I’ve been following the Training with Instinct course for about 5 weeks now with my Doberman, Bentley. The course has been really easy to follow with loads of useful videos and case studies to watch. I really like that it is about building up gradually; the daily and weekly schedules help keep you focussed and on track with making progress. When I started Bentley was reactive to dogs and occasionally people. Now he’s walking off lead and hasn’t reacted to another dog since starting the course. The main benefit is that I can see that he is so much more relaxed which makes me more relaxed and our walks much more enjoyable.
The training with instinct program was very easy to follow through and we started to see improvements at very early stages. I very much liked the daily schedule , it helped us to set a routine, and the little exercises helped to work Filo’s brain also allowed us more free time. Filo can now be my company on my runs and he can just spaniel around freely. It is very difficult to meet a dog’s exercise needs if they have to be kept on a lead constantly, -especially with high energy breeds.
We started the training with instinct program for our 9 year old boxer dog, Frank, and within just a few short weeks we saw a massive difference. I was sceptical at the start as we have worked with previous trainers who had basically told us we had to spend our walks avoiding all triggers, which included, dogs of all shapes and sizes and people. As you can imagine that was extremely hard, starting our day as early as 4am to walk Frank! Fast forward to now and we’re able to not only walk Frank calmly past other dogs on lead but we’re also able to take him to the seaside and enjoy watching him off lead having fun and enjoying the rest of his days without being anxious. Thank you Yorkshire canine academy!
Before I started the training with YCA, my walks with Nelly were very anxiety inducing because Nelly has always had a very VERY high prey drive. Every squirrel, cat, rabbit or deer that we would see would lead to an almost explosive reaction from Nelly with lunging, a lot of barking and leash pulling. I went through a lot of different training methods, none of which worked and pretty much had given up that we would ever manage this behavior. I was always very sceptical that any dog trainer could actually help me manage this behavior. This program has definitely been successful in doing this. I would highly recommend this training program!
Rico is our fourth GSD. We rescued him at nine months old, just four months ago, and he’s already the best dog I’ve ever had. I thought I knew training after my last GSD, but it was a challenge. What I was doing didn’t work. After years of trying different trainers, books, and YouTube, I found Jacob, Kirky, and YCA. Their approach balances play, discipline, and love, honoring the dog’s true nature. The dogs get it, are happy, and understand what’s expected of them. I signed up for Focus in Four and was hooked—it worked. So well, in fact, that I joined Training With Instinct. Now, I don’t think YCA will ever get rid of us! Rico loves it, shines, and honestly, it’s fun. He looks forward to training, and it makes sense.
I have just completed the Training with Instinct course and have had fantastic results. The course is easy to follow with loads of videos explaining each step and with added examples of a range of different dogs. Plus access to a trainer to send videos of your training to for feedback and weekly group video calls to discuss progress.I really liked that it was about building up gradually and making sure the dog understands each stage and is successful before moving on. The daily and weekly schedules help keep you focussed and on track with making progress. When I started my dog was reactive to dogs and occasionally people. Now he’s walking off lead and hasn’t reacted to another dog since starting the course. The main benefit is that I can see that he is so much more relaxed which makes me more relaxed and our walks much more enjoyable.
