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Our curated list of the best professionals in the heart of York.
With walks along the River Ouse and through the Museum Gardens, trainers here focus on creating confident city dogs comfortable with historic, busy streets.
Shires Bridge Mill Shires, Bridge Business Park, Easingwold, York YO61 3EQ
Cannot thank jo and her team enough! You and your team are absolutely amazing at what you do, from guidance to advice but also for encouraging and reassurance not only for the dogs but for us owners as well! The help you’ve given me and arlo over the last few months from first coming to rally is astronomical, arlo really benefits from his rally sessions and I love bringing him to see him succeed! He’s come such a long way and you have helped so much in that ( ps, he managed to walk past a dog this morning without stopping or trying to drag me to it ) 🥳xx
We have a reactive border collie and Jo at FurryTails has been a lifesaver. We had been recommended to FurryTails by a number of people, and when we researched local dog trainers and behaviourists online we were further reassured Jo was the only option. As soon as we met her during our first session, it was clear Jo had a natural instinct for dog behaviour. She picked up on multiple things and clearly talked us through what they meant, why they might influence reactivity and how we could start to gradually overcome it. Throughout the following 121 sessions, this support was reaffirmed and built upon with more ‘tools’, advice and reason. Unlike other trainers we researched online, Jo has the option of ongoing support through adhoc, follow-up group sessions that allows us to practice what we learnt in 121s in a safe, controlled environment - all with Jo’s oversight and ongoing guidance. This was a real game changer in our decision to choose FurryTails originally, and is now proving to be as valuable as we hoped they would be. What makes it extra valuable is Jo is clearly passionate and truly wants the best for the dogs she is working with. She learns about the whole dog, its routine and day-to-day lifestyle to understand a full picture and come up with solutions that not only overcome challenges, but will also focus on ensuring the dog’s quality of life is at the forefront. I wouldn’t hesitate recommending Jo at FurryTails to anyone struggling with their dog. It has taken a lot of stress out of managing our reactive dog!
Jo is a very supportive dog trainer. She spends the time to understand you and your dog. Her wealth of knowledge is huge and she doesn't make you feel like an idiot owner. I've learnt so much about my dog on a 6 week course but it's obvious that i learn slower than my dog. I would highly recommend her as a relaxed and effective trainer. I'm signing up for ad hoc socialisation sessions to keep up with my progress. Excellent Value.
I have a very reactive adolescent Springer Spaniel and have only been able to make limited progress up until now. After only 5 sessions with Jo, Gunnar is able to watch cars go past without tension on the lead at very close distances, and is now able to both settle and sleep with new people in the house, something just not possible before. He is also beginning to show promising signs with other dogs, people and cyclists. Jo is kind, positive & incredibly patient, and is able to pinpoint problems in only a few sessions. She offers structured guidance and support, both in training and diet. I'm looking forward to continuing training with Jo and seeing what other progress we can achieve.
Working with Jo was an absolute game-changer for our family and puppy! During our training session, Jo patiently demonstrated positive reinforcement techniques that were easy to understand and implement. She took the time to explain why these methods work so effectively and showed us exactly how to reward good behavior at the right moments. Jo's advice on creating a safe training environment was invaluable - she pointed out potential hazards I hadn't even considered and suggested simple adjustments that made a huge difference in my dog's confidence. What impressed me most was how Jo tailored her approach specifically to my dog's personality and needs. Thanks to Jo's expertise and supportive guidance, I now have the skills and knowledge to continue training successfully at home. I highly recommend Jo to anyone looking for a professional, compassionate dog trainer who truly understands both dogs and their humans!
Rytham Gate Granary, York YO42 4NQ
I honestly cannot put it into words how grateful I am to Maddie. Her knowledge and understanding off dogs is off the scale. She is giving me my confidence back! Each session myself and hubby Come away with so much understanding and knowledge (and home work lol) we travel over a 3 hour round trip, and it has been worth every minute of over travel and every penny. My only regret is I wished I had met Maddie sooner. Thank you Amanda, James , toffee and Reggie
After trying many dog trainers, Madi is by far the best and we are well on the way to turning our nervous reactive dogs into chilled, confident, well behaved dogs. Always look forward to our sessions with Madi. Can't recommend her highly enough!!
