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Our curated list of the best professionals in the Dalkeith area.
With Dalkeith Country Park offering extensive woodlands and riverside walks, trainers here are experts at teaching dogs to be well-behaved in beautiful, natural environments.
5 Robert Burns Mews, Dalkeith EH22 2LS
Before Buddy (my rescue dog) and I met Nick I was at a loss how to deal with Buddy's reactivity. He became more reactive to other dogs when on leash. I tried training on my own but that didn't seem to get any better. It was beginning not be a pleasure to walk him and I was running out of ideas. I saw a advert for Esk Valley dog training. I decided that I owed it to Buddy and his sister Molly to take a chance on Nick. It turned out to be my best decision ever. When I first spoke to Nick it was a phone call of around 30 minutes, in which I outlined a bit of the issues and Buddy's background. He asked lots of questions about Buddy and actually about me too. I made the decision to work with Nick, our next meeting took place at home. Buddy took to him instantly, even Molly who is much more reserved than Buddy, took to him (she's not fond too much of men). We went again over what I was looking to get out of Buddy's training. Before Nick left we had made a plan for Budd's first training session. Buddy's first session went well and later that day Nick sent me the training plan that we had been working on for me to continue with Buddy, which was invaluable to me and to him. I have been to some of Nick's training seminars in which I have learnt a lot about dog behaviours and what triggers to look out for. I also learnt that we have to work to Buddy's capabilities and this may not be a quick fix. Nick sent me a link to the owners WhatsApp group for reactive dogs which has given me a community of others going through the same things. Our monthly coaching calls are invaluable. Our in person training is going well and Buddy is coming on so well in fact yesterday we had our best walk in forever. Buddy saw another dog, closer than he usually lets them get and he managed not to start lunging and barking, in fact, he stopped, looked and then looked to me and then we walked on with no issues. I do have to say though that you have to be willing to put in the work out with training sessions with Nick or it just doesn't work as well as it could. Its a commitment which is absolutely worth it. Nick has helped and is helping my relationship with Buddy immensely and I cannot thank him enough
We started using Nick way back in 2020 with our cocker spaniel Pip ,, and this point he was starting his business as a dog walker. Pip absolutely loved him and although he wasn't there to train her , we saw a massive difference in her behaviour and also her recall and her reactivity to other dogs in a very short space of time . When Nick told us he was branching out into dog training we were not surprised in the slightest as it was very clearly something he excelled in, without even trying. Sadly Pip passed away last June and we made the decision to get our new cocker spaniel puppy Echo. Nick was the first person we contacted to train up our puppy as we trusted him beyond belief and knew he would do an amazing job with her. Echo was a very different dog to Pip and I was not enjoying walking her as she pulled like a train , barked and did not recall at all. Nick quickly helped us build a training plan for her and worked alongside us to get her to the standard we needed . Nick was very patient , knowledgeable, and extremely helpful with training Echo . Within only two training sessions her recall was amazing and she is an absolute dream to walk. I can't thank Nick enough for the work he done with echo and how much he helped us . Getting another dog was very scary for us after having a very well trained older dog , but he made it so easy for us. We would pay him four times over for the work he done with her and she absolutely loves him . Thank you so much for helping a heartbroken family train their new little puppy to a absolutely amazing standard ❤️💖
Freyja (3 year old boxer) and I started working with Nick in November last year. Freyja had started reacting to dogs and people when in enclosed spaces and when walking on lead that summer after a particularly difficult season (6 weeks of bleeding) and my older dog dying. I wanted to work on this as it was affecting my confidence in walking her and didn't want it getting worse. Freyja liked Nick from the start and after working with Nick for 7 months I can geniunely say that i am very confident in reading my dog and getting her out of situations where she feels she needs to react and her confidence has grown as well. I now feel fully prepared to handle any situation and can't thank Nick enough for his encouragement. Nick gives you the tools but you need to really put in the effort between sessions. The dynamic between every dog and person will be different and the initial level of reactivity will vary but I am so glad we met Nick and worked on our issues as Frey and me now feel like a real team. She is great with most dogs (she still doesn't like the ones that stare intensly at her but i can get her attention and walk past) and with most people (although she can still be a bit protective if i don't make it clear she can chill). I have come to realise that I am not perfect so why should I expect my dog to be? And we are so much happier for it! So thanks again Nick!
I reached out to Nick for some support regarding my black Labrador Dobson, who was struggling with some reactivity on walks around other dogs and with other people coming into the house. I wasn’t sure how best to deal with it but knew I needed some help and confidence building for both of us. We started sessions and from the get go, I learnt SO much - not just about my dog but about how I can support and build my own confidence when out and about with him. Nick takes the time to explain everything and clearly has so much knowledge and passion for what he does. The sessions are planned to build up some tools and skills to work towards your goals and broken down to they are easy to understand and implement. As a result of continued sessions and putting the learning into practice, both Dobson and I have grown in confidence. His response is so calm greeting visitors now and overall, he is a much happier and engaged dog. We will be continuing training and sessions to keep learning and ensuring good practice but lots of people have noticed the positive difference in Dobson and I’m so thankful to Nick for the ongoing support and encouragement.
