Edinburgh has a good spread of trainers, from community-hall classes to one-to-one work for teenage dogs. We looked at each trainer’s own website and listed only the ones who describe reward-based methods. If a trainer did not say how they work, we left them out rather than guess.

Classes and group training

Wowdogs Edinburgh

Address: Colinton, Edinburgh EH13 0DF
Phone: 07941 806352
Classes: Currie Community Centre and Swanston

The website says training “does not include any aversive or punishment style techniques”. Group classes are the main draw, which suits puppies and dogs who need practice around distractions. No qualifications are listed, so ask about experience on your first call.

Paws For Thought Dog Training Edinburgh

Area: Edinburgh and Midlothian (no street address on the website)
Phone: 07379 051961 (from the website)

Reward-based, positive reinforcement training, with both classes and one-to-one sessions. The phone number on Google Maps is different from the one on the website, so if the first does not connect, try the contact form.

One-to-one and behaviour help

Rosy Paws Edinburgh

Contact: through the website (no address or phone shown)

The About page describes “ethical, scientific dog training methods” and lists ABTC Registered Animal Training Instructor status and PACT membership. One-to-one sessions are the focus, including for adolescent dogs.

Edinburgh Dog Behaviour

Phone: 07495 789 757

Describes its approach as force-free, positive reinforcement and reward-based. Some class and qualification details on the site date from 2022, so check what is currently running before you plan around it.

Questions worth asking before you commit

• What happens in a session if my dog gets it wrong?
• Can I watch a class, or talk it through on the phone first?
• Will you work with my vet if something looks physical rather than behavioural?

No trainer can promise results, so treat that as a warning sign. A dog who feels well tends to learn more easily, and the dog supplements and vitamins collection at Calmshops is worth a look. Speak to your vet before adding anything to your dog’s diet.

Listings come from each trainer’s own site and Google Maps and can change, so confirm details before you book. More for Edinburgh: the Edinburgh dog services hub, Edinburgh vets, swimming spots and the UK-wide dog trainer directory.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are there group dog training classes in Edinburgh?

Wowdogs and Paws For Thought both mention classes on their websites. Class days and venues change, so contact them for current availability.

Why are some Edinburgh trainers not listed here?

We only list trainers whose own websites clearly describe reward-based or force-free methods. A trainer who does not state their methods is left off until we can check, which is not a judgement on their work.

Should I see my vet before booking a trainer?

If your dog’s behaviour has changed suddenly, or you suspect pain or illness, speak to your vet first. They can rule out a physical cause and may refer you on.

Written by Georgiana & Figo.