Welcome to Pippa’s Pooches

Dog trainer, behaviourist and Spaniel specialist offering 1:1s, gundog classes for pet dogs and Mantrailing based in Harrogate.

Pippa, dog trainer and behaviourist in the park with her Working Cocker Spaniel, Artemis in Harrogate

Hi, I’m Pippa , a qualified, experienced, reward-based spaniel-specialist, trainer and canine behaviourist based in Harrogate, North Yorkshire.
Working with dogs isn’t just my job, it’s my passion. I truly believe that life is better when our dogs are living their best lives, they are only here for a short time after all.

Whether you’re looking for spaniel-specific training, group gundog classes, or 1 to 1 training sessions, I take a kind, holistic approach that focuses on understanding your dog’s needs, not just ‘fixing’ behaviour.

I only use reward-based training, with no aversive techniques or equipment. Why? Because science tells us that when we ‘pay’ our dogs for doing the right things, they’re more likely to repeat them - and enjoy learning too!

My training services

Close up image of Artemis, the Working Cocker Spaniel looking into the camera in Harrogate

1:1 sessions

If you can only dream of off-lead walks and calm, on-lead walks give me a call 😉

I have extensive experience of working with working cocker spaniels but also with working-line labradors and retrievers.

I offer personalised 1:1 training sessions, tailored to you and your dog’s unique needs. As a qualified behaviourist with over 8 years experience working with dogs, I bring not only training techniques, but whole-dog help!

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Gundog classes for Pet Dogs

Currently only available to existing clients.

5 levels, starting at Foundation A and progressing up to Skills Builder 3. The courses are designed to improve your dog’s focus and steadiness, whilst strengthening the teamwork between you both.

All the learning is delivered through fun, game-based training methods!

For pooches 20 weeks old and above.

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Golden Retriever puppy lying on the floor, cuddling a toy in Harrogate

Puppy training

Bringing a new puppy into your life is so exciting, but I know it can also feel a bit overwhelming with all the things to think about.

I offer pre-puppy arrival sessions and 1:1 puppy training to set both you and your new pooch up for success. We’ll cover everything you need to create a solid foundation for a happy, healthy life together.

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Why work with me?

  • Pippa and family member at her graduation ceremony

    Qualified & Experienced

    My journey with dogs began back in 2018 when I started out as a dog walker. The more time I spent with them, the more I wanted to learn, so I began studying and gaining qualifications to deepen my understanding. I completed my FdSc in Canine Behaviour and Training from the University of Hull in 2023 at the grand old age of 53!

  • Logo of the Institute of Modern Dog Training

    Continuing Professional Development

    I’ve completed over 30 canine-related training courses in the last 7 years. Ongoing learning is a big part of the service I offer - because the more I know, the more I can share with you. I pride myself on keeping up-to-date with the latest science related to canine learning, training and welfare.

  • Working Cocker Spaniel puppy in a field of dandylions

    100+ spaniels trained

    I offer specialist 1:1 training and behaviour sessions for spaniels - a breed I know and love. I have my own Working Cocker Spaniel, Artemis, and I’ve had the pleasure of training over 100 spaniels for happy clients. They’re such clever dogs, I’m always learning something new.

  • Spaniel Rescue Foundation logo

    Dedicated to dogs

    As well as running Pippa’s Pooches, I am part of a team of 20 canine professionals at Spaniel Rescue Foundation, made up of behaviourists, trainers, vets, vet nurses, groomers, walkers, dieticians and physios all volunteering time to provide support to spaniel owners in crisis.

Get in touch

5 stars on Google 🤩

  • "I would thoroughly recommend Pippa's Pooches! Pippa is an amazing trainer and has worked with myself and Bessie on reactivity to other dogs. The skills that Pippa has given me has shown a huge improvement in Bessie and we are continuing with our new skills. Before I dreaded walking Bessie but now I have both the skills and confidence, which in turn has calmed Bessie down. Now we both love our walks. Thank you Pippa. I am planning on further training with Pippa in the future too."

    Sally Wall

  • "Pippa has a wealth of experience with dogs' instincts and behaviour. Her techniques are very much based on positive reinforcement and fun. In the case of our Spaniel, that means lots of tasty treats! We have learnt new strategies as well as insights into our dog's behaviour and how to modify it. Be aware that you need to be committed to lots of consistent practice and repetition as there is rarely a quick fix."

    Susan Blackburn

  • "I cannot thank Pippa enough for her help with our pup Sheba who was having some big feelings and we felt completely lost about what to do to help. Pippa is clearly very knowledgeable and experienced and has a passion for dogs. But more than that she was so understanding and supportive to us as well as Sheba. Everything about her training method is positive and focuses on dogs being allowed to be dogs. Just in the 4 sessions we had, we are seeing the old Sheba come back out and she's so much calmer and happier. I can't thank Pippa enough. We know that if we need anything she'll be the first person we return to."

    Hannah Bramble

  • "We started with puppy socials, moved on to obedience class and now we are also doing mantrailing with Pippa’s Pooches. We always have such a great time and our little puppy always goes away having learned a lot! We really can see how much he is improving after every single session. Would highly recommend any of the lessons or sessions."

    Amina Lien

  • "Pippa has been a great help teaching me to teach my dog! I have had 1:1 training and completed Grade 1 obedience training with Pippa’s Pooches. Both were great - easy to learn stuff, positive reinforcement based. Kind of a holistic approach I think - as much about teaching us as owners how train dogs. I’ve had dogs before but felt that I needed someone to help me get the best version of myself as a dog owner sorted and Pippa 100% helped me at a pace that suited me perfectly. Now looking forward to grade 2 and an intro to the sport / world of Mantrailing."

    Matt Watson-Power

  • "Pippa is a brilliant trainer. She helped me when I had two whippets and still helps me now when I have just one. The remaining dog is quite unique and had become very reactive to most dogs. With her help, guidance, skill and support my dog has gone from being a dog I just didn’t want to walk because of how reactive she was to now being off the lead, waiting to be told to go and meet other dogs and allowing those dogs to get close and play with her. My dog is still a work in progress but having her is an absolute pleasure now thanks to Pippa."

    Kathryn Wood