We can’t thank Elisha, Kirky, and the Yorkshire Canine Academy enough for the incredible support and training they’ve provided for our Labrador, Barnaby. After being attacked multiple times while on lead, Barnaby developed severe fear reactivity, which quickly turned into aggression. We felt overwhelmed and unsure of how to help him, and our ourselves.From the very start, they provided expert guidance, patience, and unwavering support. The combination of in-person training and ongoing WhatsApp advice, and training plan videos/documents has been invaluable. Elisha has been fantastic at reviewing our training videos, spotting areas for improvement, and giving us the confidence to implement changes. The in personal session left us feeling on top of the world, seeing real progress in Barnaby’s behavior.Thanks to their tailored approach, we’ve learned how to help Barnaby regulate his emotions using his high food drive. The transformation has been incredible. We’re beyond excited (and relieved!) that Barnaby will now be able to join in at our wedding in May—something we doubted was possible a few months ago.One of the biggest turning points for us was learning about the proper use of an e-collar. Initially, I was completely against using one, simply because I didn’t understand how it worked, and thought it was mean. But after being educated on how to use it safely, correctly, and most importantly, positively, I can confidently say it has changed Barnaby’s life for the better. It has given us a reliable way to communicate with him, helping him stay focused, calm, and engaged, even in challenging situations. The difference in his confidence, and ours, has been incredible.If you have a reactive dog and feel like there’s no hope, trust us when we say Yorkshire Canine Academy will change everything. We couldn’t be happier with the results and wholeheartedly recommend them to anyone in need of expert dog training.Freya & Robbie - Carlisle
Rico is our fourth German Shepherd. We rescued him at nine months old. That was just over four months ago, and already, he's the best dog I ever imagined having. I thought I knew plenty about dog training after my last GSD, but figured I'd try something different with Rico, because really, it was a challenge with my last dog. What I was doing did not work. After watching all kinds of dog trainers, over many years, following advice in person, in books and on YouTube, I was drawn to Jacob and Kirky and the crew at YCA because I liked what I saw. Their approach is different than any I've worked with or seen over the years - it's a healthy relationship with their dogs balancing play, discipline and love for their dogs, honoring the true nature of the dogs. The dogs get it, are happy, and understand what's expected of them in a language that's clear to them. I signed Rico up for the "Focus in Four" online and was hooked. It worked. So well, in fact, that I signed on board for the Training With Instinct. Now I don't think the folks at YCA will ever get rid of us. I love their method, it works, and Rico loves it and shines. Quite honestly, it's fun. He looks forward to training time, and gets it. For me, it makes sense. Sometimes, the videos are downright funny, and really, doesn't that help lighten up when we can get so overwhelmed with dog training and take it so seriously? This approach is on one hand a breath of fresh air, and on the other, an awesome bootcamp that we actually enjoy being in. I can't believe what an amazing dog I have after just a few months. We live on a ranch and rarely get to town, so I'm slow to progress with the distraction elements of this training like meeting other dogs and being in other locations, but we're getting there with the solid foundation. I thought I was nuts at first paying what felt like so much, but time has shown me it's worth it and more. Looking forward to continuing, and learning more. I'll share more when I complete the TWI program, but already I can recommend it, and I have to several people who look at me and Rico and have been impressed. Thanks so much to everyone at YCA for making this program available for us so far away.
Copper and I have had our fair share of learning throughout our nearly three years together. The perspective I’ve consistently maintained throughout our journey is that I wouldn’t settle for a life of pure management, stress, avoidance, and fear— but more importantly I’ve also had an unwillingness to accept that things couldn’t get better.Copper is a rescue that was adopted in his peak developmental fear period—who was nervy, lacked confidence, quite under-socialized, and horribly reactive from day one— I on the other hand, was a first time dog owner way out of my depth!Fast forward; I digested everything I could (books and podcasts, gone to seminars, etc.) to find him still reactive and things increasingly getting worse. We’d been rushed and attacked by off lead dogs, developed a bite history, worked with six trainers (one of which was a board/train), improperly used tools and unintentionally enhanced feelings, made some progress with set backs— but ultimately we still fell short of seeing the results I knew were possible.Enter, Yorkshire Canine Academy! 