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Dog & Puppy Trainer in
Edinburgh.
My reward-based training builds a calmer, happier dog who has a stronger bond with you.
training only
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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.
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.
Learn more
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.
Learn more
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.
Learn more 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.
Learn more 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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Get control again.
"Luna arrived as a nervous rescue pup, hiding behind furniture and refusing to walk on a lead. We had no idea what to do."
"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 was lunging at every dog on the path. We dreaded walks and had stopped taking him to the park entirely."
"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)
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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.
Professional
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Reward-based, always
No choke chains, no intimidation, no punishment. We use positive reinforcement because it works — and because it's kinder for everyone.
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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.
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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.
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100+ happy families
Over a decade, we've helped more than 100 dogs and their families build real, lasting confidence. Our clients keep coming back — and sending their friends.
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The numbers speak for themselves 🐾
Over a decade of helping dogs and their humans build stronger bonds. Here's what we're proud of.
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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.
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.
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.
Ready to write your own success story?
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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.
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trainer
Hi, I’m Katya
your dog’s biggest fan.
I left my office job years ago to follow my passion for working with dogs. Now I’m an ABTC-certified trainer in Edinburgh, helping dogs and their humans build trust through reward-based methods.
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Get in touch with
Head Start.
Puppy Classes, Private Training, New Puppy — I’m here for it all. Here is how you can reach me…
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Fill in the form and I will get in touch as soon as I’m finished training for the day
Thank you for your enquiry!
I'll get back to you as soon as I'm finished training for the day. Looking forward to meeting you and your pup!
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Private Dog Training
Edinburgh
Tailored 1:1 training sessions built entirely around you and your dog.
training
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This service is currently on pause. Join the waitlist to be the first to know when it reopens.
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Why families choose this programme.
Safe socialisation
Controlled exposure to other puppies in a supportive environment.
Foundation skills
Sit, stay, recall — the essential building blocks.
Confidence building
Help your puppy grow into a calm, confident dog.
Real-world ready
Training that translates to everyday life.
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Everything you get in this programme.
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5 weekly group sessions
45-minute classes every Saturday.
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Written session summaries
Recap with key exercises to practise at home.
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Video instruction library
Access to demonstration videos between sessions.
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This programme is perfect for you if…
- 🐾 You have a puppy between 8 and 20 weeks old
- ✨ You want to build good habits from day one
- 💛 You believe in kind, science-based training methods
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Don't just take our word for it. Hear from real dog parents.
The puppy class gave us a solid recall and taught us how to communicate.
Best investment we've made as dog parents. Katya actually listened.
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Got questions? We've got answers.
What age should my puppy be?
Puppies should be between 8 and 20 weeks old at the start of the course.
How big are the classes?
Classes are kept small — maximum 6 puppies — so every pup gets individual attention.
What if my puppy is shy?
That's fine! Classes are designed to build confidence at your puppy's own pace.
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Welcome to the Head Start Blog
A new home for force-free training tips, puppy guides, and stories from real Edinburgh families and their dogs.
Puppy Training Basics: Five Things to Focus On in Your First Week
Forget sit and shake. Here are the five things that actually matter in your puppy's first week home.
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Dynamic route template for blog posts. Uses the blog content
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Dynamic route template for legal pages (Privacy Policy, Terms of
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