So glad we found Madi, she is genuinely amazing at what she does and she ‘gets’ our dog! Our dog can be a bit of a handful when she has her crazy moments, so I find leaving her with someone difficult but she has also been to RDT for short stays while we’ve been away and it’s so nice to know she’s with someone who knows her so well and topping her training up! Madi is very practical and super knowledgeable, always willing to help or offer advice. If you’re thinking of contacting her, just go for it you won’t regret it 😊
We Recused Zimba, Our German Shepherd at around 6 months old, Not realising his needs and early start in life we initially tried to time him ourselves, over the next few months we began to struggle massively with his intense reactivity, and due to his strength becoming increasingly hard to walk him. Thank god for Revolution Dog Training! Both Mike and Madi are very approachable, and have mountains of experience, and nothing is too much trouble and they will explain everything in understandable wording... Not complicated Jargon. I Do not know where we would be without them today... We Now have a dog that we can take out on a walk around other dogs and not have to worry about his intense reactions. But not only that Zimba can START TO ENJOY HIS WALKS and TRAINING and he is so much happier for it. If you are looking for a dog trainer for basic training or maybe something more complex like dog reactivity or aggression then look no further both Mike & Madi Will be able to help you!
43 Third Ave, Heworth, York YO31 0TY
My dog has been with Laura and Gemma since being a pup , he loves his time with them and thrived being a pack member . He’s turned into a very happy , cheeky dog . He exercises with Laura 3 days a week and me 4 days a week . Recommended 100 % .
These guys are brilliant, totally reliable, dog gets an excellent long play, and they genuinely love the dogs. Highly recommend.
Paws2Please has been fantastic for our dog Archer. Initially he had some puppy visits and now goes for walks during the week whilst we are working. He has a great time and gets yo play with lots of other dogs. Very happy we found Paws2please and would defitinely recommend.
Having got a new puppy and wanting her to enjoy new experiences with others dogs I found Laura’s service “paws2please” and loved her attitude and outlook on caring for other people’s dogs as she saw them as looking after a member of someone’s family and the responsibilities that come with that. She always made sure the dogs in each pack mixed well together taking in each dogs different quirks and behaviours . Our Labrador Harley joined at around 7 months old ,having also met Laura previously for one to one behaviour and obedience classes. Harley has become very attached to going for play dates with Laura and her paws2please pack she loves being around other dogs and enjoys anyone’s company and I believe that is down to having her 2 days a week with paws2please. Thank you:)
After moving back to York was looking for a dog walker for my pooch & I'm so pleased & happy I came across these guy.. My Billy can't wait to get out the door when he hears the car.. I can't recommend the highly enough 👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼🐕🐕
Poplar St, Holgate, York YO26 4SG
Thank you Scott. You spent time listening to what we needed help with and making friends with our dog Lucy. You helped us to understand what was going through Lucy’s head and how to work through that. For the first time in 6 months we can go for walks from our house. Amazing
I can not express how good a trainer Scott is, he is a calm influance in all situations. He has a vast understanding of how dogs work and a very experienced skill mix in dealing with all kinds of dogs, moreover he is sympathetic to the humans that need the training too. I would recommend scott to everyone.
We cannot recommend this highly enough. Scott is exceptional and has a wealth of expertise. Our 7 month old puppy Toby, has come on so much. We had a couple of one to one sessions followed by a basic course of four group classes and frankly you would not believe the change from class one to class four for all the dogs (and owners).
Scott has helped both me and Frankie so much. Even in a few short weeks of one-2-one sessions I've seen a huge improvement in his reactivity when he's on-lead. He's a much happier boy and gaining confidence. Thank you Scott, for helping us and I look forward to the group sessions and continuing his improvement.
Scott was very professional and patient with Patrick. After training Patrick is much more manageable in his walks and is no longer distracted by other dogs and people when out walking. Still ongoing with recall training but has shown a massive improvement. All achieved in 4 x 1 hour one to one sessions. Would highly recommend Scott if you are looking for assistance in training your dog
11 Park Side, Newton-on-Ouse, York YO30 2DA
Holly has helped us with our fur baby Rupert! She was amazing, and listened to our experiences with Rupert. Even after the first session where she observed his behaviour we found a huge improvement and had really helpful mechanisms which made a real difference to our lives. Rupert has come on leaps and bounds. We were nervous seeking help with him, but Holly had really helped! Holly is kind, knowledgeable, articulate and reliable. I have passed on her details to friends and family and wouldn’t hesitate in recommending her services! Thank you Holly!
Holly is fantastic, she makes sure my dog is happy and comfortable when grooming. 100% recommend!
