grooming, training, and living the fast-paced life of the equestrian world. But after an injury forced me to slow down, I decided to take a break over the winter of 2024/2025. That’s when my focus shifted to my dogs, spending my days out on shoot days, working them several times a week. Somewhere between muddy fields and early mornings, I came across YCA’s job post. One call with Jacob later, and within a couple of days, I was officially part of the team, and honestly, I haven’t looked back since.
Magnus, Hardy, and Bea, a trio of chocolate working Cocker Spaniels
Another chocolate spaniel (hopefully joining the pack in January 2026!) and a Bracco Italiano later in the year to round out the dream team for shoot days
Honestly… god knows. After years of juggling Olympic horses and a pack of cockers, it’s hard to pick just one
Suzanne is our Social Media Manager and in-house photographer/videographer. She graduated from Leeds College of Art in 2015 with a BA in Graphic Design. Suzanne’s first dog was a Retriever cross called Sandy. More recently she’s had Russel the Bulldog and Dennis the Cane Corso. Suzanne first came to the YCA as a client in 2021 with her Cane Corso, Dennis. Dennis arrived at the centre with a severe aversion to humans, Suzanne can now happily walk him, on her own, with no issue. Suzanne is a keen knitter, she has 80 balls of wool (that her husband knows about). We proudly display one of her creations above our sofa in the consultation room – keep an eye out for it the next time you’re in.
Dennis (Cane Corso)
Staffy
Her grandad invented the iconic yellow and black Staedtler pencils.
Four years ago, I had a reactive dog, and everything went wrong. It got so bad that I eventually had to leave him with my parents on their big farmhouse. That experience completely changed me. Since then, I’ve spent years studying behaviour and training, eventually becoming a dog trainer in Spain. But when I discovered YCA, something clicked. I wanted to keep learning from the best, and bring something to the table too. Now, I combine my tech wizardry with my passion for dogs, helping YCA run smoothly behind the scenes while soaking up every bit of dog training knowledge I can.
Lyon (German Shepherd mix) and Leia (Cocker Spaniel)
An adopted dog, I guess fate will decide who finds me next
Everyone here keeps talking to me in Spanish, but I’m actually Portuguese. Still not sure if they’ve realised yet…
State of the art facilities
Relax with a coffee in our coffee shop before or after your training sessions and test your dog’s ability to do nothing before trying it out in the real world.
We have a large canopy in our field so, come rain, hail or shine we can continue your dogs training in shelter and shade.
Our large training field is perfect for training your dog in a safe environment while enabling us to increase the level of distraction they face.
Pick up all the equipment you might need for training your dog in our onsite store. We stock various leads, collars, toys and dog food, making us your one stop shop for all things dog!
Our dog room is air-conditioned in the summer months and heated through the winter so no matter what the weather, your dogs can rest in comfort between their training sessions.
Separate to our consultation space we have a mock living room for you to practice the art of doing nothing with your dog.
