Puppy training · Edinburgh
Puppy Training in Edinburgh
The first few months of your puppy's life shape the dog they'll become. Kind, structured 1-2-1 training with Scott Blair — Crufts-winning trainer based in Edinburgh — to build the good habits that last a lifetime.
Why the first months matter
Get it right from the start
Puppies learn constantly, whether we are teaching them or not. The habits — good and bad — that form in those first months tend to stick, which is why early, thoughtful training is the single best investment you can make in your dog's future.
Family First Canine works with puppies from around eight weeks old, focusing on gentle foundations, positive socialisation and the everyday skills that make life with a young dog genuinely enjoyable.
What's covered
Everything your puppy needs
Socialisation
Confident, calm exposure to people, dogs, traffic, surfaces and everyday sights and sounds — done properly, so nothing scary sticks.
Stopping Puppy Biting
A clear, kind way to teach bite inhibition and appropriate mouth manners around adults and children.
Toilet Training
A simple, consistent routine that gets your puppy clean in the house quickly and without stress.
Early Recall
The foundations of a recall you can trust later — built from day one with reward, engagement and structure.
Lead Walking
Loose-lead walking from the very first walks, so pulling never becomes a habit in the first place.
Confidence-Building
Games and experiences that grow a resilient, settled puppy who copes with the world instead of reacting to it.
How it works
Tailored, one-to-one training
Every session is one-to-one and shaped around your puppy and your home. You are involved throughout — because a puppy that only listens to the trainer isn't much use to the family that lives with them.
We work in your home, in your garden, and out in the real world of Edinburgh's streets, parks and cafes — so the training holds up in the places you actually spend your time.
Why Scott
Crufts-winning, hands-on experience
Scott Blair is the founder of Family First Canine. His dogs have earned Best Puppy in Breed at Crufts 2020 and 1st Post Graduate Dog & Reserve CC at Crufts 2022, alongside a background in IGP and personal protection work. That depth of experience matters even for a young family pet — it means your puppy is being read, understood and taught by someone who has produced dogs at the very highest level.
More than credentials, the focus is on warmth, patience and consistency — the ingredients that turn a wriggly puppy into a wonderful family dog.
Areas covered
Edinburgh and the Lothians
Puppy training sessions are available across Edinburgh and the wider Lothians, including East Lothian, Midlothian and West Lothian. Get in touch to check your area — we cover most of the region.
Our dogs
Meet some of the dogs
Common questions
Puppy training FAQs
When should I start training my puppy?+
As early as 8 weeks. The first few months are the most important window for socialisation and gentle foundations — the earlier you start, the easier every stage that follows becomes.
What does puppy training cover?+
Socialisation with people, dogs and the wider world, stopping puppy biting, toilet training, early recall, calm lead walking, and building genuine confidence in everyday situations.
Do you offer 1-2-1 or group puppy training?+
One-to-one, tailored to your puppy and your home. Every puppy is different, and progress is quicker when the training fits your family's life rather than a fixed class syllabus.
What areas do you cover?+
Edinburgh and the wider Lothians — including East Lothian, Midlothian and West Lothian. Sessions typically take place in and around your home and in real-world environments.
Ready to get started?
Get in touch with Scott to talk through your dog and how we can help. Based in Edinburgh, serving the Lothians and beyond.
Related services
Explore more of our training
Reactive & Aggressive Dog Training
Calm, structured 1-2-1 help for lunging, barking, lead reactivity and aggression toward dogs or people.
Learn more →Family & Personal Protection Dogs
Stable, obedient protection dogs that are safe with your family — trained across Scotland.
Learn more →Or head back to the Family First Canine homepage.
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.
Book a Session