residential training
intensive residential training in wakefield, west yorkshire
Giving your dog a head start, or well needed re-fresh in their training journey.
have us take the bulk
Residential training is highly beneficial because it offers dogs focused, one-on-one training in a structured environment. This immersive approach allows for faster learning and behaviour modification, especially for dogs with specific challenges like reactivity, aggression or anxiety.
We can provide consistent, daily reinforcement, ensuring your dog develops good habits and learns commands efficiently. Additionally, the controlled setting minimises distractions, while socialisation opportunities help dogs become more confident around other animals and people. This intensive training program can significantly improve a dog's behaviour in a short time, making it a practical option for if you have a busy life or feel stressed having to deal with all the training yourself.
residential training
Residential Programme Include:
Tailored, daily training specifically for your dog and their unique needs
A comprehensive, post-residential guide relevant to your dog
Follow up support via WhatsApp with your trainer
Video library and tutorials of each training activity taught featuring your dog
FREE access to our Online Training Camp for 1 month following the residential
Follow up support via WhatsApp with your trainer
Access to our support community
Ability to join our group classes when suitable
how does the process work?
Pre stay call
We will arrange a Zoom call (up to 1 hour) where we will spend the time getting to know more about you, your dog, the issues that need to be worked on and how long your dog will need to spend with us. We'll determine how long the program should be, discuss the right training approach for you and your dog and give you some things to start working on prior to your dog's stay.
Initial handover
1 hour
The intial handover is where we will meet you and your dog so I can see your issues in more depth, we will also discuss the training plan that was previously dissucssed via the Zoom call. If you live in the Wakefield area, this will be done in your home, if you live further afield then this will be done at our base and any at home behaviours will need to be documented via a
video for us.
The Programme
Your dog comes to stay with us for their agreed time period and we will get to work on laying the foundations and changing your dogs behaviour from the first day the arrive! During their stay, they will spend time training with me every day, as well as getting play sessions, trips to new environments and socialising with other dogs when appropriate.
Handover
up to 2 hours
On the last day we'll have a handover session, and you'll get a digital document with everything written down and a plan for you to follow when your dog is home. The handover prepares you for the work that you will need to put in following their stay. This is the most crucial part of the whole process to allow us to teach you how to ensure all the training sticks. If you live in the Wakefield area, this will be done in your home, if you live further afield, this will be done at our base.
Aftercare
Following the intensive training, Nick will be available over WhatsApp to give you as much support as you need to help keep you on the right track (and share in all your happiness doing the things with your dog you've always wanted to!) There will also be a Zoom call 1 week post residential (up to 1 hour) and an in person session 4 weeks post residential (an addittional zoom will be for people who live further afield)
Your dog will be conditioned to a structure specific to them day to day. It is extremely important that you stick to this when they return to you. I will try my best to set the routine around your lifestyle but you must be prepared to make significant changes where necessary. If you are unable to stick to the plan your dogs behaviour will likely revert back to the way it was.
"We thank Nick and Yasmin from the bottom of our hearts"
Harvey our staffy cross had several behavioural issues including fear reactivity to other dogs and being extremely anxious on walks. This led to him ultimately manipulating all the walks we took him on. We struggled for several months, until we reached the point where spending time outside with Harvey was a miserable experience for us all.
We previously took him to a centre-based dog trainer which was good but didn’t help us in the real world. Once Harvey was away from that training centre environment, his behaviour worsened. We also tried 2 other local independent dog trainers, which were a waste of money. At breaking point, we found Nick at Bear Basics Canine Academy online. He promptly replied when we made contact and took our concerns about Harvey’s issues seriously. Nick was very confident he could help us. He suggested the best type of training approach for Harvey’s issues, would be a residential stay option. My girlfriend and I both agreed he needed this type of intensive training. Nick discussed how this would look from day to day and gave us some things to start working on initially prior to the stay. Nick had a ‘meet and greet’ with us and Harvey. He explained that this was to see how Harvey behaved in the house, on a walk and to get to know him. We originally planned for a two week stay, but as other unwanted behaviours were unearthed during his stay, Nick felt that Harvey would benefit from an extra week. We were provided with daily updates including videos, showing us how Harvey was getting on, his wins and areas where Harvey needed more work by Nick.
On Harvey’s return, Nick provided a full handover with us. This included a Residential Report which was extremely comprehensive and included his behavioural issues, an explanation of them and how to continue with his training. The handover prepared us for the work that we needed to put in following his stay. The report included command words to use, and a check list of equipment needed to continue with his training needs. Nick had already pre-warned us of this, so we were prepared. In addition, we went out for a walk with Nick as part of the handover and the results were amazing! Harvey seemed happier and was much calmer on the lead. He was engaged and able to listen to us. We both knew that Nick had done a fantastic job with him but realised that we would need to consolidate this with consistent hard work over the next weeks/months. Nick showed us everything that he had done with Harvey during the stay, so we could continue implementing it into Harvey’s daily life.
