Welcome

Welcome to Paws in Partnership. Based just outside Whitby in the stunning North Yorkshire Moors National Park, I provide modern, kind and effective dog training across North Yorkshire. I hope you enjoy browsing my website, please don't hesitate to contact me with any queries you may have.
Sue Pickering

Dog Training

I take a holistic approach to dog training, trust is paramount to any relationship and this is the cornerstone of my teaching. Every dog, their human carers and their circumstances are individual and therefore all of my training is bespoke. I firmly believe that we learn more when we are relaxed and enjoying ourselves, so I make sure that lessons are fun for both dogs and humans.

My extensive and specialist experience means that I have something to offer everyone, from the first time dog owner to the experienced professional. My passion is real life training and helping others develop the deep connection that comes from true partnership with their dog.

At Paws in Partnership I offer a wide range of services including puppy visits and training packages, help with problem behaviours, general lifeskills, support for rescue dogs, training walks, countryside awareness and a variety of scentwork activities. I also offer bespoke workshop and holiday packages including the popular Paws in Partnership retreat weekends. More details can be found on my services pages.

About Me

Animals have always featured in my life, as a child I immersed myself in anything relating to ponies and dogs. At college I trained with horses, qualifying with the British Horse Society and going on to work with horses and gundogs. From there I lived and worked on a farm, learning to care for a variety of livestock as well as training and working sheepdogs. With my own dogs I've competed in working trials and obedience.

My Dogs

Dogs are my passion as well as my profession. Over the years I've been lucky enough to share my life with some incredible canine companions and working partners. I currently share my home with three amazing dogs:

Tali is an 11 year old Border Collie who, as well as being my best friend, in her younger days worked sheep, won an Introductory Working Trial and gained Certificates of Merit at Companion Dog and Utility Dog. She still adores tracking, Search and Rescue and country walks, the longer the better!

Merlin is an 8 year old Working Sheepdog, who I rehomed from Morgan's Rescue when he was around 10 months old. Merlin loves any kind of training especially tracking and scentwork. He also adores camping trips and long country walks.

Lola is a 4 year old Sprocker who came to me when she was about 10 months old too. Lola had quite a few behavioural problems, in particular resource guarding. As we worked through these her trust and our partnership have grown immeasurably. Lola lives for her nose and enjoys tracking, search and rescue, scentwork and searching. She has passed her UK Tracking Dog Association Foundation, Novice and Intermediate Tracking Dog awards.

Accreditation

As well as having over thirty years of practical experience as a dog trainer and instructor, owning and working with numerous different breeds and fostering dogs with a wide variety of behavioural challenges. I have the following accreditations:

I am a full member of the Association of Pet Dog Trainers UK (MAPDT 01191). This means that my theoretical and practical dog training skills have been thoroughly assessed and that I am committed to using kind, fair and effective training methods when teaching dogs and their owners. It also means that all of my work is in accordance with their strict Code of Practice and that I ensure my skills are kept up to date by regularly attending workshops, seminars and events to continue my professional development.

I'm a registered Animal Training Instructor with the Animal Behaviour & Training Council . The Animal Behaviour & Training Council is the regulatory body that represents animal trainers and animal behaviour therapists to both the public and to legislative bodies.

I'm a Charter Member of the Institute for Animal Care Education (ChMIACE)

Additionally I am fully insured and have first aid training.