🌟🌟🌟At this point, I’ve quite literally moved to the other side of the globe and found it virtually impossible to find a trainer to work with in person. I am so grateful to have been “forced” to seek an online program and that the program I found was YCA. The structure of the program itself was easy to follow and the guidance along the way has been exceptional (timeline accommodates the owner’s motivation and life schedule, any previous training history, the dog’s characteristics/personality, and the owner’s end goal and more). Even having been a world apart and on a wildly different time zone— I still have felt heard, considered, and supported. The time/energy that the trainers have provided throughout the program as well as the individualized support has been what truly sets Training with Instinct at YCA apart.While I shared that I always felt there had to be “more” for us— I genuinely never could have imagined a life with Copper anything like we have now. It’s hard to put into words how different our life is now because nearly every day I am blown away by how different of a dog he is— playful, relaxed, silly, sweet, TRUSTING, RESILIENT and so much more! I now have a dog that thinks on his feet and is present enough to make the right choices on his own— and if he is unsure, he seeks my guidance!If you are at all on the fence about this program being the right fit, let me tell you from the bottom of my heart how much I wish that YCA had been the first trainer I started with— knowing how different Copper’s and my first few years would have been— unimaginable— but I suppose that journey is also what helped us get to where we are.Simply put, if you’re an owner who wants more for your dog and your life together, and that is willing to put in the work to get there— you’ve found your place!🤍
Before working with YCA, we were having to drive to the middle of nowhere at the crack of dawn just to avoid people and dogs. Walking our crazy little spaniel, Filo, was exhausting—he was dragging us on lead, and off lead, he would run up to dogs, cyclists, and runners, completely ignoring recall. It felt like we had no control, and everyday walks were more stressful than enjoyable.The training was mostly remote, but the support was incredible. The team, especially Elisha and Ian were with us every step of the way—constantly checking in on our progress, adjusting the training plan, and sometimes even keeping in daily contact to make sure we were on the right track. When we finally visited the training center in January, Elisha worked wonders in just three days, fixing so many of the struggles we had been dealing with.Now, the transformation in Filo’s behavior has drastically changed our lives. He walks beautifully on a loose lead, listens to recall like a dream, and we can finally go and explore new places together without stress or embarrassment.We can’t recommend Yorkshire Canine Academy enough!
After following them online and really liking their no nonsense approach to training, I enrolled in the Yorkshire Canine Academy’s Remote Reset Programme with my 6 year old Patterdale cross, Frank. He is 100% terrier and despite having gone to many different trainers his recall was terrible if he got a scent, so we mainly walked him on a flexi- lead, he was also reactive to other dogs especially when on the lead.I was initially a bit sceptical about whether remote dog training would work, but it was AMAZING, it has made such a difference to Frank, and I so grateful to YCA, they are seriously clever people.The programme consists of a huge amount of really informative videos, which you follow through each stage of the programme, this is backed up with week by week daily plans , a WhatsApp group chat with the trainers at YCA and a twice weekly online group call for even more help. The trainers were all brilliant, patient and excellent at getting back to me when I was unsure or had a problem, however trivial. I sent them videos of Frank’s progress and they would give me advice on how to solve any issues, or just some good old encouragement. It was great to have face to face chats with the trainers and other participants on the course hear about other people’s dog training journey.Frank can now be walked off lead, he is so much calmer and happier living his best dog life and his reactivity with other dogs is miles better and he walks nicely on a loose lead.I can only thank Elisha, Kirky, Jacob and everyone else at YCA for coming up with this programme and would recommend it to anyone who has a wayward dog- whatever their age!
Both me and my husband honestly can’t sing YCAs praises enough! From the very first session at YCA, it was clear that Elisha truly understands dogs and how to communicate with them and us. Elisha was incredibly patient, knowledgeable, and took the time to address all of our concerns. She provided personalised advice and techniques that really worked well, leaving us with two well behaved dogs.Not only have both our dogs made tremendous progress, but the entire experience has also strengthened our bond. The training environment was positive and encouraging, and the results speak for themselves - our dogs are now more obedient, calmer, and listen better than ever. I highly recommend Yorkshire Canine Academy to anyone looking for a reliable, professional, and effective dog trainer. We’re excited to continue our training journey with Elisha and team at YCA.