Nick gave us the necessary tools to give Harvey a life that he deserves, however this has been as much about teaching us how to behave around Harvey as training Harvey himself. As such Nick actively encourages us to keep him updated with progress. The transformation in Harvey is unreal! We honestly can’t believe the difference in him. He’s much more confident and happier when out for walks, less scared of noises, less reactive with other dogs, and more engaged with us. After months of being unable to take him out for walk from our front door, and becomingly increasingly frustrated and upset, we can now go for walks at any time of the day, and to different locations.
His behaviour at home has greatly improved too and he’s more settled. He wags his tail constantly and responds well to the commands Nick taught us. From the start of this process Nick and Yasmin have been amazing. The level of support has been incredible. Nick is friendly, approachable, professional and its clear he has an exceptional bond with dogs. We’ve been impressed with Nick’s positivity, knowledge, and enthusiasm with regards to Harvey and his training needs. Nick’s training style has been crucial in helping Harvey, especially as other training methods have failed.
We thank Nick and Yasmin from the bottom of our hearts, as cheesy as that sounds. We are beyond happy with Harvey’s transformation since his stay & we highly recommend Bear Basics Canine Academy, their residential package, and their group classes.
Sam & Harvey
how do i know if my dog needs a residential?:
Your dog has a few behavioural issues and you're overwhelmed with the thought of where to start
Your dogs behavioural issues are quite severe and / or dangerous
You have a busy schedule so finding the time for consistent training is diffcult to maintain.
We can take the bulk of the training work so you'll have a head start
Your dog has a lot of bad habits and reinforcement of unwanted behaviours is too high at home
Does this sound like your dog?
residential programmes
Onboarding Call
A 60-minute zoom call to discuss your goals, what issues you're facing, what can be achieved, and look at your dog's lifestyle and other factors, and determine what length of programme would be suitable.
Included
3 weeks
Mostly suitable for dogs without any major behavioural issues, but could do with some work on the basics:
Lead manners, recall, settling, sit & downstays, and some quality socialisation, or for dogs who have had a head start through a few 1-2-1 lessons.
£ 2,520
4 weeks
In 4 weeks we can also tackle behavioural issues like reactivity, while solidifying all the basics like lead manners, recall from distractions, sit/down stays and settling.
Also suitable for puppies to give them the best possible foundations!
£ 3,400
Adittional Weeks
Some dogs may need a little extra time & attention. A 5+ week program is most suitable for dogs with more intense reactivity, other behavioural issues like aggression, resource guarding, predation, or those who are nervous and may need a little time to settle in.
£ 450 per week
Photography Add-on
For an extra £100 you can add on a professional, bespoke photography package to your dog's residential stay. This will include a full 1.5 hours shoot with our photographer Yasmin.
Yasmin is great at capturing dog's and their personalities and for some owners, especially those who have dog's with severe behavioural issues, seeing their dog for who they really are is magical. You'll have lifelong memories that you can cherish alongside your canine in your training journey.
£100
*Cases of aggression will require 3 weeks minimum stay.
**Charges may be added depending on distance travelled if you require collection and drop off to your home.
*50% deposit required to secure booking, remaining 50% due before training starts
Faq's
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where are you based?We are based in Wakefield, West Yorkshire and provide services all over the UK. Our sessions are normally held at Heath Common, WF1 5SE.
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what training methods do you use?Here at Bear Basics, we don't tend to adhere to one specific 'label', rather we treat each dog as an individual with their own specific needs. With us having a holistic training approach, we look at the greater picture and focus on other elements, rather than just the obvious behaviours your dog is showing. Our mission is to educate owners, change mindsets, build strong, trusting relationships between dogs and their owners.
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what makes you unique?We take a holistic approach that goes beyond simply changing behaviours. By understanding the deeper reasons behind your dog’s actions, we address the root causes to create lasting change. Our mission is to equip you with the confidence and skills to be a capable dog handler. We offer ongoing support throughout your training journey, focusing on real-life situations to ensure you and your dog are ready for anything you might face. We also have one of the best, supportive dog training communities out there!
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what breeds do you work with?At Bear Basics, we specialize in working with dogs of all breeds, with a particular focus on working dog breeds. Whether you have a gundog, herding breed, or another working dog, we understand the unique traits and instincts that come with these breeds. We tailor our training approach to suit the individual needs of each dog, ensuring that their natural drive is respected and harnessed in a positive way. Our methods are adaptable to any breed, so whether you have a puppy, a rescue, or a mature dog, we’re here to help you build a balanced and fulfilling relationship.
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what is your cancelation / refund policy?Head to our T&C's page to see all our cancellation and refund policies, as well as our terms and conditions. Different services have different policies so make sure you read it thoroughly.
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what do I need to bring?Commonly, we require clients to come with a suitable treat pouch, their dogs regular walking equipment, a longline (if needed) and their favourite toy!