Holly was brilliant ,everything she said made complete sense and I learnt a lot . I felt a lot better after she had been and I would recommend her to everyone. Thank you you very much for this afternoon .x
I can't thank Holly enough for her work with Dutch and myself, through a tailored program she has basically turned Dutch's life around. He was a reactive dog with lots of anxiety going on his walks, but after several months work he is now relaxed and enjoying going out. Whereas he was barking and confrontational with other dogs now he can't wait to meet other dogs and make friends. He's also playing off lead over the last month or so which I never would of dreamt of before his training started. When I met Holly I told her Dutch was a rescue and had a tough start in life and all I wanted was a happy dog and now he can't wait to go out and have fun in the world. I would recommend Holly to anyone, she is an absolutely fantastic behavioural specialist and I can't thank her enough.
After attending many of Holly’s classes over the years and also having some 1-2-1s, I can honestly say she is the best around. Full of knowledge and the support she has given me and my dogs over the years has been amazing. Her classes are very informative and give your puppies the best set up for tackling daily puppy life. I have also attended some workshops too, which have enhanced our training too. The support and encouragement received is just want you want from a trainer, making the challenges much easier to deal with. Holly is an all round lovely person and I would highly recommend her services.
Finding qualified dog trainers in York City Centre means connecting with professionals who understand the unique demands of training dogs in one of England's most historic urban environments. From managing reactive dogs along the medieval walls to teaching puppies recall skills near the Minster, our experienced trainers deliver personalised obedience training, behaviour modification, and socialisation programmes designed specifically for city centre living.
Serving the entire YO1 postcode area including Micklegate, Bootham, and the Shambles, we've successfully trained over 850 dogs in York's historic heart during the past eight years. Our expertise addresses the specific challenges of dog ownership in this bustling tourist destination, from navigating crowded Stonegate to enjoying walks along the River Ouse and throughout Museum Gardens.
York City Centre presents distinctive training challenges shaped by its medieval street layout, high tourist footfall, and mix of residential and commercial spaces. The constant presence of visitors, particularly during summer months and school holidays, means dogs must remain calm around unpredictable crowds, street performers near York Minster, and the numerous tour groups that fill areas like King's Square and Parliament Street daily.
The city's ancient cobbled streets, narrow snickelways, and pedestrianised zones require excellent lead manners and calm behaviour in confined spaces. Our trainers specialise in preparing dogs for York's unique environment, including desensitisation to street musicians, tolerance of the tourist train that circles the walls, and appropriate behaviour in the city's many dog-friendly establishments along Fossgate and Goodramgate.
Our puppy programmes focus on building confidence during the critical 8-16 week socialisation period. We systematically introduce young dogs to York's distinctive urban features including cobbled surfaces, tourist crowds, church bells from York Minster, and the constant activity throughout the historic quarter. Training covers essential commands, lead walking on busy pavements, and controlled socialisation in locations like Rowntree Park and the quieter areas of Museum Gardens.
York's narrow streets and high dog density often reveal or worsen reactivity issues. Our behaviour modification addresses leash reactivity on confined medieval pathways, crowd anxiety, and fear-based responses to tourists and unfamiliar situations. Using positive reinforcement techniques, we help dogs develop calm responses to triggers encountered along Lendal Bridge, through Coppergate Centre, and in busy Market Square, replacing stress behaviours with confidence and focus.
We specialise in training dogs for York's famously dog-friendly culture. This includes settling calmly in riverside cafés, navigating the Shambles without pulling, maintaining composure during festival periods, and appropriate behaviour in the city's numerous independent shops that welcome dogs. Training ensures your dog can accompany you throughout York's vibrant centre, from morning coffee on Fossgate to evening walks along the ancient city walls.
Dog training in York City Centre typically ranges from £45-80 per hour for private sessions, with 6-week puppy courses averaging £180-320. Group classes cost approximately £15-25 per session. Many trainers offer initial consultations for £30-40, allowing you to discuss your dog's specific needs before committing to a programme.
York City Centre offers several excellent training locations including Museum Gardens for quiet morning sessions, Rowntree Park for distraction training, and the riverside paths along the Ouse for lead work practice. The city walls provide excellent environments for building confidence around tourists, while quieter snickelways offer controlled environments for nervous dogs. Professional trainers utilise these varied spaces to ensure your dog adapts to all aspects of city centre life.
Professional dog training in York City Centre ensures your canine companion thrives in this historic, bustling environment. Our proven methods combine modern training techniques with deep understanding of York's unique character, creating confident, well-mannered dogs capable of navigating medieval streets, tourist crowds, and everything the city centre offers. Whether you live in a riverside apartment or a Georgian townhouse near the Minster, expert training transforms your dog into the perfect city centre companion. Contact us today to schedule your initial consultation.