Kirsty's K9 Dog Training

Kirsty's K9 Dog Training Specialising in reactivity + assistance dog training. Inspired by training my own assistance dog while managing disabilities and chronic illness. Edinburgh

Ethical, reward based-training focused on trust, obedience, patience and real world success!

Not all working dogs have the same role, and understanding the differences is so important. 🐾Service dogs, assistance do...
20/07/2026

Not all working dogs have the same role, and understanding the differences is so important. 🐾

Service dogs, assistance dogs, therapy dogs, and emotional support dogs all provide incredible support, but they're trained for very different purposes. Hopefully this post helps clear up some of the confusion!

If you've ever dreamed of training your own assistance dog but don't know where to start, I'd love to help. I specialise in owner-trained assistance dogs, guiding you and your dog through every step of the journey using positive, force-free training methods tailored to your individual needs.

📩 Get in touch today to book a consultation and take the first step towards building a confident, reliable assistance dog team.

Muzzles. 🐾Something that is still heavily stigmatised, even in 2026.As a dog trainer who works with dogs of all kinds, I...
14/07/2026

Muzzles. 🐾

Something that is still heavily stigmatised, even in 2026.

As a dog trainer who works with dogs of all kinds, I see muzzles for what they really are: a valuable training and safety tool. They're not a sign of a "bad dog" or a "bad owner." More often than not, they represent someone who is taking responsibility and putting their dog's welfare—and the safety of others—first.

It breaks my heart when I see clients receiving judgemental looks or hearing unnecessary comments. Believe me, as the owner of a reactive dog who has worn a muzzle in the past, I know how much those looks can get to you.

The comments I hear most often are:
"Aww, what a shame."
Or...
"You don't like that on you, do you?"

The reality is very different.

With the right training, a muzzle becomes just another piece of equipment. It should never be forced on a dog. Through positive reinforcement, dogs can learn to love wearing one just as much as they love seeing their lead come out. For many dogs, the muzzle simply means one thing...

Adventure time! 🦮

So next time you see a dog wearing a muzzle, don't assume the worst. Instead, remember that you're looking at an owner who cares enough to train responsibly and advocate for their dog.

Let's stop judging the muzzle and start appreciating the commitment behind it. ❤️

If your dog could benefit from muzzle training, whether they're reactive, anxious, have a bite history, need extra support at the vet or groomers, or you simply want them prepared for the future, I'd love to help. Muzzle training should always be a positive experience, and I'm here to guide you every step of the way. 🐾

11/07/2026

Kirsty's K9 Dog Training

Pricing 🐾

1-2-1 Dog Training

Single 1-2-1 Session (60 minutes) – £40
Perfect for basic obedience, puppy training, confidence building, loose lead walking, recall, and general training support.

Initial Behaviour Consultation (90 minutes) – £60
A detailed assessment for behavioural concerns, including a personalised training plan and recommendations.

Behaviour Follow-Up Session (60 minutes) – £45

Puppy Training

Puppy Foundations (60 minutes) – £40
Build the foundations for a happy, confident puppy with reward-based training.

Reactivity Training

Initial Reactivity Assessment (90 minutes) – £70

Reactivity Follow-Up Session (60 minutes) – £50

Assistance Dog Training

Assessment Session (90 minutes) – £70

Owner-Trained Assistance Dog Session (60 minutes) – £50

Training Packages

Bronze Package – £150

- Initial consultation
- 3 follow-up sessions
- Personalised training plan
- WhatsApp support between sessions

Silver Package – £230

- Initial consultation
- 5 follow-up sessions
- Personalised training plan
- WhatsApp support
- Progress review

Extras

- Training Walk (45 minutes) – £35
- Written Training Report – £20
- Travel outside local area – 45p per mile
- Gift Vouchers Available

What You Can Expect

Every session is tailored to you and your dog using kind, ethical, reward-based methods. Whether you're raising a puppy, overcoming behavioural challenges, or working towards assistance dog training, you'll receive practical guidance and ongoing encouragement every step of the way.

