Professional Dog Training in Edinburgh
Training built on trust, patience, and the bond between you and your dog.
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Scott Blair — Founder, Family First Canine · Edinburgh
Who is Scott?
My Journey into Dog Training
My passion for dogs began at an early age — some of my earliest photographs show me in a pram alongside two German Shepherds. From the very beginning, dogs have been a central part of my life.
At 17, I welcomed my first German Shepherd, Orla, into my family. Like many dogs, Orla had her challenges, particularly around other dogs. Through training classes and countless hours of dedication in and around Edinburgh, I worked to improve her reactivity, obedience, and confidence.
That fascination grew into a commitment to learn from experienced trainers and keep raising my own standards — work I now bring to families across Edinburgh and the Lothians.
A dog can be exceptional — and be family.
My career eventually took me into the world of IGP training and personal protection dogs.
Whatever the breed, whatever the challenge, my focus remains the same: developing stable, trustworthy dogs.
How we work
Our Philosophy
At Family First Canine, our priority is finding the right solution for every family and every dog.
Whether you're looking for a family protection dog, help with basic obedience, support for reactivity, fear-based behaviours, or aggression issues, we provide personalised training programmes designed to build confidence, trust, and lasting results.
Our goal is simple: to help create balanced, dependable family dogs that enrich your life, strengthen your bond, and provide peace of mind.
Safety & Stability
Every training programme is built on creating balanced, dependable dogs.
Trust & Bond
We work closely with both dog and owner, building a deep bond of trust.
Tailored to You
No two families — or dogs — are the same.
What we do
Our Services
Pet & Obedience Training
Training for everyday life
From puppies learning the basics to reactive or anxious dogs, tailored 1-2-1 training that holds up in the real world — across Edinburgh and the Lothians.
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Family & Personal Protection
The right dog for your family
A bespoke service to source and develop a stable, trustworthy protection dog — calm and gentle with your family, and reliable when it truly matters.
Learn moreIn the field
Real dogs. Real training.
A good trainer should be able to show their work. I don't hide behind a screen — so here's the proof: real footage of my own dogs practising obedience.
Real results
Happy Families
“Scott trained my Belgian Malinois Max on a residential and the difference in him was incredible!”
Victoria Pughe
& Max
14 Apr 2025
Areas covered
Dog Training Across Edinburgh & the Lothians
Family First Canine works with dogs and their owners right across the city and out into East Lothian, Midlothian and West Lothian. Sessions come to you — at your home, your regular walking spots and the everyday places where your dog actually needs to behave.
Frequently asked questions
Do you cover my area of Edinburgh or the Lothians?
Yes — Family First Canine works with families right across Edinburgh, East Lothian, Midlothian and West Lothian, including Musselburgh, Dalkeith, Penicuik, Haddington, Livingston, Linlithgow and Bathgate. If you're unsure, get in touch and we'll confirm.
Do you travel to us for training?
Yes. Most 1-2-1 sessions take place at your home and in the real-world environments you and your dog use every day — your street, your local park, your usual cafés — because that's where the training needs to hold up.
How does personal & family protection dog training work?
Protection work is built on obedience and stability first. Scott's background in IGP and personal protection means dogs are developed step by step — clear commands, controlled bite work, and safe, discerning behaviour around family, guests and children.
Do you train puppies as well as adult dogs?
Yes. We work with puppies from around 8 weeks — socialisation, toilet training, early recall and lead manners — right through to adult obedience, reactive-dog rehab and advanced protection work.
What areas of Edinburgh do most of your clients come from?
Clients come from every part of the city — from Leith and Portobello in the north and east, through Morningside and Corstorphine in the south and west, and out into the wider Lothians. Sessions are booked around your postcode.
How quickly can I book a session?
Availability changes week to week. Call 07500 687631 or use the contact form and we'll come back to you with the next suitable slot in your part of Edinburgh or the Lothians.
Get in touch
Let's get started
Ready to transform your dog and strengthen your bond? Reach out and we'll find the perfect programme for you and your family in Edinburgh or the wider Lothians.
Contact details
Ready to book?
Use the form to tell us about your dog, or click below to go straight to the booking page. Based in Edinburgh, Scotland.
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