Helping working breeds
thrive in pet homes
Join a passionate community of working breed owners in Wakefield, West Yorkshire, creating balanced, fulfilled dogs through holistic, breed-specific training. Welcome to Bear Basics Canine Academy!
work with your dog’s instincts, not against them
Bear Basics offers professional, breed-specific dog training for working breeds, covering Wakefield, West Yorkshire, and areas all over the UK and globally.
Hi, I'm Nick, Co-Founder of Bear Basics Canine Academy.
It all started with my own dog, Seidon, a Springer Spaniel. Seven years ago, I was just like many new dog owners – I got a dog because I thought it would be exciting. I was fascinated by the world of gundogs and believed owning a Spaniel would allow me to experience all the thrilling activities I’d seen. But I quickly realised how wrong I was. Seidon was reactive, and his high energy, paired with strong instincts, made everyday life a challenge. Walks were a struggle. I felt completely out of control as all he wanted to do was chase, hunt, and sniff – not to mention his constant barking at anything and everything in sight.
I knew I needed to do something different. I wanted to help Seidon get the fulfilment he needed while creating a balanced, cooperative relationship with him. But finding training that worked for a driven, working breed dog was a challenge. That’s when I began to understand and work with his genetic instincts. By learning how to manage his energy and redirect it, everything changed. His behaviour improved, and I was able to enjoy fulfilling walks with a happy, balanced dog.
We specialise in helping owners of working breed dogs, like Seidon, resolve behavioural challenges by understanding and working with their dog’s natural instincts. We focus on breed-appropriate training to help you build a strong, cooperative relationship with your dog, so you can enjoy life together.
Find out more about me, my journey, and training philosophy on the about page and discover how I can help you and your dog achieve incredible results while fostering a lifelong connection.
how can we help you?
1:1 training
Whether you have a new puppy, adopted rescue, or need help with behaviour challenges, our 1:1 sessions are tailored to your dog’s instincts. We focus on building strong foundations, addressing breed-specific issues, and strengthening your bond for long-term success.
online training
Transform your training journey with our Online Dog Training services! Ideal for busy schedules or owners outside our local area, our virtual coaching helps achieve your goals remotely. Get flexible, personalised support to tackle behaviour challenges and build new skills at your own pace.
group training
Join our group dog training classes, designed for all ages and abilities! These sessions focus on obedience, socialisation, and putting your dog’s training to the test in a safe, controlled environment, with expert guidance to help you both succeed.
want to help your pet working dog thrive?
Struggling to support your pet working dog’s needs? Feeling like you’ve tried everything, but nothing seems to click?
YOU ARE NOT ALONE!
Understanding what your dog truly needs for fulfilment and balance can feel overwhelming-but it doesn’t have to be. The key to real progress is knowing how to address their instincts and energy in a way that works for both of you.
This free guide breaks it all down for you, covering the core factors behind your dog’s behaviour, how to address them using our 7 Core Pillars—health & wellbeing, breed-specific fulfilment, sleep & rest, your relationship, structure & boundaries, clear communication, and diet & nutrition—plus practical tips and strategies to help your dog thrive.
Grab your FREE guide now and start building a stronger, happier relationship with your dog!
Im the right trainer for you if...
You want to be educated and empowered to understand and manage your dog’s behaviour for long-term success.
You value a holistic approach that honours your dog’s natural instincts and supports their overall well-being.
You believe in respecting breed traits and individual needs, ensuring your dog’s unique characteristics are considered in their training.
You’re committed to long-term growth, understanding that there are no quick fixes, only sustainable progress.
You’re looking for a fun, supportive community of like-minded dog owners to share experiences, advice, and celebrate your successes together.
if this sounds like you, you’re my kind of person so get in touch!
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