Kirsty's K9 Dog TrainingReward-Based • Force-Free • Personalised Training1-2-1 Dog TrainingSingle 1-2-1 Session (60 minu...
11/07/2026

Kirsty's K9 Dog Training

Reward-Based • Force-Free • Personalised Training

1-2-1 Dog Training

Single 1-2-1 Session (60 minutes) – £40 Perfect for basic obedience, puppy training, confidence building, loose lead walking, recall, and general training support.

Initial Behaviour Consultation (90 minutes) – £60 A detailed assessment for behavioural concerns, including a personalised training plan and recommendations.

Behaviour Follow-Up Session (60 minutes) – £45

Puppy Training

Puppy Foundations (60 minutes) – £40 Build the foundations for a happy, confident puppy with reward-based training.

Reactivity Training

Initial Reactivity Assessment (90 minutes) – £70

Reactivity Follow-Up Session (60 minutes) – £50

Assistance Dog Training

Assessment Session (90 minutes) – £70

Owner-Trained Assistance Dog Session (60 minutes) – £50

Training Packages

Bronze Package – £150

Initial consultation

3 follow-up sessions

Personalised training plan

WhatsApp support between sessions

Silver Package – £230

Initial consultation

5 follow-up sessions

Personalised training plan

WhatsApp support

Progress review

Extras

Training Walk (45 minutes) – £35

Written Training Report – £20

Travel outside local area – 45p per mile

Gift Vouchers Available

What You Can Expect

Every session is tailored to you and your dog using kind, ethical, reward-based methods. Whether you're raising a puppy, overcoming behavioural challenges, or working towards assistance dog training, you'll receive practical guidance and ongoing encouragement every step of the way.

Since it was my birthday yesterday, I thought I'd talk about something that doesn't get discussed nearly enough… dogs at...
09/07/2026

Since it was my birthday yesterday, I thought I'd talk about something that doesn't get discussed nearly enough… dogs at parties and family gatherings. 🎉🐾

Most of us have at least one celebration, barbecue, birthday, or holiday gathering each year, and it's easy to forget that we're asking our dogs to cope with a very human environment.

Imagine it from their perspective. The house is suddenly full of unfamiliar people, loud conversations, children running around, strange smells, food everywhere, people wanting to stroke them, and their usual routine has completely changed. That's a lot for any dog to process.

As owners, it's our job to set our dogs up for success rather than expecting them to simply "get on with it." That might mean giving them a quiet space away from guests, providing enrichment, using a lead or baby gate when needed, or simply recognising when they've had enough. There is absolutely no shame in choosing what is best for your dog.

Supportive guests who understand dogs and respect your boundaries are invaluable. They'll listen when you ask them not to approach your dog or to give them space. Unfortunately, not everyone is like that.

That's where I come in. One of the things I love helping owners with is building the confidence to advocate for their dog. Setting clear boundaries with other people is just as important as training your dog. Whether your dog is reactive, nervous, excitable, or simply prefers their own space, learning to speak up for them is one of the greatest gifts you can give them.

So I'll leave you with a few questions...

🐾 Have you ever stopped to think about how much we ask our dogs to cope with every day?
🐾 What do you do with your dog when guests come over?
🐾 Has this post made you think about parties and gatherings differently?

I'd love to hear your thoughts in the comments. 💙

Hi all! Since it's summertime it's getting busier outside. Please remember that there are dogs (and people) who prefer t...
05/07/2026

Hi all!

Since it's summertime it's getting busier outside. Please remember that there are dogs (and people) who prefer to be left alone or want extra space. Be mindful of your surroundings so we can all have a nice time together after all nervous, anxious and reactive dogs deserve to have some sunshine too! When you book with me I help both you and your dog develop confidence so you will be able to advocate for your space. Which is an important tool to have.