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We recently rescued a 2 year old working whippet with issues, mainly reactivity to other dogs and displaying boisterous behaviour, sometimes bordering on aggressive. On lead, he would swing round, jump and basically pull our arms out of the sockets trying to jump on a passing dog. It was incredibly stressful and we dreaded taking him out. At home, he was good as gold and we knew he hadn't been socialised with other dogs.We decided to have an assessment at YCA and saw one of the trainers there- Elisha. She put a 5 week 1:1 plan together for us and we made a start.Now, we're not saying it was easy, it was hard at first, getting to grips with our homework, and learning what we were doing wrong, and the time we had to put into it all, but we had invested in our dog and deep down, we knew he could be better. He was a loving dog in the home and we had developed a close bond with him.Elisha told us in 3 weeks, he'd be off the lead. We said to ourselves no way is that going to happen. Guess what? She was spot on and we are now walking him off lead in the woods, letting him chase squirrels and run for his ball and we have confidence of having full control of his recall. We're enjoying walks with him now and continuing his training at the same time.We can't praise Elisha enough for all her help.We are so glad we decided to go ahead at YCA.
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Fantastic experience with my 1 year old rescue Bailey, who has a high prey drive. Had an assessment with Elisha and could tell straight that it was going to be a good fit for us. She was able to pick up on where I was getting stuck with things really quickly and set me on a better track without judgment. I have done a mix of online courses and 1:1s with Elisha. The support and advice has been excellent, it has built up my confidence and given me the motivation on the hard days. Everything is considered from diet, to rest and play. The transformation in Bailey has been huge, she settles in the house, loose lead walks and she pays attention to me outside. I can’t recommend Elisha and YCA enough, they really have changed both our lives for the better.
We wish we’d signed up sooner, so for anyone sitting on the fence contemplating, take the plunge.We have a 2.5 year old Rottweiler, he was the most perfect puppy but like some males, adolescence hit and he became a total d**k. Which was really unfortunate as we loved our walks, taking him everywhere, and just giving him the best life possible. But life quickly became avoiding all dogs to avoid risk although he only had lead related issues with some dogs, stress free walks were in enclosed fields, and taking him everywhere was no longer an option planning walks/days out/staycations became a whole military operation and in certain circumstances impossible.Our first stop wasn’t YCA unfortunately, we tried some advice which was full on aversion, which massively exaggerated issues and we discontinued it quickly. Our second stop was a local positive only dog trainer, and to give credit where credit is due, it built our boys confidence 10x…but it didn’t get down to the root of his reactivity. We still weren’t able to take him everywhere we wanted, when going out for walks we had pockets full of stuff and forgetting anything would be a knock to the confidence before we’d even started. Reactions were starting to become few and far between, but even more intense. We didn’t want to add to the Rottie stereotype, and we needed to nip his reactivity in the bud before it had the potential to put him in a dangerous situation.We did all the research on YCA as you probably are now, we watched all the YouTube, listened to all the podcasts, and started to download all the freebies. We saw an immediate improvement with his engagement, but still we were eager to tackle his reactivity.We booked in for our intro call with Chloe, she was accommodating, listened, asked all the right questions. And even politely challenged us, we were laser focused on his reactivity, but Chloe dug into his recall and asked us if he returns to us every time, which unless there’s a squeaky ball on offer, that would be a no, and you’re up s**t creek if he already had one.We were then given access to the course content, and all the one-pagers and docs which help carry you through the course. The course layout has changed since we’ve been on the course, we’ve heard other members say it’s difficult to navigate but for us personally we had no issue. Although it’s recommended against to avoid overwhelming yourself or skipping critical steps, we spent a few days watching listening to every video beginning to end. But we rewatched and made notes for the stages we were at, at that current time. Which helps you contextualise and know where certain content is should you need it.However you also have the daily check in calls, and the WhatsApp group with all the head trainers