Nick is brilliant! 2 weeks in and I have a completely different dog. Both my cocker spaniel and myself are really enjoying the training and reaping the benefits. I feel much more comfortable knowing I know how to react and handle my dog if she becomes too reactive. I'd highly recommend Nick's services.
Old Dalkeith Rd, Danderhall, Dalkeith EH22 1RS
Our Anatolian Pyrenees has loved his time at the House of Paws. Any time our door buzzes he now sprints to it in hope that Jonatan is here to pick him up. Gumbo comes home happy and exhausted. For a dog who has suspect recall at best, the freedom and play that this daycare allows is unmatched by what we can give him in the open parks of Edinburgh. Thank you to Alicia and the whole team!
The team at Alicia’s House of Paws are amazing! They specialise in nervous dogs, and they’ve truly helped my dog, Benny, come out of his shell. Huge thanks to Alicia for the thoughtful introductions and to Jonathan for being so kind with pick-ups and drop-offs. Couldn’t recommend them more!
We have a tricky little rescue dog who we never thought would be able to go to a doggy daycare… until we met Alicia! Now our dog goes every week to daycare, has started to play with the other dogs and loves to get cuddles from the staff there. We always know she’s in safe hands and will be securely dropped off at home. This has been a life changer for us! Thanks team!
My puppy has been going to Alicia's for a couple of months and he absolutely loves it. Personally, I love the little summary I receive at the end of the day with pictures and videos, and I feel safe leaving my dog in the Alicia's capable hands.
Friendly and effective group classes for all levels.
Puppy socialisation and life skills classes.
Focus on building a strong, positive bond with your dog.
Finding experienced dog trainers in Dalkeith means connecting with professionals who understand the unique character of this historic Midlothian town. From training puppies near Dalkeith Country Park to managing reactive dogs along the River Esk walkways, our certified trainers deliver personalised obedience training, behaviour modification, and puppy socialisation programmes designed for local conditions.
Serving Dalkeith, Eskbank, Newbattle, and surrounding areas including EH22 postcodes, we've successfully trained over 800 dogs in the past eight years. Our expertise addresses the specific needs of Dalkeith dog owners, from navigating busy High Street to enjoying off-lead exercise in the extensive grounds of Dalkeith Country Park.
Dalkeith presents unique training opportunities shaped by its mix of historic town centre, modern housing estates, and exceptional green spaces. The town's proximity to Dalkeith Country Park, with its 1,000 acres of woodland and parkland, provides excellent training environments but requires dogs to have solid recall and wildlife awareness. Our trainers specialise in preparing dogs for Dalkeith's specific challenges, including navigating the busy town centre, walking safely along the River North Esk and South Esk paths, and responding reliably in areas frequented by other dogs and families.
With many residents living in terraced properties and newer estates with shared green spaces, proper socialisation and public manners are essential. We understand local considerations including the popular walking routes through Newbattle Abbey grounds, weekend crowds at Dalkeith Country Park during events, and the need for dogs comfortable with both urban and rural environments typical of this Midlothian location.
Our puppy programmes build solid foundations during the critical 8-16 week period, introducing young dogs to Dalkeith's environment including traffic along Edinburgh Road, crowds in the town centre, and various terrains in Dalkeith Country Park. Training covers house training, crate training, basic commands, and controlled socialisation with other dogs and people in safe settings.
We address common reactivity issues that emerge on Dalkeith's popular walking routes using positive reinforcement and systematic desensitisation. Our programmes help dogs learn calm responses when encountering other dogs along riverside paths or in busy park areas, replacing lunging and barking with focus and self-control.
For safe enjoyment of Dalkeith Country Park and local woodland areas, we develop reliable recall despite wildlife, other dogs, and various distractions. Advanced training ensures dogs respond immediately whether in quiet Newbattle areas or amid activity at the Adventure Play area, giving owners confidence to provide proper exercise while maintaining control.
Dog training in Dalkeith typically costs £35-65 per hour for private sessions, with 6-week programmes ranging from £220-400. Group classes cost £10-18 per session, offering excellent value for basic obedience and socialisation. Specialist behaviour consultations for aggression or anxiety issues range from £50-80 for initial assessments.
Dalkeith Country Park offers excellent training environments with varied terrain and controlled distractions. The River Esk walkways provide good locations for lead training, while quieter residential areas in Eskbank and Newbattle work well for initial puppy training. We also utilise local sports fields and quieter sections of Newbattle Abbey grounds for specific training needs.
Begin training immediately when bringing your puppy home around 8 weeks old. The critical socialisation period between 8-16 weeks is essential for developing a confident dog comfortable with Dalkeith's mix of urban and rural environments. Puppies can join group classes after initial vaccinations around 10-12 weeks, though adult dogs and rescues benefit from training at any age.
Professional dog training in Dalkeith creates well-adjusted companions ready for everything this historic town offers. Our proven methods combine practical techniques with local knowledge, ensuring your dog thrives whether exploring Dalkeith Country Park, walking through town, or relaxing at home. Contact us today to schedule your consultation and start your journey toward a perfectly trained Dalkeith dog.