One common myth that surrounds reactive dogs. Working dogs need to be steady and calm, along with having a well rounded ...
04/07/2026

One common myth that surrounds reactive dogs. Working dogs need to be steady and calm, along with having a well rounded attitude to everyday stimulus like dogs and people. Contact me today for a free consultation for your pup!

Are you looking for a dog trainer to help you and your dog through ruff times- pun intended! Not sure who will be a goo...
02/07/2026

Are you looking for a dog trainer to help you and your dog through ruff times- pun intended! Not sure who will be a good fit? Give me a message and we can see if we will hit it off!

Meet Finn 🐾Finn is my youngest dog, a two-year-old Labrador Retriever with the biggest personality and an endless enthus...
29/06/2026

Meet Finn 🐾

Finn is my youngest dog, a two-year-old Labrador Retriever with the biggest personality and an endless enthusiasm for life.

He is incredibly intelligent, full of drive, and always eager to learn. Whether it's scent work, obedience, or simply spending time with his favourite people, Finn gives everything 100%.

But our journey together hasn't been without its challenges.

Finn struggles with reactivity towards other dogs, and it's something we've been working through together every single day. It's been a journey filled with highs, setbacks, and plenty of learning—for both of us. He's taught me that progress isn't always linear, and that every small win deserves to be celebrated.

Working with Finn has made me a better trainer. He's challenged my knowledge, my patience, and my ability to think creatively. Because of him, I've gained an even deeper understanding of canine behaviour and the importance of tailoring training to the individual dog in front of you.

He reminds me every day that behaviour isn't about a dog being "good" or "bad". It's about understanding why they're behaving the way they are and helping them develop the skills they need to succeed.

Finn isn't perfect—and neither am I. But together, we're proof that with patience, consistency, and positive, reward-based training, meaningful progress is possible.

I can't wait to continue sharing Finn's journey with you all. Every success, every lesson, and everything he continues to teach me along the way. ❤️

Meet Luna 🐾Luna was my second dog. She is a six-year-old (soon to be seven!) Labrador Retriever. She came into my life s...
16/06/2026

Meet Luna 🐾
Luna was my second dog. She is a six-year-old (soon to be seven!) Labrador Retriever. She came into my life shortly after we lost our beloved family dog, Ben. My immediate reaction to losing Ben was to try and fill the gap with another dog. What can I say? Grief works in mysterious ways. Those were some very big paws to fill. She never replaced Ben, but she certainly helped make those difficult days a little easier for both me and my family.

She also arrived during one of the most stressful periods of my life. Over three months, we experienced family issues, a house fire, and the loss of Ben. Through it all, dog training became my outlet, my hobby, and eventually my passion. Today, helping owners create calm amongst the chaos is one of the things I love most.

⭐ Every dog is an individual. Despite Luna and Charlie being the same breed, they couldn't be more different. She reinforced the importance of training the dog in front of you, rather than the dog you expected. Reinforcement looks different for every dog. Charlie will do almost anything for a treat, while Luna's heart belongs to her ball. Understanding what motivates each dog is key to successful training.

⭐ How to support a nervous dog. When Luna was attacked at just two years old, I found myself learning about dog law, post-incident management, and rehabilitation. It was a steep learning curve, but one that taught me so much about helping dogs regain confidence and feel safe around others again.

⭐ As my second Assistance dog, Luna taught me a valuable lesson. I fell victim to "first dog syndrome" and assumed that following the same training plan would create the same dog. Spoiler alert: it doesn't! Luna showed me that every dog is unique, and that's exactly what makes them special.

⭐ The greatest gift she gave me. From her came Finn, my youngest dog and one of the biggest characters you'll ever meet. Watching him grow from a tiny puppy into the dog he is today has been an incredible journey, and he'll be the star of my next post. Everything she has taught me has played a part in making me the trainer I am today! If anything resonates with you send me a message, I'll be happy to help! ☺️

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Bonnyrigg
EH19

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