ABTC Registered  ·  500+ Happy Clients

Dog & Puppy Trainer in
Edinburgh.

My reward-based training builds a calmer, happier dog who has a stronger bond with you.

★★★★★ 5.0 — from 500+ families
Head Start Dog Training — trainer with happy dog
🏆 Force-free
training only
What we do

Every dog is different — so is our training.

Whether you've got a bouncy new puppy or a dog who's picked up some tricky habits, we've got a programme that fits your life.

Happy puppies during a socialisation class in Edinburgh
Waitlist open

Puppy Classes

Give your puppy the best possible start with fun, reward-based group classes in a safe and supportive setting. Small groups, big results.

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A family enjoying a training session with their dog in Edinburgh

Family Dog Training

A whole-family approach to living happily with your dog. Practical, game-based training that fits around real life — for parents, kids, and dogs alike.

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A new puppy owner learning handling techniques during a consultation

New Puppy Program

Everything you need to know before your puppy arrives — and in those crucial first weeks. A comprehensive 1:1 consultation and guide to set you both up for success.

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A dog focused on a scentwork exercise during a class
Waitlist open

Scentwork Classes

Unlock your dog's incredible nose. Scentwork is the ultimate mental workout — building confidence, burning energy, and strengthening your bond through their favourite sense.

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Katya working one-on-one with a dog during a private training session

Private Dog Training

Tailored 1:1 training sessions built entirely around you and your dog. Flexible scheduling, a bespoke training plan, and the undivided attention your dog deserves.

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Real results

Get control again.

Luna during a training session in the garden
Dog navigating weave poles during training
✨ After 12 weeks
Before

"Luna arrived as a nervous rescue pup, hiding behind furniture and refusing to walk on a lead. We had no idea what to do."

After

"12 weeks later, Luna confidently greets new dogs, walks happily off-lead, and we finally enjoy our morning walks again."

— Sarah & Luna (rescue Labrador)

Alfie walking calmly on lead
Happy client with their dog after completing training
🐾 After 8 weeks
Before

"Alfie was lunging at every dog on the path. We dreaded walks and had stopped taking him to the park entirely."

After

"Alfie can pass other dogs without a meltdown. The reward-based approach made such a difference — no stress for him or us."

— Tom & Emma W. (Alfie, 2-year Cockapoo)

Why choose us

Training you can feel good about.

Head Start isn't a franchise or a factory. It's Katya — one dedicated trainer who genuinely cares about you and your dog getting it right.

Katya with a happy client and their poodle after completing training
ABTC Certified
Professional
  • Reward-based, always

    No choke chains, no intimidation, no punishment. We use positive reinforcement because it works — and because it's kinder for everyone.

  • ABTC certified expertise

    Accredited by the Animal Behaviour and Training Council — so you know you're getting science-backed, ethically sound training. Not just good intentions.

  • Genuinely personal service

    You're not a booking slot. We get to know your dog, your lifestyle, and your goals — and build a plan that actually works for your family.

  • 500+ happy families

    Over a decade, we've helped more than 500 dogs and their families build real, lasting confidence. Our clients keep coming back — and sending their friends.

The numbers speak for themselves 🐾

Over a decade of helping dogs and their humans build stronger bonds. Here's what we're proud of.

500+
Dogs trained
Dogs transformed, bonds strengthened, households restored to peace.
10+ yrs
Of experience
Over a decade of helping dogs and their humans live their best lives together.
100+
★★★★★
5-star reviews
Our clients don't just leave happy — they tell their friends and come back for more.
ABTC
Accredited
Gold standard, force-free, always. No exceptions — this is non-negotiable for us.
Happy clients

Don't just take our word for it. Listen to the dog parents.

I was at breaking point with Rosie's reactivity. Katya didn't judge me — she just rolled up her sleeves and helped. Three months later, we can walk past other dogs without a meltdown. I cried the first time it happened.

★★★★★
Emma
Georges and Cookie Reactive Dog Programme

Our puppy Archie was a tiny hurricane. The Level 1 class gave us a solid recall and taught us how to actually communicate with him. We've just finished Level 2 and he's a different dog. The patience and warmth was extraordinary.

★★★★★
James
James & Archie Puppy Classes Level 1 & 2

Best investment we've made as dog parents. Katya actually listened. She built a plan around our life, not a textbook. Bella is thriving and so are we. We owe her everything.

★★★★★
Tom
Tom & Bella 1:1 Training Sessions

Ready to write your own success story?

Book a Free Consultation
Katya with a proud client and their vizsla holding a training certificate
🎁
Free consultation

Ready to raise a good boy (or girl)?

Book a free, no-pressure consultation and let's chat about where you are, where you want to be, and how we can get your pup there together. First session is always on us.

No commitment, no pressure — just a friendly chat about your dog.