Why Choose Birstwith Barkyard?

Discover why Birstwith Barkyard is Harrogate’s trusted choice for dog daycare. Experienced trainers, structured care, and tailored support for every dog.

Jack Smithson

Why Choose Birstwith Barkyard for Your Dog’s Daycare and Training Needs

Choosing a daycare for your dog isn’t just about finding somewhere with space—it’s about trusting professionals who understand dogs inside and out. At Birstwith Barkyard, we’ve built more than just a place to drop your pup off for the day. We’ve created a structured, enriching, and personalised experience for dogs of all ages and temperaments.

Founded by two experienced dog trainers, Birstwith Barkyard is on a mission:
👉 To revolutionise dog daycare and raise the standard of care, structure, and training for dogs across Harrogate and the surrounding areas.

We’re Trainers First—And That Changes Everything

At Birstwith Barkyard, we’re not just dog lovers—we’re professional trainers with years of experience working with all types of dogs, from energetic puppies to complex behavioural cases.

We specialise in helping dogs that need extra guidance, boundaries, and behavioural support—something most daycare facilities don’t offer. Whether it’s basic obedience or more advanced behaviour work, our doggy daycare is designed with training at the core.

We use calm, structured play, impulse control exercises, and personalised support to help every dog grow. It’s not just care—it’s coaching.

Tailored Care for Every Breed, Personality & Need

Every dog is different, and their care should reflect that. We’ve worked with nearly every breed you can think of—from high-drive working dogs to couch-loving lapdogs—and we know how to meet their individual needs.

Whether you’ve got a:

  • Playful Labrador pup needing socialisation

  • Nervous rescue who needs confidence-building

  • Strong-willed German Shepherd needing structure

  • Senior spaniel needing gentle enrichment

…we tailor the day to suit your dog, not the other way around.

Structure, Enrichment & Training in One Place

Our daily routine blends play, training, enrichment, and rest—because we believe a well-rounded dog is a happy one. While many traditional daycares offer free-for-all play, we take a more purposeful approach. Dogs thrive with structure and consistency, and that’s exactly what we provide.

We include:

  • Obedience practice (sit, recall, lead manners)

  • Group socialisation and calm confidence-building

  • The “place” command for resting and impulse control

  • Enrichment activities for mental stimulation

  • Close supervision by experienced trainers

This makes our daycare ideal for puppies, adolescent dogs, and those needing help with boundaries or behaviour.

We’re on a Mission to Do Daycare Differently

Too often, dog daycare is seen as just a place to tire dogs out—but we know dogs need more than just running around. They need guidance, leadership, and calm, constructive engagement.

At Birstwith Barkyard, our goal is simple:
✅ Create a safe, structured, and enriching environment
✅ Guide dogs with expert care and training
✅ Support owners with advice, insight, and trust

Whether you’re looking for help with a cheeky young dog, support for a nervous pup, or simply want to give your dog the best experience possible—we’re here to help.

Final Thoughts

When you choose Birstwith Barkyard, you’re choosing decades of dog training experience, a passion for canine behaviour, and a commitment to doing daycare differently.

We're proud to serve dogs and owners across Birstwith, Harrogate, and beyond—with expert training, tailored care, and a team that truly understands dogs.

Ready to give your dog the structure, enrichment, and expert guidance they deserve?
Book your place at Birstwith Barkyard today.