for help if you have any questions.I’m sure much to the dismay of the team but we were regular contributors to the WhatsApp chat, with many a message/video, however the guys always made time to give us a message, voice note or video to help us on our journey. Kirky even messaged us back on Christmas Day. Kirky was also solid and straight to the point, when things didn’t go how we wanted them to and encouraged us to get straight back to training when we thought it was the end of the world.We loved the remote training so much and our boy was doing so well, we made the 5-hour trip to visit YCA in person. We met Elisha, Jacob and Kirky. Everyone was welcoming, happy to give advice, just generally lovely people and you can tell they care about your dog.Couldn’t recommend it more. We still have work to do to get him to where we want him to be. But it’s the best feeling to have our dog back, and there are certain behaviours which tell us he’s just happier. He was never a cuddly dog before, whereas now he loves a cuddle, this may be a coincidence but our relationship in general has improved majorly.Thank you YCA Team! Can’t thank you enough. ❤️
We got our cockerpoo Ted last January and did textbook things wrong, over socialised him at day care and thought we’d achieved good boundaries by just crate training and putting in a baby gate to stop him going upstairs.Gradually he become more and more reactive we’d read and heard various advice so tried coaxing him away from barking with the classics - cheese and by trying to be the most interesting thing to him which didn’t work. By February it had gotten so bad we couldn’t go out the front door for fear of seeing a dog, cat, car, person or even a tree moving in the wind would set him off!Sometimes you have to hit rock bottom though as this was the kick we needed. We started back to basics with the Focus in Four building on his food drive ahead of our first 1 to 1 with Elisha.Five weeks on and he’s a completely different dog! We’ve had 4 sessions and countless Q&As in our WhatsApp group (sorry Elisha 🤣). Ted is now e collar trained and apart from at a random hedgehog on tv had not reacted since!Last Sunday we went to Roundhay park for the first time with him which is a reactive dog’s nightmare as there’s always dozens of dogs so a real test. He was off the lead perfect recall and choosing to come back to us when a dog came too close. We are now fully confident walking him off lead in any setting.I can’t believe how much it’s changed our lives and more importantly Ted’s life. Before he was always on edge and felt we’d let him down not having the tools & ability to help him live his best dog life!We bumped into a neighbour recently who actually thought we’d re-homed him because they’d not heard him bark in a few weeks!Looking forward to continuing his training and can actually plan day trips we never thought possible!
Can’t praise Elisha highly enough, and knowing how head strong Billy is, would never have thought he would be walking off lead, ignoring dogs, and walking to heal when askedIt is so rewarding and pleasing to see him running around and enjoying himself full of confidence but still aware of his surroundingsThe E collar remains on, but tbh, is very rarely used, just gives me peace of mindWould recommend Elisha if choosing YCA
Copper and I have been on quite the journey over the past three years. I refused to settle for a life of stress, fear, and pure management and I never stopped believing things could get better.Copper was adopted during his peak fear period, nervy, under-socialised, and horribly reactive from day one. I was a first-time dog owner in way over my head. Despite reading books, attending seminars, and working with six different trainers (including a board & train), his reactivity worsened. We faced off-lead attacks, developed a bite history, misused tools, and saw fleeting progress followed by setbacks. I knew more was possible, but we kept falling short.
Then I found Yorkshire Canine Academy.I’d moved across the globe and couldn’t find in-person help, so I turned to YCA’s online program, and I’m so glad I did. The structure is clear, flexible, and tailored to both dog and owner. Even with the time zone difference, I felt fully supported, heard, and guided every step of the way. The trainers’ investment in us made all the difference.
Today, Copper is unrecognisable, playful, trusting, resilient, and able to make great choices on his own. When he’s unsure, he looks to me.If you’re on the fence, take it from someone who’s been through it all, I only wish we’d found YCA sooner. If you’re ready to put in the work and want more for your life with your dog, you’ve just found your place.
For me, recall isn’t just a luxury, it’s non-negotiable.
That’s why, when you apply for the Training With Instinct Programme, you’ll also get exclusive access to our premium ‘Recall Remedy’ course.
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